It’s been 19 years since al-Qaeda terrorists flew passenger jets into multiple targets in the United States. It seems long ago. It seems like yesterday.
Walking through the Pennsylvania Military Museum I’m surrounded by reminders of sacrifice and death. From revolutionists fighting the tyranny of the English Crown, to masked people engaging their own battle with the COVID-19 Pandemic. And terrible things in between.
The more time I spend here, the more hallowed the earth seems. Ghosts whispering of struggle, sacrifice, and redemption as America emerges again and again into the light.
Remembering those who gave their lives, willingly or not, I feel a debt inside I can’t repay. It hardly seems enough to remember.
September 11, 2020
Steve Williams
Nicely put Steve,good to read something and see your spectacular photography again.I am reminded Grace is something we don’t deserve ,Mercy is when we are spared from something we did.Go take a ride my friend ●
Fine thoughts Don. Thank you.
Thumbs up. Good writing: “Ghosts whispering of struggle, sacrifice, and redemption as America emerges again and again into the light.”
It’s difficult to look at all the monuments and reminders of the past without thinking of the present. And I wonder if those who sacrificed wouldn’t be a little disappointed in how we’ve grown up.
I was working on a highway job as an Inspector that day about fifteen miles away from Manhattan. We were at the intersection of two major highways. First traffic stopped flowing into the City and the road became entry except for off duty Cops to get into New York. Then all air traffic that usually flew over into the three major airports stopped as planes were grounded. It was the spookiest thing I had ever seen as everything stopped. We were sent home and Construction halted for a week. Then I got to see the videos of the Towers falling.
Jim, it was surreal. Even for me so far away witnessing by television. And then seeing the skies devoid of con-trails.
I was working on a satellite broadcast of a pesticide education workshop when we saw the news flash in our control room monitors. At first it seemed accident. And then there was live video of the second plane. The rest of the day was something from the Twilight Zone.
I believe that 9/11 will become the event in history when the 20th century was fully left behind and the 21st century truly began. The tragic events of that day have slowly transformed us into a more paranoid and xenophobic society, in which fear and mistrust of the “other” has become more rampant. I do not think, as a culture, we have yet recovered from the psychic wounds the attacks inflicted. I wonder if we ever will.
I could not have said it better myself. Fear, paranoia, and xenophobia have risen to the surface across our country. And it’s pervasive — with liberals and conservatives. It takes shape differently but the underlying causes are the same. I wish I knew what would heal the world. Sadly I don’t. So I have to begin with myself.
Thank you for sharing so eloquently Tom. I appreciate reading your words today.
Wow riding Vespa seems interesting. I used to ride it but now I have shifted my ride to Bajaj Bikes.
https://nepal.globalbajaj.com
I know a lot of people who would love to have the Maxima available in the US.
I have kept this email since 9/11 because it was so beautifully written. I believe as long as we remember, the connections between us all remain strong, even in trying times like the ones we find ourselves in today.
Thank you for touching our hearts again.
K Hickok
Thank you for your kind words. The world needs to be better connected right now.
I just love Vespa. I love the way you write.
Thank you!
What’s up Steve? It’s been a month since we last heard from you.
Life has intruded and affected my willingness or desire to write. Still riding but haven’t found the need to share much. That will change though. Plan to post something Monday.