Remembrance

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends" John 15:13 NASB

This morning we can't help but remember the horrible events of 9 years ago. Many have and will continue to focus on the horror of that day. Some will talk about the Heroes of that day. I am one of those some. As an American, a former US Navy service member, father to a US Marine, I understand heroes.

Heroes are people who don't seek to be considered a hero. Ordinary people who perform extraordinarily in the most extreme circumstances. There is no fanfare, no klieg lights, no TV cameras, no press conferences. They are men and women still climbing stairs in a tower that was failing. They are  men and women rushing into a hazardous environment as the World Trade Center towers became massive piles of rubble. Heroes are the individuals aboard flight 93 who made the decision that their lives were needed to prevent the loss of life planned by the terrorists who had taken over the plane. Heroes were those who risked their lives running into an inferno at the Pentagon to save the lives of others. Heroes are the husbands, wives, mothers, and fathers of our service members at home making America's finest youth to make the sacrifice in defense of our countries values and ideas.

On this day, we experienced something that will be forever etched in memory. Those of us who sat and watched were in disbelief. Yet in the midst of this horrific event, the stories of heroism started to filter out. At that point, on that day, America showed it's true mettle. America showed its greatness. We did not apologize because some radical extremists decided that our way of life should be targeted for death and destruction. On this day, as we examine deep within ourselves what this country means to us, to our children, and grandchildren, may we honor the memories of these Heroes. We do that by standing up, and self governing. By taking back the government for the people, by the people, and of the people. We stand up and honor these men and women by taking responsibilities for ourselves and educating ourselves on the Greatness of America as our founders envisioned not. NOT as it's being redefined.