September 11, 2009

I find myself in New York on the anniversary marking eight years since horrible and unforgettable terror was unleashed on US soil. Eight years later, and existing at least three degrees of separation from any of the casualties of the attack, I still feel a powerful and surreal, if not an eerily personal, connection to the infamous events of September 11, 2001.

On that day, in the moments that I watched the second plane rip through the second twin tower, and in the seconds that followed- watching the twin pillar manifestation of US greatness collapse, my world changed. The foreign concept of subterfuge and terror, invaded my reality. And in those first few minutes of the attack, my deeply seeded patriotism burgeoned into an uncontrollable and unflagging love for this country.

The day that the terrorist threat to US security was unveiled as an actuality, America’s greatness was revealed. And on the day that Americans learned of the malevolence of people such Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and Zacarias Moussaoui, we also came to learn of the unique and exceptional unity of the American people. On 9/11, we came together under one flag, as one people; in support of our heroic responders, in grief over comrades lost, we were unified by our love for this country, our liberties and our fellow man.

And now, eight years later, I cannot help but well-up in tears as New Yorkers gather at the site of the attack, reading the names of all those who lost their lives in pursuit of the American dream. Every single name read reflects a unique member of the American population who contributed to our society and our greatness. The first responders, in particular, represent the best of what we can be. They were the embodiment of the greatness that is within us all.

I weep still at the thought of family members being torn apart by the evil, terrorist villains. The cruelty of that act, the hatred that propelled the terrorist plot frightens me to my core. Such hatred is beyond my understanding.

More than anything, 9/11/2001 will forever be seared into my memory as the day in which hatred clawed at the infrastructure of America, razing our buildings, but failing to keep America’s essence of virtue and comradery from lighting up the world.

I hope and pray that the families of all those injured or murdered on September 11, 2001 find peace. May they find solace in the fact that the memories of their loved ones, their stories of heroism and courage, will be passed on from parent to child for all of time.