Remembering Those Who Lost Their Lives 11 Years Ago Today

It's a sad day to be back in New York City, where what seems like not too long ago (and certainly not 11 years ago), the twin towers fell.  How many times have you thought back and remembered clearly as if it happened yesterday where you were that morning at 8:46 when the first plane struck?  How many stories have you traded with others about the course of events in our own lives that morning, as almost 3,000 people in New York City lost their own?  Even though 11 years have gone by, this day never gets any easier and is simply impossible to forget.

However, I believe what can give us all courage, strength and hope is to look at this period in history as a time of rebuilding.  Picking up the pieces and carrying on.  A time of coming together, supporting each other, regardless of our political affiliation, our nationality, the color of our skin, the color of our hair, our line of work, our religious persuasion.  Because on this day, 11 years ago, we were ALL Americans.  We were ALL New Yorkers.  We were ALL human beings in shock and dismay trying to sort through the aftermath.  We supported each other on that day, the weeks and months following, and still do today.  (We even abstained from making fun of New Jersey...though that later resumed, as it's ingrained into our collective psyches)

A symbol of that rebuilding...our regeneration of what was, can be seen right here.  With the new Freedom Towers going up faster than anyone had imagined could be done in less than a year.  And THAT, is a sight to make us all PROUD.  So let's take respite on this solemn day in our skyline's rebirth, renewal, and growth.  To new dizzying heights.  Cause I'm sure those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks are proud.  Of our resilience in the face of tragedy.  Of our strength to carry on.  Of our love of country and each other.  Of our persistence onward to a new tomorrow....

...to a new dawn, where we all hope and pray for an age where acts of terror and senseless loss of life is a distant remnant of the past.  An age of peace, love and prosperity for all.  I, for one, think its within the realm of possibility.  John Lennon did too.