How soon we forget....

[LorieR]

I know it is human nature to try to push painful memories from our thoughts, but I have to keep remembering how terrifying it was the morning of 9/11 watching those attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and wondering what would be attacked next. I remember feeling that nothing would ever be the same and the feeling of freedom and being immune from what was going on in other parts of the world was over. I live in an area which lost many, many people in the trade center, as well as personally losing a wonderful friend. I was close enough that I could see the smoke from the buildings just a short walk from my home. I wonder how I would feel about things in this election if I lived in L.A. or somewhere else where I felt far removed from where these things happened?? People around here still fly their American flags and have been doing so since that terrible day. My brother visited from L.A. in December of 2001 and remarked on how many flags were flying here as opposed to where he lives.

I know it affected the country as a whole but I think it is time for all of us to reflect back on how we felt that day and on how fortunate we have not been attacked since...

Just my thoughts and my opinion....

Lorie

 

[WeirdEyes]

Lori, I remember 9/11 every day, even though I didn't personally know anyone who died that day. I can remember everything I did that day. Our town has a lot of military families and flags are flown everywhere. I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[TwinMom7]

My flag flew every day prior, and has flown every day since.

Thanks for reminding us! I wish our country showed the unity today that was shown in the days following 9/11.

 

[LorieR]

Thanks, Sheila. I know we all lost something that day. Guess I am just having a "blue" day here. The world situation in general is getting me down and all the negativity and hatred that seems to be going around. It is just sad that it took a day like 9/11 to bring the country together and now it seems like it is growing further and further apart.....

 

[caitycaity]

lorie, i am sorry for your loss.

i was very personally and deeply affected by the events of 9/11. i will never be able to forget, ever. however, i don't think the way people choose to vote in this election has any bearing on whether they have "forgotten" 9/11 or were personally affected by it. i know people who were personally affected by the horrible events of that day that are voting for bush and i know others who are voting for kerry.

i know some will disagree with me, but that is my opinion. i too, am upset about the divide in our country, but i don't know what will fix that problem.

 

[WDSearcher]

I think one thing to remember, too, is that the election is not simply about one issue. If the entire election was to be decided on the events and aftermath of 9/11, then things would be different. But it's not. There are many issues -- domestic and foreign -- that weigh into it. People must decide for themselves how all of those issues line up on their own priority list.

I was in NYC on 9/11 -- I had just landed at the airport a few minutes before the first plane hit the WTC. I watched it all unfold. And while those images and events affect my opinions, they are only part of what I must consider when choosing a President.

 

[snoopy]

The one and only great thing about 9/11 is how united we were in this country. Whether you lived in New York or Washington, on the West Coast, or somewhere in the middle of the country, we all felt a very strong bond with one another. Never in my lifetime have I been more proud to be an American.

I'm with you, Lorie. I wish we could put aside the hate and respect each other for our differences. Everyone I know, regardless of how they are voting, are proud Americans who want what they feel is best for our country. I think it would behoove everyone to think of 9/11 and what we all stood for on that day, we might not be so divided if we thought of it more often.

 

[TandJ61574]

LorieR...my prayers are with for comfort...I did not forget and to echo the words of Rudy Giuliani... thank God George Bush is our President!

 

[Nickunited]

I can never Forget - it hit home!

Ill always remember those moving moments on my life. That event effected my life more than anything ever has! My home, and I mean my back yard was changed forever!

I can not forget Rudy G and his hard hat going right into hell!

Our President standing on top of that rubble making that speach (it is this moment alone that makes me vote for him - ILL NEVER FORGET THAT SPEECH!)

Most of all, I can not forget my Uncle, Lt. Andrew Desperito. A idle of mine since I was a kid and now - My Hero!

 

[monarchsfan16]

I too am amazed at how quickly everyone has forgotten. My town was greatly affected by that day. Many of us lost family and many more now have family members stationed in the middle east. Yet, there are people in the town, in my own house even (my stepdad ) who have without a doubt forgotten terrorism ever even existed. If I could vote, my vote would go to the man I thought could best handle terrorism, because if that continues to be a problem, nothing else matters. Yet people like my stepdad and thousands others, just don't act like they care. The words actually came out of his mouth, in front of my mother and I on this year's 9/11 anniversary, as we were watching the coverage and grieving for my aunt who was murdered that day, "terrorism just isn't a pressing issue". That was the biggest load of BS I have ever heard. I really do think that many have forgotten. Those of us who were affected have been forced to live our lives, silently remembering, while everyone else carries on, forgetting what happened. Sure people remember what happened, but the impact just doesn't seem to bother them. If only I was 2 weeks older, I'd be able to vote for the right man. But I'm not so I have to leave that up to the rest of the nation, to hopefully come to their senses in the next couple weeks.

 

[Trish Bessette]

I agree with you 100%. I will never forget that day. I'm a good, caring person but that day made me even better.

I proudly display the American Flag at my home and have never taken it down since 9/11.

In fact, my youngest DD is going to be a "proud american" for halloween. Wearing all white clothing that we've stamped red & blue stars on it and she is using a flag as a cape with fireworks painted on her cheeks.

I know there are many issues to think about when voting but I feel so safe with President Bush. IMO

 

[WDSearcher]

Originally posted by monarchsfan16
Yet, there are people in the town, in my own house even who have without a doubt forgotten terrorism ever even existed.

Just because people don't constantly discuss it or put it on top of their list of priorities every day doesn't mean that they have forgotten 9/11 or forgotten that terrorism ever existed. Terrorism was around for a LONG time before 9/11. But there are probably plenty of people on this board who didn't think about it at all until it happened on US soil. The WTC was bombed once before, remember? Did the terrorism of that day help color your vote then like 9/11 does now? Did the terrorism of Oklahoma City color your votes then?

I don't think it's fair to say that people have forgotten just because they don't address it with as much fervor or passion as you do. But I think it's safe to say that one day, in the future, Patriot Day will be seen not as the solemn remembrance that it is now, but as just another national day. It will fall from the front of the minds of Americans just as Pearl Harbor Day has.

 

[monarchsfan16]

Originally posted by WDSearcher
Just because people don't constantly discuss it or put it on top of their list of priorities every day doesn't mean that they have forgotten 9/11 or forgotten that terrorism ever existed. Terrorism was around for a LONG time before 9/11. But there are probably plenty of people on this board who didn't think about it at all until it happened on US soil. The WTC was bombed once before, remember? Did the terrorism of that day help color your vote then like 9/11 does now? Did the terrorism of Oklahoma City color your votes then?

I don't think it's fair to say that people have forgotten just because they don't address it with as much fervor or passion as you do. But I think it's safe to say that one day, in the future, Patriot Day will be seen not as the solemn remembrance that it is now, but as just another national day. It will fall from the front of the minds of Americans just as Pearl Harbor Day has.

Actually that wasn't based on the fact that they're not passionate about the issue of terrorism (which they're not), it was based on what they have come right out and said. Terrorism did not affect my decisions about stuff after the first WTC attack, or the OC center bombing because I was too young to understand what had happened. My mother shielded me from the news so that I would not know. But I'm older, and couldn't have possibly escaped it this time around. When people come right out and say, "there's nothing wrong with terrorists", "terrorists aren't evil", or terrorism is a non issue than it becomes blatently clear that they have forgotten.
And I too agree that Patriot Day won't be seen much as a solemn rememberance. Just 3 years later it already wasn't. Yes, people do go on with their lives, and that is totally acceptable and right. But people in that process do seem to forget the major impact of the day. That is what I was trying to say.

 

[ajksmom]

LorieR,
Thank you - something like this was just what I needed after reading all of the "bashing" of others that is going on in quite a few threads. Downright rude and disrespectful of people to attack someone who doesn't have the same opinion as yourself. Definately as "un-american" as you can be, to not allow others to "freely" voice what they believe.

We were a "united nation" that day and for some time afterwards. The world mourned with us. Now, we are divided - in part due to the upcoming election, in part due to the differing viewpoints about the "war on terror".

We all want the same thing. We want to live in a better, safer world. We just have different ideas on how to get there.

snoopy - you are so right. Although a painful memory, it is one that "unites" us. The best of everyone was displayed because of that one horrible day. We should all strive to remember.....

 

[Nickunited]

Originally posted by ajksmom
We should all strive to remember.....

Well said ajksmom!!!

We should, but also we should move forward with our lives. Learn from that day and be more appreciative of what we do have - Friends, family, FREEDOM!!!!


I have accepted what happened, I will never understand why it happened, but I have accepted and have moved on with my life, but at the same time - I have not, and will not ever forget!

 

[beattyfamily]

Thank you for this reminder, although I have never forgotten and I think about it and pray about it (our safety) everyday.

My American flag that I put up right after 9/11 is still flying on my house and I my little flag sticker on my car is still on the window and my advatar (sp) on this board is still the American Flag. I cannot bring myself to take them down. It doesn't seem right. I feel like if I do, it means it's over (the threat of terroism) or that I've forgotten and I haven't and it's NOT over so I won't be taking them down any time soon.

There are definitely less flags but I do still see some here and there.

 

[WeluvDisney2]

Well said Lorie, I have not forgotten.