As is the case each year on this day, this anniversary, there’s much on my mind.
The events of this day, which have defined the very nature of the world for much of my life, still play over and over again in my mind.
Not because of a lost friend or family member, but rather the meaning behind it all.
America is not perfect. She’s made mistakes. Yet out of these ashes an everlasting hope has arisen time and again.
Shores that once embodied subjugation have transformed into a beacon of hope where lady liberty implores those seeking refuge to come forth and find rest.
A nation whose brothers fought each other in civil conflict, less than a century later bled beaches red repelling an insurmountable assault on the free world.
In a day and age where me trumps we, firefighters and police officers rushed into collapsing buildings knowing full well the cost, and a heroic father took matters into his own hands on Flight 93 calmly saying: “Let’s roll.”
America is a reflection of us all; flawed yet beautiful, fragile yet resilient.
America is great because her spirit touches men’s souls. We are inspired by her ability to bring out the best in us all despite our shortcomings.
What took place on this day wasn’t about politics or power. It was about an idea. An idea that each of us, endowed and empowered by our Creator, can make a difference in this world.
Nowhere in history can we find an idea so simple, yet so profound.
Nowhere in history can we find men so willing to stand up to the tyranny and oppression that arise to suppress the human spirit.
On this day, as with each day, let us take time to remember not only the lost, but who we are and the hope tomorrow brings.
“The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose is the path of surrender or submission.” – John F. Kennedy
