I wrote this one year after the terrorists attacks on America. This is an updated version as we near the 5th anniversary of that tragic day.
At first, as shock gave way to rage, we rallied around God and country and called for any and every kind of reaction that would find those responsible and deal with them appropriately. Our open war on terrorism was embraced with enthusiasm and a willingness to make whatever sacrifices necessary to prevent further attacks on our people and punish those and their supporters who had used airplanes to kill so many of us. Day after day we watched rescuers dig through rubble searching for signs of life. Day after day we heard stories of heroism, of miracles, of selflessness. Here in America, we satisfied our need to morn, to eulogize to rally round the flag, church and home with memorial services and award ceremonies. Meanwhile we gave thumbs up to the military actions that took place across the world in an all out effort to get the bad guys. Then, we went back to living our lives.
It is five years later and that effort is ongoing. But where is the recognition of those who have died and who daily risk death to keep people who hate this country from carrying out further barbaric attacks on us? Of all the things that could bring us together, warring agianst those who want to wipe us from the face of the earth should certainly be one. Instead, this war is being used as political ammuntion for those in office and those wanting to be.
In combat, in support or training, in covert or overt action, people in the military place duty to country above all else. Shouldn't our political leaders do the same? My husband recently retired from the military. Prior to his retirement he spent six months over seas in support of the war. After returning home he sadly attended the funerals of two young men who were part of his military family. After coming through combat in Afghanistan, they died in a training accident. They died as quiet heroes doing their jobs without accolades or fanfare.
These young men were like other heroes of this war, brave and selfless men and women who continue to fight when the TV cameras are turned off. Their job sites and responsibilities are wide-ranging and diverse, from brick office buildings and tents where plans are created to caves and cockpits where they are carried out. Their names and deeds are not likely to be heralded over the news, though some will die as this war continues.
On this fifth anniversay of the terrorists' strike we call 9-11, I ask that you remember these others who have not and will not be properly recongnized as the heroes they are, because they chose to be soldiers.
Words by Phyllis J. Rhodes
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Written on 2006-09-09 at 19:07
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Remember The Cost Of Freedom
One year ago today the world changed. Americans sat unbelieving as a movie unfolded on TV sets across the nation. We'd seen so many like it - explosions, fires, destruction, death, then heroes on the scene to stop the carnage and save the day. But this wasn't a movie. Hollywood technology had not staged these special effects. The people involved would not be choosing their outfits for the Oscar awards show. Reality was so much more shocking, so unbelievably more horrible than the best relayed movie fantasy.At first, as shock gave way to rage, we rallied around God and country and called for any and every kind of reaction that would find those responsible and deal with them appropriately. Our open war on terrorism was embraced with enthusiasm and a willingness to make whatever sacrifices necessary to prevent further attacks on our people and punish those and their supporters who had used airplanes to kill so many of us. Day after day we watched rescuers dig through rubble searching for signs of life. Day after day we heard stories of heroism, of miracles, of selflessness. Here in America, we satisfied our need to morn, to eulogize to rally round the flag, church and home with memorial services and award ceremonies. Meanwhile we gave thumbs up to the military actions that took place across the world in an all out effort to get the bad guys. Then, we went back to living our lives.
It is five years later and that effort is ongoing. But where is the recognition of those who have died and who daily risk death to keep people who hate this country from carrying out further barbaric attacks on us? Of all the things that could bring us together, warring agianst those who want to wipe us from the face of the earth should certainly be one. Instead, this war is being used as political ammuntion for those in office and those wanting to be.
In combat, in support or training, in covert or overt action, people in the military place duty to country above all else. Shouldn't our political leaders do the same? My husband recently retired from the military. Prior to his retirement he spent six months over seas in support of the war. After returning home he sadly attended the funerals of two young men who were part of his military family. After coming through combat in Afghanistan, they died in a training accident. They died as quiet heroes doing their jobs without accolades or fanfare.
These young men were like other heroes of this war, brave and selfless men and women who continue to fight when the TV cameras are turned off. Their job sites and responsibilities are wide-ranging and diverse, from brick office buildings and tents where plans are created to caves and cockpits where they are carried out. Their names and deeds are not likely to be heralded over the news, though some will die as this war continues.
On this fifth anniversay of the terrorists' strike we call 9-11, I ask that you remember these others who have not and will not be properly recongnized as the heroes they are, because they chose to be soldiers.
Words by Phyllis J. Rhodes
Read 557 times
Written on 2006-09-09 at 19:07
Save as a bookmark (requires login) Write a comment (requires login) Send as email (requires login) Print text
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