"...Going On 17"

 

Here we are again.

It is starting to become familiar to us as individuals and a country--the ceremonies, the tributes, the memorializing. In the places where it happened--New York, NY; Washington, DC; Shanksville, PA--there is more poignancy to the rituals. It is as if we are still returning to "normal" while we are still grieving.

It seems history's most memorable moments are written in blood. So it is with the terrorist attack that claimed 2,996 lives seventeen years ago this day. We have sworn as a nation to "Never Forget" what happened; to this day, we have lived up to our vow.

The images we saw that day and for the next few are still indelible in the country's psyche. Secular icons, yet with an ennobled meaning.

The attacks were a challenge to the core beliefs of the nation. The honor of being the flag bearer for freedom and liberty was insulted. Once again, in my very humble opinion, we defended that honor and those core beliefs against this act of aggression, as we have before. As it is said, "Freedom is not free." In our own way, we pay the price for it and count the cost as nothing.

So once again, as we have in our very recent past, let us remember this day. If there is a tribute in your area, think about attending. This post will be one of many on the 'blogosphere; as always, I encourage you to seek those whose eloquence will far surpass this very humble offering.

Keep in mind the prayer intentions I suggested in 2007 (and updated in 2013). Pray for--

1. The souls of all who died.
2. Those who still mourn.
3. Those who seek a just solution.  (While this may have been accomplished May 1, 2011, have we really solved the problem?)
4. Forgiveness toward our enemies.
5. Our enemies (didn't Someone command us to do this?).
6. The courage to continue the fight.
7. Peace.

It is a time to pause, to reflect, and to mourn. It is a time to come together as a nation and remember E pluribus unum. It is a time to firm our resolve to be a beacon of light for the world.