September 11, 2008...Day of Patriots
September 11, 2008

It has been seven years since 19 Islamic Jihadists – strung out on a gargantuan dose of Infidel-hating steroids – crashed three planes into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania. On that day, September 11, 2001, air travel came to a standstill and our military was prepared to shoot down any civilian aircraft, if necessary.

Instead of the usual chatter about movies, popular eating joints, and the alleged dangers of trans fats, the conversation around the water cooler was somber, if not altogether silenced. What little conversation took place was more about how “real life” came much too close to resembling reel life. On the big screen, one is accustomed to seeing planes crashing into buildings, with the heroes somehow emerging from the carnage, as the credits roll across the screen.

On that day of infamy – 9/11/2001 – not too many heroes remained alive to take a bow.

In New York City, the epicenter of the terror quake, there were frantic efforts to locate loved ones and make it home, while also trying to keep up with the headlines racing across the radio and television airwaves. Many of the targets and first-responders were shell-shocked and wondering if they’d live to see another day. The carnage was so sudden, unexpected and of such massive proportions that radio hosts were projecting thousands would die. Almost three thousand did – of all nationalities, from all walks of life, of all ages, religions and cultures.

9/11 was an equal opportunity massacre.

We know about the stupendous heroism of Todd Beamer and the other passengers and crew of Flight 93, all who sacrificed their lives to protect our country. I remain in awe of them and of the over-300 NY City firefighters who perished on that cataclysmic day. The firefighters headed into the Towers to do their jobs, fully realizing that the chances were high they would not return.

We know about the man who remained behind in the tower to help his disabled friend. We know about other acts of selflessness and heroism. What about the kids who were murdered? They are the ones whose images linger with me. They were denied their chance to grow into adults and perhaps become firefighters, join the Military, even join the long list of heroes who have proudly served this nation.

As I learned about the souls who perished, I alternated between deep sorrow and searing thoughts of vengeance. This normally non-violent person was talking about ripping hearts out. Anger threatened to overpower sorrow, when I heard of the death of eleven-year-old Anthony Brown, who was on a prize trip to California as a reward for his scholastic achievements. He was denied his prize here on earth, but I feel certain that he has gained his reward where it counts. He is in Heaven, as is Christine Hanson, a two-year-old, vivacious baby. Both Anthony and Christine were savagely murdered on that fateful day for no other reason than Islamic Jihadist hate America. I have since come around to letting go of my vengeful thoughts. It was not easy.

Where are we as a nation today? How have we rebounded from the events of September 11, 2001? In some quarters, fear and confusion have been replaced by conspiracy theories that the U.S. and Israeli governments planned the entire operation. Call me “Doubting Thomasina,” but I ask where is the proof? So far, there is none.

In the world of politics, the oft-touted spirit of bipartisanship bailed ship about 18 months after 9/11, with the return of September 10, 2001 bickering and politicking. Since then, certain politicians have said more vile things about the American Military than about the terrorists who openly seek to destroy us. Can it be long before they replace the word “terrorist” for the more politically correct “religious adherent?”

Is it luck or brilliance that has kept us safe from another 9/11 type of attack? It is certainly not secure borders. More foreigners have crossed our cheesecloth borders than foreign fighters have poured into Iraq. Apparently, those who cross without the benefit of notifying the US government of their intention to take up residence here, must not think that there will be another wide-scale attack any time soon. Maybe the real barometer of progress in the prevention of terror attacks on American soil should be the “travel pattern” of these “guests.” The more guests, the less chance of a terror attack? Conversely, if there is a lessening of “guests,” batten the hatches? Only God knows, and He is not telling.

Unlike the “let’s chat” politicians, our Military – whether it is “stretched too thin, too narrow, or too far-flung” – continues to have “conversations” with the enemy from the barrel of a gun. President Bush took the correct approach, which was not the “croissants and tea” or “ring around the roses” approach to terrorists, but the unleashing of the full strength of our Military! Our defenders continue to prove that they are quite capable of “packing” their courage, skill, grit, and resolve alongside their uniforms in their backpacks.

In my humble opinion, our fighting men and women are the primary reason why we are as safe as we are. Many have paid a heavy price in loss of limbs, loss of lives, and unfair prosecution by prosecutors ensconced in their well-appointed offices, where the only tough decision is what to have for lunch! Our defenders are “fighting them over there, so we don’t have to fight them here.” Cave-dwellers with iPods (aka terrorists), especially the Terrorist-in-Chief, are leading a bat-like existence hop-scotching from cave to cave, running from heroes of the caliber of Mike Monsoor, Eddie Jeffers, Matthew Blaskowski, and J.P. Blecksmith, to name just a few.

I was given the name of Matthew Blaskowski as the contact person to address mail for his unit. I usually wrote a cheerful note about current events and included clippings of articles. I never mailed the last Priority mail packet and its contents. I got to the Post Office, and remembered that I had forgotten to include the clipping of an article, so I held off intending to mail the following day. That evening I got the news that Matthew Blaskowski had been killed in action. I still have the envelope with its contents intact. I cannot bring myself to discard it.

So how should we observe this anniversary? What I would love to see is a service with a combined children and adult choir, singing excerpts from musical compositions of Handel or Bach. I would love to see this nation united even for one week. I would love to see us pause for the entire day of September 11, 2008 to remember that so many heroes died so we did not have to. I offer my wish that the families of the victims of 9/11 take solace that the memories of their loved ones are permanently stored in their hearts, the most precious and secure vaults of all. Indeed, memories of their heroes are also stored in all of our hearts. May these families rediscover that joy does come in the morning.