TEN

Forget the conspiracies.

Set aside the investigations.

And really forget your politics.

Today is about remembering those who died.  To honor those who's lives were taken, and those who gave them trying to save others.

If it's not to painful for you, remember where you were that morning.  When you first started to hear about a plane flying into the WTC.  Were you like me, thinking it was a small plane?  Feeling horrible for the lives that were lost.  Then you see the second plane hit, and realize it was a full size commercial flight.

Both of them.

As the news and images poured across our screens we wept and prayed.  Then we started to hear about people trying to rescue those trapped inside the smoldering buildings.  We heard about the Pentagon, and flight 93.  "Let's roll," became a motto for bravery and courage.

When evening came we started to see numbers.

A hole had been punched through the heart of America.

But something began to happen.  Volunteers were advancing on New York to help.  That hole started to get bandaged.  Old Glory, the Star Spangled Banner, our flag was flying everywhere.  From the remains of the towers in NYC.  Along the streets of Manhattan.  On homes, and cars, and bikes, and schools all across this country.  "Proud to be an American," took on new meaning for everyone from Maine to Hawaii.

We were unified as a country.

But that was ten years ago.

We are more divided now than we were before the attacks.  That hole never really healed.  We eventually started to pick at it.  It festered and oozed.  It got infected.  Flags were banned in apartment communities.  Funerals of soldiers are protested.  We've been taught to feel ashamed that we're American...in our own country! 

Infections can be fought.

We have every right and responsibility to be proud of who we are.  Not an arrogant pride that tells us we can do what ever we want.  But one of respect and honor for the people who have made this nation great.  People like the passengers of flight 93, the rescue workers in NYC, firefighters and police in your home town.  And all those throughout history who gave their lives in service or battle to this country.

My uncles and father.  My sister.  A niece.  A nephew.

My mother who is the most patriotic person I have ever met.

So remember those who died or gave their lives ten years ago.  Remember what they died for.  They died for normal folks like you and me to have another shot at tomorrow.  To seize the opportunities that living in this country provides.

Rise up off your couch, your desk chair, and go out and share life with someone.  Visit someone in prison.  Go see your sick uncle in the hospital.  Take flowers to your mother.  Play with your kids, smile, laugh, and enjoy life.