Yellowstone- 9/11/2011 – Every morning I have the honor of raising our nation’s flag. Today that honor was humbling as I hoisted the flag to the peak and lowered it to half-staff as flag etiquette dictates. A small group at the registration office gathered, and a few others got out of their cars, removed their hats and waited until I was done. The tear on my cheek was a reminder of the date. Nothing needed to be said. We all knew.
16 years ago ours lives changed forever. 8:46a.m. on 9/11/2001 is the day we know exactly where we were and what we were doing. We have lived and relived the events, and will remember a time when everything stopped, instantly.
Our strength as a nation was questioned, but the resilience of the American spirit was not. Time goes on. Children born in 2001 are now in high school, for them it was another time, a time they won’t know. What they do know is we pass on a legacy of determination, courage, honor, and an understanding that we are in this together.
So…how do you memorialize an event that is both past and present? – J. Cleaver
It is in a walk through the 9/11 Memorial Museum to learn the stories, and the message behind the Survivor Tree?
It is in a walk though a Healing Field.
It is in the peculiar stories of survivors about the red bandana. (Welles Crowther’s video) <here.
It is in the young veteran who sat down at the base of a flag and started polishing boots.
It is the wisdom and guidance of the daughter of a first responder with a family of her own, and her brother who followed in their dad’s footsteps. Port Authority Police.
It is in the child who asked: “What does that flag say mommy”? And she takes the time… “He was a policeman, who liked helping people and was very, very brave.” The little boy responded with: “I want to be a policeman like him too”. What was once sympathy has become legacy.
It is in the blue ribbons reminding us of the heroism of the pilots and flight attendants. There are teddy bears to remind us of the eight children whose lives were ripped away too soon. Tell their story. Say their names.
It’s in the comfort and blessings from other countries; letting us know we are not alone.
And 16 years later it’s still in the sound of Todd Beamers voice saying: “Let’s roll”!
Never forget…No.
Finding strength….Still.
Where were you 16 years ago today?
Wind Kisses 
I always wondered why India and Pakistan can never forget what happened in 1947 during partition, followed by India’s Independence. People died, agreed. Loss occured, agreed. But then why is the legacy of hatred being passed on? I love the peaceful ways shown in this post, for a united and a stronger America, revisiting the tragedy that happened and yet finding positives about each other. I wish and hope for a similar India and Pakistan and feel that they can bond in a strong relationship if given a chance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kindness, and your insight. I do think it is pertinent to remember the past and to share it. Without it we are lose site of what molds us, and what defines us as countries. To be honest, I still feel angry, and yet, I feel we CAN channel our energy to honor what needs to be recognized, so future generations perpetuate what better, and stronger looks like. Thank you again.
LikeLike
I remember the day well. The terror of watching, sadness at the loss of life, and the courage of all involved in the search and rescue. Their legacy continues to live on. Thanks for sharing. Continued prayers for all. May all involved never be forgotten.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, me too. Horrific, and it still seems like yesterday. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Honestly, I don’t think I was in tears amy more that day than I am right now. Always, always, it is hard. And yet, the stories of triumph and victory are encouraging.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. It has been a long day. This is always a long day, but I do believe we can look for the good as odd as that sounds. Thanks for stopping by. I so love my blogging buddies. XO
LikeLiked by 1 person