Never Forget

9-11 will go down in infamy for at least our generation, if not those to come - a date marked by tragedy and grief; of destruction and chaos; of hatred and cowardice; but also of heroism, strength, unity, love, and patriotism. We remember those who lost their lives and honor those who gave their lives, but towards those who attacked us 10 years ago, we still give the rally cry "we will NEVER FORGET!"

For most of us, September 11th marked a turning point in our lives for one reason or another. Some of us lost loved ones, others changed the course of their lives by joining the military or changing their occupation or college degree (I fall into that last category). We were all affected in some way... What is your story? People have a tendency to ask "where were you?" I'd rather know, how did it change you? your world? life as you know it? Will you never forget? Why?

We Will Never Forget

We will not waver; we will not tire; we will not falter; and we will not fail. Peace and freedom will prevail... May God continue to bless America.   ~ President Bush

It is amazing to me that seven years have passed. I remember it so vividly... it hardly seems possible that that much time could have gone by so quickly.  I had no idea how much those events would change my life.  The changes came slowly for me. I did not lose anyone that day (though I did not know that until very late that night - the cell towers on top of the WTC went down and the landlines were jammed as the 12 million people of NYC tried to contact their loved ones). The first change I noticed was increased security at the airport when I went home for Thanksgiving (something we have since grown accustomed to). The second change was the skyline of my beloved city... Thanksgiving was my first time home after the attack and it was the first time I saw the gaping hole. While still in the plane, I could see the smoke still rising eternally upward (it is amazing how long a fire like that can burn!).  Soon after that I changed my major in school and some of my friends started enlisting in the Army and Marine Corps. Last year I was able to spend several months in Iraq, helping to put terrorists and insurgents behind bars. While there, I met many Soldiers and Marines who had deployed to Iraq multiple times (some Soldiers were on their third tour, having spent more than 3 years in the sand box!). When I think of 9/11, yes, I remember how many people lost their lives that day, but I also pray for the men and women who are still fighting for our freedom in places far from home, lacking the comforts we are so used to and often take for granted. I don't even know half of what our military has had to endure over there. My experience was fairly tame and was limited to the FOB. My life was never in danger, and I suffered very few inconveniences in comparison with what the guys in the field go through. I have so much love and respect for our armed forces. I met some of the greatest people during my time in Iraq. I am so thankful for all they do for us and will NEVER forget their sacrifice! While I am often disappointed and ashamed by the words and actions of our elected officials, especially during election season, the men and women I worked with, worshiped with, and "jammed out" with in Iraq make me proud to be an American! To all the U.S. Armed Forces who have deployed and returned, are currently deployed, or are getting ready to deploy, and especially to those who have paid the ultimate price, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

For all the talk of collaboration, lack of communication is still our greatest weakness

I read the following on ABC News and was amazed to realize we have learned nothing since 9/11.

U.S. law enforcement officials received intelligence reports two weeks ago warning of terror attacks in Glasgow and Prague, the Czech Republic, against "airport infrastructure and aircraft." The warnings apparently never reached officials in Scotland, who said this weekend they had received "no advance intelligence" that Glasgow might be a target.

C'mon, people! Let's get with the program!