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Health & Fitness

Reflections on 9/11 and What We've Become

Eleven years removed from the horror of September 11, 2001 reveals a country divided and still healing from external and self inflicted wounds.

 

Last year, one day following the 10th Anniversary to observe the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001 I visited the Flight 93 Memorial Site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania while traveling for work.  I recalled that a couple years following this attack on our country, I drove by this site to survey the area where lives were lost in our first stand against the terrorism that had visited our shores.  At that time the site was simply marked by a large rock and small sign in the middle of a field.  The signage directing visitors and other curious persons such as myself to the site was unimpressive and appeared to have been handmade.  

However, last year when I visited the site impressive signage and a new national park had been built.  This small unassuming town with a population of roughly 500 people and less than 100 households was the first line of defense that our country launched against those who attacked the United States on that mid September morning.  The tributes to the brave passengers and crew of Flight 93 are on display throughout the park.  Each life is extolled with a marble pillar and plaque with a photo and brief bio.  It is a solemn and hallowed setting.

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 In this field of honor longstanding testimony remains that confirms when we are all united together we can face the unthinkable.  Evidence of the terrorist plot was first seen by the nation at 8:42 AM on September 11, 2001.  But, hidden away in a remote field, a group of ordinary citizens – a microcosm of this country united together and began to fight back 75 minutes later.  Where is that country today?  What has happened to that unity? That ultimate sacrifice that a few gave so that the masses may live? I pray that the terrorists’ attack did not exploit our freedom by setting free our own self destruction. Let’s do more than remember September 11th, let’s revisit our common regard for one another – for our freedom – our sacrifice – for our country. 

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