Twenty-three years. In relation to the age of our country, it is only 9.27 % our its existence. Our history has had many milestone moments, events which have shape us into the nation we are now, dotted on our timeline: the dramas of war, the expansion and conquering of territory, the metamorphosis from agrarian to industrial to technological ages. These are duly noted in ways catalogued large and writ small.
But it was on this date two score and three years ago that perhaps has given us our greatest existential challenge, in a way Satan could only execute. Brilliantly diabolical and completely unexpected, the result was even better than anticipated. Four jet airliners became weapons of mass destruction. Two were flown into the original Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York, NY, completely destroying them. One went nose first into the Pentagon in Washington, DC, doing significant damage. The last was destined for the White House had not a passenger said, "Let's roll," diverting it to a farm field near Shanksville, PA.
The damage to the national psyche is still evident. The cost of 2,996 lives. A change in how we are combating the threats that terrorism presents. And, perhaps (and I would venture to say there may be someone who has or can draw the conclusion) this was the start of the rupturing of our country to the point where we are today.
This is not the time to debate that point. This unofficial national holiday, much like June 6 and December 7, is a time of remembrance and healing. It is a time of firming our resolve that "We the People of the United States" will recover and continue the work of forming "a more perfect Union". It is a time to resume the task of this tragedy shaping us, not deforming us.
Many communities held a "day of service" this past Saturday. There will be the now usual memorial services and tributes today. As always, if your schedule allows, be a part of whatever is done to commemorate this tragic dot on the timeline.
"Never Forget."
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