Nuff said!

I successfully avoided the media this weekend so that I didn't have 9/11 rememberances shoved down my throat. I spent the weekend lounging at a lake house not even talking with my fellow lake enthusiasts about the event.

However... I am not upset over those who sat glued to their TV's ten years ago or this weekend.

I certainly remember where I was when the towers were hit, I remember that entire day and the days following. I remember the numbness at first, it was so unreal that something like that could even happen. I remember having fears for those I knew and loved in the military because I knew there would be military involvement. I remember the kalediscope of other emotions that would follow in the months and years to follow.

And for me I don't think it is letting the terrorists know that we remember. I think we always should remember. To forget our past is to make the same mistakes. We should also remember and honor those innocent people who lost their lives and the people who worked so hard to help the survivors (and by survivor I mean everyone from those at ground zero, the pentagon, and around the world who were affected by the incident).

However... the message should always be honoring the memories of those who were brave. Not giving a message of hate or fear.

Saying 'I remember' does not let terrorism win. Saying 'I am not afraid' does not let terrorism win.

I am not afraid... and I owe that to the men and women who have worked so hard at protecting our country. Giving up weekends, holidays, time with their family, regular meals, showers and sleep. Who have lived in the sand, the heat... and who are sometimes called to make the greatest sacrifice as all. Thank you.

M.

I would like to say, and I hope this doesn't upset people, that I will, along with so many, always remember 9/11 and those who lost their lives that day and as a result of the events that have followed. I will always respect the soldiers, past and present, those who sacrificed thier lives, sanity, health and limbs, as well as those who managed to emerge as unscathed as would be possible.

I can't help but think, however, about Pearl Harbor and Oklahoma, and any/all other attacks the United States may have faced. Were not those just as bad? Perhaps Oklahoma was not as devestating in it's size of damage and death as Pearl Harb...or and 9/11, but it was just as devestating to those who lost their loved ones as a result. I think that instead of just remembering 9/11, and forgetting all the rest, we should take the time to remember all of it.

And remembering, does not mean to glamorize it. I think it simply means to take the quiet moments to remember not just the fallen, but the injured and those still fighting. Shake the hand of the soldiers you have the privilege of meeting along your way through life. And reach out to your fellow human beings, not just Americans. Help others around you, if you can, when you see they are less fortunate or need help in some way. Don't turn your noses up at them. Peronally, I think that is maybe the best way to honor and remember.

Again, I hope this has not upset anyone, I absolutely do not intend it to do so. I just wanted to put that out there. Let's remember all, not just one event. Also, let's remember and celebrate the life that was given on that day. Sad though it may be, for me and others like me, it was and always will be a day to celebrate the life of my child.See More
about an hour ago

343 gave so that 20,000 were saved.

Remember the giving, not the taking.

Don't forget the JTF2's motto too...
Facta non verba!

(Deeds not words)

Yes, let us always remember.

I spent the weekend with friends. We hung out, went to a movie, to the mall... and nobody once mentioned 9/11, even the day of.... and thats....

... ok.

My friends and I had a debate a few months ago. A formal, class assigned debate. Was 9/11 a conspiracy. (No, i am not about to go over that here) By the time it was over, I was so desensitized to it, i was angry at myself. I still care about what happened, and like most of the others here, i will remember where i was forever. but to echo others, that doesnt mean i need it shoved down my throat. i am , and will always be appalled over what happened. but the media (for whatever reason you as an individual would like to believe, cuz im no conspiracy theorist) insists on forcing it on you... almost like they want you to feel guilty that you are still here and they arent.

anyway. thank you, tiamat, for posting this thread. its nice to have a place where i can just say hey, i will always remember.... and not have it turn into a shouting match (real life).

*evaporates*

There's not a single member of the U.S. military serving overseas right now that's protecting American freedoms. Our freedoms are not now, nor have they ever been, threatened by Iraq or Afghanistan. You can agree or disagree with their mission, that's a matter that can be discussed and debated, and there are valid points to be made by both sides, but the idea that someone is safer in Chicago because of the U.S. military in the middle east, or that they are there protecting our freedoms is just wrong.

To be clear, I'm not saying that remembering is handing over a victory. I'm saying that bringing it up and making a big deal about it is handing over victory. Allowing it to be used as an excuse to strip away our liberties is letting the terrorists win. Allowing it to be used as an excuse to invade an unrelated country and wage war with no end in sight is worse. Trying to turn the country into a fascist theocracy as a response is the worst of all.

Also, try to remember that the WTC housed UN offices, and the attack wasn't just an attack on the U.S. It was an atrocity, make no mistake, but it was an atrocity against humanity, not against America.

Ody wins.