9/11

Wow, where do you begin on a topic such as this? This morning I got up early to make brownies and macaroni and cheese for a local fire house that Emma's girl scout troop is hosting for dinner tonight. Then we headed to church. It's not every Sunday that we sing patriotic songs but September 11 has become one of the times that we do. Today we sang "God Bless America" and "America the Beautiful" and a few verses really struck home with today's 10 year anniversary of 9/11.

O beautiful for heros proved,
in liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved,
and mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
till all success be nobleness
and every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream
that sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
and crown thy good with brotherhood
from sea to shining sea.

O beautiful for men of faith
Who founded this great land;
Proclaimed for us, "In God We Trust,"
and held to God's strong hand.
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
til lives confess his righteousness
from sea to shining sea!

That's what it's all about folks. The men and women who risk their lives for others everyday and I have not forgotten 9.11. I was a junior in high school about to turn 17 the following week. We were out on the band practice field (AKA the parking lot) rehearsing our marching band routine. The orchestra director came out and told our director he should get us inside and to turn on the TV in the band hall. I remember sitting on the cold floor, watching live. We saw the first tower fall and then the second get hit and fall. I don't remember what the commentators were saying, were there news journalists on? I don't remember any if there were. Just the images. I worried for my friend Sarah who's family who lived in DC and wanted to talk to my parents. I used the phone in the band office and called my Mom. We went on with our day, it was quiet on campus and we watched the news for the first two periods or so. I worked part time at Stein Mart and I remember having a candlelight vigil with co-workers for those lost. I remember American flags everywhere. All over town. I was friends with young men who couldn't wait to "sign up" when they graduated, and many did.

Fast forward to today. I sat in church with my parents, husband and children. Today I prayed for the spouses and children of those lost in the 9/11 attacks. I need to remember them in my prayers more often. So many people are hung up on the politics. That's not what today is about. Not who's on the senate floor or signing the bills. But the men and women sworn to protect us and many of whom have paid the ultimate sacrifice. God bless them!