As the 1oth anniversary of 9/11/2001 approaches this Sunday, America needs to step back and reflect on what this means to us on an individual basis. This tragedy united the country overnight with a spirit of patriotism. I remember people becoming civil and respective to one another on both a personal and non-personal level. Do you remember how courteous drivers on the road were to each other?
This spirit was quickly transformed by a message to go out and spend money: life (the economy) must go on as normal. I will not tell anyone how to commemorate this day. I only ask that we commemorate the day in a respectful way and do not allow ourselves to be misdirected. If someone wants to celebrate this day as a national day of service, it is your right. I would suggest to this group that they consider adding December 7th’s Day of Infamy as another day of community service. I will commemorate this day, pray for people who lost their lives and pray that we have the strength to face our future.
The following request for a day of service and remembrance from the president gives us another path to follow:
9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance Projects Taking Place in All 50 States
“I call upon all Americans to join in service and honor the lives we lost, the heroes who responded in our hour of need, and the brave men and women in uniform who continue to protect our country at home and abroad,” said President Obama in a proclamation regarding Patriot Day and the National Day of Remembrance and Service issued today. “Working together, we can usher in a new era in which volunteering and more service is a way of life for all Americans. Deriving strength from tragedy, we can write the next great chapter in our Nation’s history and ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the promise of America.”
This Sunday, New York City will not allow first responders or clergy to speak. We do not need to hear speeches as long as we do not forget.
David DeGerolamo
