After 9-11

Everyone remembers where they were 10 years ago, when tragedy struck our nation and fear, uncertainty, and pain gripped our hearts.  The news keeps flashing images from that day 10 years ago.

But that is not what I want to focus on.

I want to focus on what happened AFTER:

We came together as a country.

Huddled around our t.v.’s we cheered for each miracle.

Patriotism was everywhere.

Construction sites hung American flags from mobile cranes.

Yellow ribbon magnets and American flag stickers decorated cars.

At school we led the students in the Pledge of Allegiance each morning.

And patriotic songs flooded the country station on my drive home.

It has been 10 years.  And time has a way of healing wounds and easing the pain.  But with the replaying of the tragic events unfolding on televisions once again, will there also be a renewed sense of patriotism?  That’s up to us.

It’s one reason I choose to wear red every Friday.  And why there is a sense of pride for being American each time I hear Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue.”  I want my kids to grow up in a country that is proud and that stands together.  And THAT is what I want to remember this 9-11.