I am trying to choose my words wisely to both pay respect and remember the lives lost on this day 13 years ago. I would be remiss if I did not also take a moment to give a reminder. First, I do not think anyone in America will ever forget September 11, 2001. We were attacked by a cowardice group, who wanted nothing more than to strike fear by killing innocent civilians. As we know from stories that day, Americans will always stand and face any fear without hesitation. Let us never forget those who gave all in New York City, in Washington DC, and in a field Western Pennsylvania. First Responders rushed to the scene and entered towering infernos knowing it could cost them their own lives. Also never forget the passengers on United Flight 93 who became our first line of defense that day and the first to take the fight back to these terrorists. Their sacrifice saved countless lives in D.C., and their final grave a quiet peaceful field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania should be declared a National Historic Site.
Let us also not forget the sacrifices made by our men and women of the military and their families in the years that have followed. Remember it is always easy for us to call our military to action while we sit comfortably in our day to day lives. Put yourself in their shoes, no one wants to face the possibility of death every day in some isolated foreign land thousands of miles from home. Yet they go on a moment’s notice, no questions asked. For that a nation thanks each and every one of our service members.
The reminder to take away from this event is fanaticism cloaked in religion is a dangerous thing no matter what religion you claim to follow. When I recently heard of a Christian saying we should convert members of ISIS or kill them, I was shocked and saddened. Is this not exactly what they are trying to do? I am a Christian, but I by no means judge or wish death upon others who do not share my religious preference. Holy War is what terrorists’ want; that will grow their members and their financial backing. I agree America needs to act against those who threaten our people and borders, but not on a basis of religion, but on the basis of freedom and safety of our country. We have enemies all around the world, both foreign and domestic. Let us take the fight to them for our Nation, not our religion. Also remember all places that harbor enemies against our great nation. Pakistan is where Daniel Pearl was beheaded by terrorists in 2002, we never invaded there. Saudi Arabia is where a large number of the hijackers came from on September 11, yet we remain close allies with “The Kingdom.” My point is simple, terrorists come from all nations, ours included. It is not always the borders of one nation we need to focus on, but the extremists who are inside those borders.
I love the United States of America, and wish thousands of more years of prosperity. A problem has arisen, we are a nation divided. I understand we all may never agree on everything, but we need a concentrated effort on working together to find common ground. We need to protect our country against all threats. John F. Kennedy said in his inaugural address on the Twentieth Day of January 1960, “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” These words seem to ring true, even more now. May God Bless you, your family, and the United States of America.
With Love
M. Coty Myers
cotywrites 