We can’t allow ourselves to forget

Published 10:10 pm Friday, September 10, 2010

On Sept. 11, 2001, in an unforgivable and horrific attack, terrorists robbed America of more than 3,000 lives. Quite simply, our nation was wounded in a way we had not known since the shock of Pearl Harbor almost 68 years ago. In bringing down the World Trade Center, damaging the Pentagon and downing an airliner in a Pennsylvania field, the day ranks as the most devastating in our nation’s history. We vowed we would not forget. But have we?

Domestic issues and the war in Iraq have our attention, and for good reason. But I fear 9/11 is fading in our memories. Hundreds of families, though, still suffer gaping holes. A mother, a father, a brother, a child is no longer among them. Along with these loved ones, more than 300 emergency-service workers perished in the attacks. Their survivors live with the pain of 9/11 daily.

Those of us who were not directly affected by the attacks are at a disadvantage. With Ground Zero not outside our front door and the Pentagon not visible from our window, the anger we felt that day is fading. Those who wish to see America die are hoping we will forget 9/11.

Even as we pause to remember those who died in the attacks, America’s military is tracking down terrorists and securing liberty at home and abroad. If the memory of 9/11 is fresh for anyone, it is our men and women in uniform. As they patrol Iraq and Afghanistan, weathering sandstorms, rocks, bullets, IEDs, and extreme heat, they are dismantling the terror networks that threaten peace and security worldwide. We are indebted to them.

May the victims and heroes of 9/11 forever rest in peace and abide in our memories. I will never forget Sept. 11, 2001. Will you?

Tom Thorleifson

Lake Stevens