9/11 ... then, now and future

There is not much to say today. I must admit I have been teary eyed at random parts of the day when I hear different stories or see something on TV. When most people think we went to war because of oil I can't let myself think that. I can't think that so many lives have been lost for nothing. The people who died at the hands of terrorists in what must be the most terrifying last moments anyone could ever encounter. The heroism from the people on the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania, giving up their lives to save many many others, the police, fire and EMS working and some losing to save those who couldn't help themselves. Today is a day of tragic remembrance. Tragic but important. To know that our military, my brothers included, were and are fighting for something greater. Fighting to end tyranny, fighting to end violence, fighting still for those who lost on 9/11.

I was in high school when the attacks happened. My oldest brother already in the military, and I got home from school my mom in tears as she recalled to me a phone call she got from my brother on his base.
"Mom, I'm fine, that's all I can say. We are on lock down. Gotta go Bye." We were in panic mode, will he be sent somewhere? Will we go to war? Will his base be attacked? After he got home and we could talk to him freely, he said he was ready to go. He WANTED to be sent. He wanted to fight for this country my family was brought up to love so much. His base launched the first F16 fighter planes in the air after the attacks happened. To know our little base had the ability to rally so quickly and know my brother was a vital part of that process makes me one of the most PROUD sisters in the history of siblings. It still gives me goosebumps to think about. He's not a super excitable person, but he was almost shaking with anger that someone could do this to our country. To hurt so many people in the name of terror and destruction. He said let me go I want to go get them!! As much as we didn't want to send him, it makes me proud to the point of tears to know how brave he was that day.

As this war progressed, my other middle brother went into the Air Force as well, and eventually both served in Iraq, once together ... talk about counting the days! I know their wives were worried, obviously, and this may sound harsh, but there is no terror like thinking your only 2 siblings could be taken from you at any moment. They were stationed on the most bombed base in Iraq and bombed every day, many many many times a day. Praise God that He had His angels around them. Strapped to the nines with their Heavenly battle armor to protect my brothers. They did lose a pilot on that tour, and it makes me sad to think that because they are in the National Guard part of the military, some don't consider their service real. Let me just tell you, that weather you are in the Coast Guard, National Guard, Retired, Active Duty, whatever ... YOU SERVED YOUR COUNTRY. Period. My oldest brother had to have an emergency appendectomy while serving. He woke up to find his nurse in full battle gear UNDER his bed telling him don't move we are being bombed. Looking over and seeing POW's handcuffed to their beds ... if that isn't service, I'm not sure what is.

My oldest brother is out of the military, and my middle brother still continues to serve. Honestly, proud to the point of explosion, doesn't even come close to how I feel about them. They are my Hero's, not to mention my father a long time Fireman and paramedic. He has locally saved many lives and still serves my hometown. If given the chance, he would have been there 11 years ago running into those buildings along with the NYFD and doing everything in his power to save as many lives as possible. His service and ability to work so well under pressure still amazes me.

It's amazing to me how far the ripples go and how many people were and still are affected by this major catastrophe. Which is why it is VITAL for our Country to survive and strive, that we STAND UNITED. "A house dived amongst itself cannot stand." - Abraham Lincoln 1858 "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." Matt 15:25.

Don't let this day be solely remembered for the bad. Remember all that did good. The hero's who were willing to put their lives second to save a stranger. To memorialize this day and those who have gone, do something for someone else. Love those around you with all you have. The only way to truly erase hate, terror, anger and evil is to fill this world with love and compassion. I know I will never live to see a day when there aren't dozens of news reports about murder, and terrorist acts, and hate, but I strive to set this world on that course, so that my grandchildren, great grandchildren, or great great grandchildren can watch news reports of love, humility, caring.

Take a moment to remember, a tear in silence, grieve in our hearts, because loss is painful. But put a flag out, smile and help someone to their car in honor of those who so bravely served and helped so many 11 years ago today. It's a small thing, but oh so important. If we do not remember the good, then terror wins.

I want to personally thank from the depths of my heart and soul all the past and present, Firemen, Police Officers, and Military Personnel of this country. Your service has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated, you are all Hero's - Thank You.

I love you all.

God Bless you and God Bless The USA,
Christie



* Please feel free to comment on this post if you have a story of 9/11 you want remembered, or how you have been affected. If you have someone you love in service of this country please let me know and I will Pray for them. God Bless *