I will be posting several times over the next few days about hurricane Ike, but for this morning, we will focus on something else. Storms like the one Texas is about to experience create heroes and for weeks to come we will hear stories of neighbors helping neighbors, stories of the Coast Guard; stories of Responders; stories of courage...of sacrifice...of determination and of love.Today we will remember the heroes of September 11, 2001, for today is the anniversary of the day many heroes stepped into eternity answering the call of duty
Today is truly a day of remembrance and reflection for my family. I remember it all as clearly as if it were only yesterday… I was a little over 80 miles from my home at a small diner when the cook came out of the kitchen, his face ashen; his eyes full of tears. Speechless, he motioned to the few customers in the diner to follow him into the kitchen where a small television sat above the grill. We watched in horror as the second plane struck
My home was at the north end of Patrick Air Force Base, and it was several agonizing hours before I could reach my family, and several more before I could make it through the roadblocks and barricades that were immediately set up throughout our region.
For many, the attacks were a thing of television news, but for my family it was a reality that lasted forever as we were surrounded by military for a year, driving through checkpoints to simply go to the store; everyday reminded that our country had been deemed vulnerable. Now, years later, we still remember. We are a firefighter family, and I am the son of a career firefighter. The loss of that day hit close to home, and we felt it our very core.
I wonder today if we really remember. Sure, we have a moment of silence and President Bush will make speeches… the TV will run the saga in drama form and the networks will air every movie made about that day, but do we REALLY remember?
Politics aside, we received a call that day- every one of us. It was a call to be alert, to be prepared, and to support those that live their lives within the shadow of another day like that one. Will you stop today to thank a cop or a firefighter for what they do? Will you take a moment out of your lunch hour to stop by the local fire hall just to say “Thanks for what you do”?
Will you stop sometime tonight between your favorite shows to discuss with your family a communication plan for disasters? Will you stop for a moment today and simply hug your wife, your husband or your kids just because they are there?
There is much to remember today and much to pray about. Hurricane Ike is about to attack our coastline, and I will guarantee you that there are men and women of the same caliber as those that were lost on 9-11 that are waiting for Ike to strike so that they can do what they do.
Eternal God, amidst all the turmoil and changes of our world, we know that you are constant, our firm foundation in the midst of every storm and upheaval. Be with those that still grieve the loss of loved ones lost on that dark day, bless with Your mighty hand those that still stand in defense of our lives, and protect those about to face yet another threat as they answer the call of duty. Bring to our minds the sacrifices of these men and women and give us an extra measure of understanding and appreciation. May our leaders walk in your wisdom this week as we walk in generosity that is sure to be needed. Help us, Lord, to remember what it means to be Americans, help us to remember today what it sometimes takes to be an American, and remind us to pray for those that in uniforms at the ready because they never forget these things. Help us to remember to cherish our country, our freedom and our families as we remember those about to courageously face yet more adversity.
