Most of us remember where we were that day. I was sleeping. I’d had a long night patrolling the streets of Kansas City. After dropping my son off at school, I’d gone to bed, only to be woken up by the phone ringing. I was irritated when my husband’s voice was on the other end, he knew better than to wake me up. But he quickly convinced me to turn on the TV. That was about two minutes before United Airlines flight 175 crashed into the South Tower. I never went back to bed.
Eleven years later and our lives are drastically changed. We feel the effects of those terrorist acts every day. Stories of tragedy and bravery continue to reach us on a daily basis–yet they all stem back to one plot to bring down our nation. After the attack we stood together–united and strong. But with each passing year and each loss we suffer, are we as strong as we were on 9/12/01? Or are politics, the economy, and our own biases blossoming out of control with social media actually breaking down our very foundation of society?
With this anniversary, I encourage you to forget politics and read one of the many tributes to the victims and heroes of 9/11. Recognize the changes in our society, the good and the bad, and remember who we are as a nation–from true accounts of heroism on that day and the days immediately following, to all of the acts of heroism that have followed by our military and the sacrifices that have been made to allow us the freedoms we have today.
Two of my favorite books have been Lone Survivor by Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell and Because They Hate by Brigitte Gabriel. Both books address cultures and differences that create mistrust, animosity and hatred. I plan on reading Mark Owen’s No Easy Day, not because I condone his decision to release the book before receiving approval from the Pentagon, because I don’t, but because there was a team that put everything on the line to bring down the man responsible for changing our world. I want to read that account, and understand the dedication and bravery of that team.
What heroes stand out to you in the wake of 9/11? How did their story change you? I’d love to hear your recommendations of books that moved you beyond what you thought possible.
About Kym Roberts
The days following 9/11 showed us many heroes, more than we will ever know. My thoughts this morning go to the unsung and those who have continued the fight.
I think about the search & rescue dogs and their handlers, many of them civilians, who couldn’t have been prepared for the scope of what they faced. They walked into a war zone and searched tirelessly for survivors despite the odds against them and the risks they faced.
I also think every day about our military, who still face the enemy and take upon themselves the bullets and death that is meant for us.
I feel very humble knowing there are strangers, fellow Americans, who fight to keep me and those I love alive…and they don’t even know me. I hope and try to be worthy of their sacrifices.
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Kym Roberts Reply:
September 11th, 2012 at 7:42 am
Very well said, Ria. The heroes who stood up to make a difference on 9/11 weren’t all in uniform. Rescuers came from all walks of life. It’s reported that more than 6,000 Americans have died since 9/11 from health related issues as a result of those attacks. That doesn’t include our military or the innocent civilians caught up in the war on terror over seas.
I also think about the passengers on United Flight 93 who changed the way we think about highjackers. Before 9/11 we believed cooperation would be the best route to a peaceful resolution. The men and women on that plane learned what happened at the towers, quickly adapted to a new way of thinking,and made an incredible stand of raw courage against terrorism. We’ll never know how many lives they saved, but we do know they paid the ultimate price for their bravery.
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Even though the focus here is usually heroes, I thought it would be ok today to honor a real life woman warrior (hope the link works):
http://hamptonroads.com/2011/09/f16-pilot-was-ready-die-stop-flight-93-911 — F-16 pilot was ready to die to stop Flight 93 on 9/11
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Kym Roberts Reply:
September 11th, 2012 at 9:22 am
Wow! I knew they were there, but I had not read their story, thanks for sharing!
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Good post, Kym. And very well said, Ria.
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