Reflections on September 11th, 2008

It's hard to focus on anything today without memories of that horrific day in 2001 intruding.

The memories should intrude.

We should not forget that we were attacked, that many died that day and many have died since as a result. We should not forget all the ramifications and changes that have occurred since September 11, 2001.

Along with millions of others, I will never forget watching what happened, the feelings and the heartbreak. I will never forget the days afterwards as we reeled from the attack. I will never forget the empty skies and the flags that flew across the country.

One thing I wish we had held onto from that time is our patriotism and visible love of country. For a time it was OK to be passionate about flying the American flag and sharing our love for the land of the free.

Today, though, is not a day for thinking about what we wish to be different. For me it is a day to reflect on the events and tragedy of the day.

For one day we should be able to put aside the various labels we attach to ourselves that in the big scheme of things don't really mean much. Democrat, Republican, Independent, liberal, conservative, non-voter, Protestant, Catholic, Mormon, whatever racial group we place ourselves... If live in this country and call it home, we are Americans.

We have a lot of heroes to thank for the freedom we have in the United States of America to openly claim our various labels. Today is the perfect day to reflect on those who died to bring us those freedoms.