That Day
Every generation has That Day…that one day that the world seems to stop, to freeze, and our collective memory can tell us, exactly what we did, where we were, what we were doing and thinking. For most of our grandparents', That Day was
For some reason, I did not listen to the news as I drove the 30 minutes to work, and so when I got to work I was utterly unprepared when my boss asked if I had been called up (I had re‑enlisted in the National Guard the month before) due to the attack on the Pentagon. I rushed into the conference room and watched the images of the Pentagon burning, heard the confused reports of truck bombs at State, fires on the Mall and other incidents. I called my guard unit, and was told that we were on notice, but no call‑up. I drove the 30 miles back home to get my gear and uniforms so that I would be ready the instant I was called up.
That Day tested the mettle of a nation, a President, and a way‑of‑life. Individuals, also, where tested that day. Some, like Todd Beamer and his fellow passengers on Flight 93 met that challenge with a prayer, and a smile, and hearty "Let's Roll" and conquered those that would seek to destroy us. Others rediscovered bonds with families, friends and culture. That test continues, and while some might doubt whether we will pass, I have no doubt that he, this nation, and this way‑of‑life will prevail.
Its been some years since I wrote these words...in that time I learned that one of the fallen was a man I had come to admire while researching the battle of the 1st Cavalry Division at the Ia Drang in Vietnam. Rick Rescorla. Rick had been the head of security for Morgan-Stanley-Dean-Witter in WTC #2 and managed to save over 2,700 people. He, and his security team were last seen heading back up to get others out. Rick's story is just one of hundreds from That Day.
Now, it is my job, as a teacher to try to tell our kids about That Day...for some of them, it is easy to grasp. For others, especially those that were very young or still unborn on That Day, it is a little harder...but we try...
Dear God, our Father in Heaven, please grant us the strength and resolve to not give in to our desires, to stand fast to our principles and continue to defend ourselves, and all those that truly want to serve and love You. For our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines, grant them the spiritual courage to face their fears and struggles, and the healing that they will need to continue on after their mission is over. Let us pray, especially for the fallen: Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine round about them. Amen.
2 Comments:
Very nicely said. (I don't know if you picked a dark font color, but at least in Firefox, the post is readable only when Selected.)
Are you still in the Guard? Hope you post more often now.
Hope you are well.
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