September 11 -- One Year Later

By TAD BARTIMUS

In anticipation of the first anniversary of America's worst terrorist attacks, I invited you to express your thoughts on the events and aftermath of September 11, 2001. I asked for remarks, 30 words or less, that you would deliver if you were asked to speak at Ground Zero during commemorative ceremonies. My request was prompted by the fact that the only officially designated speakers at the World Trade Center site this September 11 are five male politicians, each reading an excerpt from speeches written long ago to mark other occasions.

Thank you, dear Among Friends readers, for responding by the hundreds with your eloquent, heartfelt and often wise replies. Here is a sampling:

"I don't believe that anyone got up on September 11, 2001 wanting to be a hero," wrote Patricia, of Edmonds, Wash. "I believe they wanted to go to work, see their families and friends, come home, and do it all again the next day. They were robbed of tomorrow and we were robbed of them. My religion says to forgive. I'm trying. It does not command me to forget. I never will."

Faith, who reads this column in the Albuquerque (N.M.) Journal, wrote:

"A word on the rack between two tongues / Between pristine star and acrid lung. / Lives disappeared in smoke and shards / Our separation from the stars."

Gerry, from Highlands, Colo., wrote: "I knew no one. I mourn them all."

Hans, a reader from Vashon, Wash., wrote: "Leaders must focus on developing the means to bring our world together, as one human race. Let us find ways to make sacrifices against war, not sacrifices for war."

Gala, a Norman (Okla.) Transcript reader, ruminated, "I never understood the proverb that says mourning is better than feasting. What matters? In a moment on 9/11, I quickly drew Relationship close and earnestly cast Pretense aside."

Mary, of Overland Park, Kan., said: "If we are to seize a glimpse of something positive resulting from this inexplicable tragedy, it's the realization that we can count on one another."

In the same vein, Norman, a Birmingham (Ala.) News reader, wrote: "On September 11, 2001, the heart of America was stricken ... Today our (national) heart beats stronger than ever."

"Let's roll up our sleeves and go to work today," suggested K. Moon of Seabrook, Texas. "Let's search our hearts to find a way to understand each other as a brother, friend, sister, neighbor ... find a way to mend the fences we've broken, cultures crossed ... for a world without compassion is a world lost."

A.C., a Tacoma (Wash.) News-Tribune reader, believes that September 11, 2002, "is a day for those who lost loved ones on 9/11/01. It is not a day for political speeches."

Virginia, from Arkansas, was caring for her husband following his bone marrow transplant for leukemia, when the attacks occurred.

"I was so afraid before I saw the planes crash. ... " Virginia wrote. "I had felt the structures of our (personal) lives collapse already, and to see the world on the outside collapse as well was surreal. ... When all the self-made safety nets collapse and fail us, what remains is faith. Faith does not deny tragic reality or mask our grief. It affirms the blessings of the present and gives us cause for hope."

John, of Brookfield, Mo., recalled: "As I was listening to the reports and learning what was going on ... I was reminded of some lines from 'The Godfather.' ... Michael Corleone is visiting Havana in the middle 1950s and witnesses a street disturbance during which a revolutionary blows himself up with a grenade. Michael becomes pensive and a look of recognition comes upon his face. Finally he says, 'This means they can win.' Since then, my thoughts and feelings have not changed."

Jean, from Langley, Wash., wrote this poem:

"We are not who we were/ innocent and arrogant, idealistic, optimistic. /Our world changed in a day, an instant. / We have become wiser, wearier, sadder, more loving. / We have grown."

And finally, my contribution to this discussion:

"May the dead rest in peace; may the living work for peace."

© 2002 The Women Syndicate

Send your own great stories – 300 words or less – to friends@tadbartimus.com or write c/o The Women Syndicate, P.O. Box 728, Puunene, Hawaii 96784. Thanks for sharing.

© 2002 The Women Syndicate. The content on these pages is the property of The Women Syndicate and may not be used without express written permission. Contact friends@tadbartimus.com