9/11 was a day that will be forever imprinted on our memories. Many people took time out this past 9/11 to reflect, remember, pay tribute and share stories about that day that changed U.S. history. This date is one that should be remembered all year long. Here is a reader submission that was sent to us, so that the remembrance can continue — even after the anniversary.
Always Be Remembering
Today it is interesting to note that most people age 16 and under have no personal remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001 — they only know what we pass on to them. The sight of the collapsing Twin Towers, the debris-covered people running down the streets of New York City in confused horror, the burning Pentagon, and the wreckage in that Pennsylvania field will forever be etched in my mind and in many ways, America has never been the same. To some degree, the feeling that our nation was a safe haven disappeared in the smoldering ashes of Ground Zero. We quickly became familiar with “code red,” airport security became more intense and less convenient, and our borders have become a greater concern for many Americans.
Yet, some of the changes go beyond passports and baggage checks. You can tell a great deal about people by those they choose to honor, and 9/11 changed the way we defined what is truly honorable. We learned something that day – we learned who our real heroes should be.
In a nation that had been so enamored with celebrities and superstars, we found our heroes – not on the red carpet of high society, but on the asphalt and concrete of everyday life. In our greatest hour of tragedy, it was the blue-collar civil servant who came to our rescue — the policeman, the firefighters and those of the EMS. It was the everyday Joe, who happened to be in the wrong place at the right time, who waded into the ash and rubble and snatched life from the jaws of death. May we never forget the firefighters who were going up in the towers when everyone else was coming down. They lost their lives trying to save those who could not save themselves.
We learned that day that bravery isn’t really found on the lush green grass of a ball field, nor does winning an Oscar require true honor. Though the heroes we remember today aren’t accustomed to the limelight, nor are they accustomed to being showered with adoration, it is fitting that celebrities lost center stage in the hearts of this wounded nation, and the blue-collared, everyday heroes stood head and shoulders above all. They still do. Let us continue to pray.
Prayer: Almighty God, at this time of reflection may we be humbled and grateful. Humbled by the solemn reminder of the significance and brevity of life. Humbled by the reality that any day may be a day that will forever change the course of our lives and nation. Humbled by the reality of whatever tragedy comes our way, you know and you do care. Let us also be grateful, for though America has her faults and sins, today may we be grateful for the blessings you have bestowed upon us by your grace. The blessings — our unalienable rights, bestowed by you. May we also be grateful for those whose sacrifice inspire within us higher views of nobility and honor.
Heavenly Father, may this time of reflection also be a time of renewal. May we not soon for our time on the lesser things of life. Inspire us. Lift our eyes. Lift our hearts. Lift our minds to that which is good, benevolent, eternal and noble.
In Jesus name, Amen.
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Pastor Tim Shellenberger is the current pastor for Centralia Bible Baptist Church. He is also the current chaplain for the Riverside Fire Authority. Pastor Tim lives in Chehalis.
