2013/09/11

Remembering 9/11

Da Goddess @ 06:03

It’s not that I feel any less horrified by what happened on 9-11-2001, in fact, the more time goes by the more it hurts my heart. But I find myself at a greater loss for words these days and all I can ask is that we never forget, that we never stop reaching out to one another; that we never forget that simply reaching out to our neighbors — known or unknown — is the first step to bridging the gap between us.

A year after the attacks on the U.S., President Bush the nation:

September 11, 2001 will always be a fixed point in the life of America. The loss
of so many lives left us to examine our own. Each of us was reminded that we
are here only for a time, and these counted days should be filled with things
that last and matter: love for our families, love for our neighbors, and for our
country; gratitude for life and to the Giver of life.

We resolved a year ago to honor every last person lost. We owe them
remembrance and we owe them more. We owe them, and their children, and
our own, the most enduring monument we can build: a world of liberty and
security made possible by the way America leads, and by the way Americans
lead our lives.

If you wish to honor those who were lost or those who continue to protect our freedoms, here are just a few ideas:

National September 11 Memorial

Soldiers’ Angels

Wounded Warrior Project

I also want to include the words spoken to the nation that day by President Bush. I include them because they still speak to me as strongly as they did that day:

STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH IN
HIS ADDRESS TO THE NATION
September 11, 2001
8:30 P.M.

Good evening. Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our
very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist
acts. The victims were in airplanes, or in their offices; secretaries, businessmen
and women, military and federal workers; moms and dads, friends and
neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of
terror.

The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures
collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet,
unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our
nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed; our country is strong.

A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks
can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the
foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the
steel of American resolve.

America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for
freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from
shining.

Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature. And we
responded with the best of America—with the daring of our rescue workers,
with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help
in any way they could.

Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government’s
emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it’s prepared. Our
emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington, D.C. to help
with local rescue efforts.

Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to take
every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from
further attacks.

The functions of our government continue without interruption. Federal
agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for
essential personnel tonight, and will be open for business tomorrow. Our
financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open
for business, as well.

The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. I’ve directed
the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find
those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction
between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.

I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in
strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I
thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and
assistance.

America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and
security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against terrorism.
Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose
worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has
been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than
any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: “Even though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.”

This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for
justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so
this time. None of us will ever forget this day. Yet, we go forward to defend
freedom and all that is good and just in our world.

Thank you. Good night, and God bless America.
Source: White House Archive

1 Comment

  1. Yes, it’s not that it doesn’t still hurt… I’ve just run out of things to say about it…. It’s 9/11 and we remember; that is enough, I think.

    Comment by pam — 2013/09/11 @ 13:29

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