As I sit and reflect upon the events of the last 12 months in America, I am still awash with a sea of emotions; lingering grief, shock and horror. Righteous anger. Waning fear. Unending pride and gratitude to be an American. Staunch patriotism.
Last Sept. 11, we, as Americans, lost more than our loved ones, friends and co-workers. We, all of us in America, also lost a piece of ourselves; a piece of who we know we are as Americans. We lost some of the security that comes with innocence. That belief that we as a nation possess; that all people are inherently good. We lost the illusion that we held (maybe foolishly so) that we are safe on our own shores. That terrorism and mindless death is something that happens “over there” some place and could never happen here – not to us, not in America.
Yes, as Americans we lost a lot. But, what America gained in the horror of 9-11 will stand as a testimony and tribute to the innocent blood shed, and the lives forever lost and changed on that fateful day.
For what the murderers of Sept. 11 could never ever have known is the strength and depth of character that we Americans as a people, possess.
Sept. 11 made us realize and remember what a real hero looks like. They are the ordinary Americans who sacrifice for another, and ask nothing in return; who do a kindness for another, simply because it is the right thing to do, and wear a badge of courage and honor as their uniform. They are from every background, and every color, and embrace those differences that make each life unique.
We are strong; we are brave; we are resilient; and we will persevere. We are a wondrous nation of courageous hearts and souls. We are Americans.
Bothell
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