Pride, gratitude and staunch patriotism

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

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, Feb. 12

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

With more in need of skilled nursing and assisted-living services, funding must keep up to retain staff.

Welch: State Democrats’ bill would undermine parental rights

The bill would allow kids as young as 13 to make mental health decisions without notice to parents.

Kristof: Child malnutrition lost in politics over aid cuts

A young journalist describes the scene in Madagascar where a nutritious porridge provides a lifeline.

Comment: Trump sticks with NOAA official who bent to his ego

We haven’t seen the last of Trump’s Sharpie-amended reality and it’s destabilizing effect on scientists.

Dowd: Musk’s ‘Lost Boys’ join Trump’s ‘Mean Girls’ ethic to gut it all

Neither man shows any concern for the damage they threaten against individuals here and abroad.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, Feb. 11

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Sentencing reforms more complicated than column described

I read Todd Welch’s Jan. 29 column. He is certainly entitled to… Continue reading

President Trump running nation like his failed businesses

We’ve seen it before; President Trump will do or say anything to… Continue reading

Intent of Trump’s nominees is to subvert good government

It is clear that Donald Trump has something specific in mind with… Continue reading

Comment: Musk’s USAID shutdown an attack on most vulnerable

Even promises of ‘waivers’ are falling short and allowing medical efforts to dry up, endangering millions.

Comment: Real dangers loom with Trump’s incoherent trade policy

Even if Trump could settle on a justification for his tariffs, the results could leave the country far. weaker.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.