I am posting this early for several reasons. On Saturday, 9/11, I will be taking part in the memorial service the town of Spencer will be having to remember the 20th anniversary of the attacks by cowards. But an even greater reason confronts me. Today, September 9th, is the 10th anniversary of the death of local soldier, Brett Wood, in Afghanistan. I did not know Brett. I know his brother, Nikk, who attends OVCF now. So I post this in honor of Brett and to remind you not to forget.
Even writing those words-that date- brings back haunting memories.
Planes hitting two towers. Papers falling. People dying. Metal crumbling. Layers of smoke and dust and debris in the air and on people and cars. People digging. American flag waving on site, almost like a guardian and inspiration.
“Let’s roll.” Brave passengers. Todd Beamer. Rumors of the plane headed to the White House. An empty field. Plane crashed. Crisis averted. Lives lost.
Pentagon. The “seat” of military power. A symbol of military might and genius. The hub of decisions. Fiery death. Walls breached.
A nation united against evil. For once. “God Bless America” sung by political rivals. A common enemy. Swift action. Swift reprisal. Manhunt. Finally got him (them).
9/11…Never forget. This is not a matter of forgiveness. This is a matter of remembering the fallen. As of today, there are just under 3000 innocent lives gone. Heroes who rushed burning buildings. People who went to work that day not having a clue. Some of them I will see someday. Some, sadly, thought they had more time. And a few consigned to hell where their vestal virgins do not await. Only tongues of fire.
Matthew 26…Never forget. A memorial feast set aside for a Savior to never be forgotten. Paying the ultimate price. For me. For you.
LEST WE FORGET
“Father, the memories are fresh as flashbacks occur on this 20th anniversary of evil’s destruction. Thank You for Your faithfulness through it all. Giving hope and life to so many. And thank You for the cross. Help me to never forget.”
September 11, 2001 was part of the inspiration for Brett, and his brother, Nikk, joining the military. I am proud to be a part of a community that wants to honor their fallen. We had a memorial service this past Monday, Labor Day, to honor the 13 who died in Kabul over the fiasco that is Afghanistan. The views expressed here are mine and not necessarily those of the church I pastor.
How can anyone forget that fateful day? I’m praying that nothing like that ever happens again, Bill, but with the open borders and unvetted refugees, I fear the worst may be in Oxford offing.
Blessings!
I agree Martha. It is unsettling.
I remember 9/11. My aunt and I were watching TV, switching channels. We were looking for something to watch and we saw the planes aiming at the towers. Thought it was another Hollywood movie and clicked the next channel… only to realize a few seconds later that the previous channel was BBC and it doesn’t have Hollywood movies. So we went back and watched the second plane crash…
I don’t know how you felt Zee but me? I was horrified. Angered. Unsettled. Confused. And a whole bunch of other adjectives. Thanks for coming by.
Well, I was 15 and it didn’t feel real for a long time. First of all, it was only on TV for me (you watched news of what’s going on in other countries, too, I guess, and know the feeling), and secondly, my life at that period of time had its own numerous troubles (my family’s health). So yeah… it was more of a “Wow, why on earth would someone DO that?!” It didn’t feel REAL.
I think you are onto something Zee. It is easy to be withdrawn in the sense that “it isn’t happening here so…” I lived in Ohio. It happened in NYC. So there is a certain “Whew” factor but because it happened in MY country that makes it a bit more relevant. I know I will be keeping an eye out for what Russia wants to do to Ukraine…because I know you.
Bless you as you continue to minister God’s comfort, Bill …
https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/september/911-ground-zero-first-responders-never-forget-health.html
Thanks Linda