Since today marks the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 I wanted to share an article I read about today and just take a few moments to remember those who died but also those who are still fighting for our wonderful nation.
This article comes from Leslie Clark and Steven Thomma from McClatchy newspapers:
With simple and solemn ceremony, the United States marked the 10th Anniversary of the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks Sunday in emotional tributes that recalled the sacrifice of thousands lives, not just on that day a decade ago, but in the bloody conflicts that have raged since.
Americans of every stripe from Presidents to firefighters to average citizens, paused to honor the dead in churches, at the site of the attacks, and in living rooms across the country. Church bells rang. Prayers were read aloud. Choirs sang.
In New York, the focus was on those killed in the World Trade Center, their names now engraved on bronze panels that will long bear witness to the tragedy.
In Pennsylvania, it was on the passengers who sacrificed their lives seizing United Flight 93 from terrorists before it could hit the Capitol or the White House.
And at the Pentagon in Virginia, eyes moistened at the memory not only of the 184 killed there, but also for the 6,000-plus members of the armed services who've died in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Throughout there was a sense of quiet resolve, even pride that the United States did not buckle as terror mastermind Osama Bin Laden had hoped.
"Al Qaida and Bin Laden never imagined that the 3,000 would inspire 3 million to put on the uniform and hardened the resolve of 300 million Americans," Vice President Joe Biden said at the Pentagon.
"We have remained at war ever since", said Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff "visiting upon our enemies the vengence they were due."
It was the first September 11th anniversary that bin Laden, killed by Navy Seals in May, could not watch from hiding.
In perhaps the most moving tribute of the day, family members in New York read aloud 2,983 names-2,977 for those killed in 2001 in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, and 6 for those killed during a bomb attack at the World Trade Center in 1993.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." President Barack Obama said ath the World Trade Center site in New York, reading from Psalms 46.
"Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea, though it's waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with it's swelling."
At the Pentagon Vice President Joe Biden praised the courage of the family members of the 184 who died there saying- "I know these memorials-and you've been through many- are bittersweet moments for you, because as you sit here right now, unlike a month ago, everythings coming back in stark relief. It's not a thought, it's precise. You remember that God-awful empty feeling, you remember being sucked into your own chest and that feeling of hollowness. But I want you to know something else," he added, "Your physical presence here today gives hope to thousands of Americans who under different circumstances are trying to come to grips with the losses you had".
Since September 11th, 2011 more than 6,200 members of the armed services have died. Let's also remember them this day!
This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave!- Elmer Davis
One of my favorite hymns/patriotic songs is "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" we sang it in All-State in high school and there was always one verse that stuck out to me and just the men sang it and it was BEAUTIFUL and I think it applies here really well:)
"In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea with a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me, as He died to make men holy let us live to make men free while God is marching on! Glory glory hallelujah! Glory glory hallelujah! Glory glory hallelujah! While God is marching on!"
