Why is it important to remember the events of September 11, 2001?

 

It is actually very easy to forget

 

It is important that we never forget. 9/11

September 11th...These thoughts still hold true!

Here are some thoughts I shared about 9/11 on September 11, 2013. This still holds true for me...

When I think back to that day, 12 years ago, it still stirs emotion. The tragic loss of so many of our fellow citizens almost seemed to knock the wind out of me. It was genuinely shocking. Time has diminished the feeling somewhat, of course, but if I take the time to pause and remember—or view images of that day—the sorrow is still there.

I recall thinking part of the reason for our nation’s vulnerability is that we enjoy freedoms that can be taken advantage of. And I wondered, that day, how many of our freedoms would have to be forfeited for the sake of greater security. The recognition that we would lose freedoms really broke my heart. It still does. It seemed to me there was a certain innocence lost and that life would never quite be exactly the same again. In some ways, unfortunately, we are seeing that come to pass.

There was a reigniting of love for our country and a turning toward God that occurred in the initial wake of the event. That was a natural response in light of the type of tragedy we experienced. The attack reminded many of us how much we love our country. We discovered that when your country is attacked, your feelings of love for it grow stronger. Is it a flawed country? Yes, all countries are. But it is still an extraordinary place to live. It is still the most exceptional nation of hope and possibility that has ever existed.

It really is.

I pray that is never lost.

The turning toward God occurs during these types of events because we return to that which is fundamental in such a tragedy. When life feels confusing and unstable, many of us realize, once again, that God is the solid rock and “all other ground is sinking sand” as the old hymn goes.

It’s 12 years later. We cannot possibly have the same potent feelings of September 11, 2001. But for those who are old enough, can we think back to the fundamental truths that stirred in us in the initial days and weeks following those life-altering events?

There were important realizations that happened and they are realizations that are worth remembering.

What Do We Need To Remember About September 11th?

There is much about September 11, 2001 that is worth remembering. But here are two truths which stand out for me.

First, it is worthwhile for us to remember the courage and heroism exhibited by the first responders. As regular citizens were understandably running from the carnage and destruction that day, firefighters, police officers and other emergency response agents were running toward the scenes of the attack.

You might say, “Well, that’s their job!”

You are right. But it is still remarkable.

The desire of these tremendous individuals was to assist those who were hurt and needing direction as well as the prevention of further injury and death. As they engaged in this form of service they put themselves in great danger and, as we know, many of the first responders were injured and killed in the line of duty.

This kind of brave behavior is good, right, proper, exceptional, important and noteworthy. These men and women deserve our deep respect and gratitude.

Second, it is worth remembering there are still people who share the viewpoint of the terrorists who executed the attacks of September 11^th. The events of that day do not represent a historical oddity which could never happen again.

If there are serious people who genuinely desire our destruction—and there are—then a general awareness of this reality is important.

The main duty of the governmental leaders of any country is this: to defend and protect the people of the country. Obviously, the leaders have other challenging duties, as well. But if they fail when it comes to defending and protecting, can you see how the other duties become fairly inconsequential?

I pray our leaders will have great wisdom, integrity and courage. I hope you will pray for them, too.

Let’s remember the profound events of 9/11. What happened that day is still of great significance.

Thinking Back to 9/11 - 12 Year Anniversary

When I think back to that day, 12 years ago, it still stirs emotion.  The tragic loss of so many of our fellow citizens almost seemed to knock the wind out of me.  It was genuinely shocking.  Time has diminished the feeling somewhat, of course, but if I take the time to pause and remember—or view images of that day—the sorrow is still there.

I recall thinking part of the reason for our nation’s vulnerability is that we enjoy freedoms that can be taken advantage of.  And I wondered, that day, how many of our freedoms would have to be forfeited for the sake of greater security.  The recognition that we would lose freedoms really broke my heart.  It still does.  It seemed to me there was a certain innocence lost and that life would never quite be exactly the same again.  In some ways, unfortunately, we are seeing that come to pass.

There was a reigniting of love for our country and a turning toward God that occurred in the initial wake of the event.  That was a natural response in light of the type of tragedy we experienced.  The attack reminded many of us how much we love our country.  We discovered that when your country is attacked, your feelings of love for it grow stronger.  Is it a flawed country?  Yes, all countries are.  But it is still an extraordinary place to live.  It is still the most exceptional nation of hope and possibility that has ever existed. 

It really is.

I pray that is never lost.

The turning toward God occurs during these types of events because we return to that which is fundamental in such a tragedy.  When life feels confusing and unstable, many of us realize, once again, that God is the solid rock and “all other ground is sinking sand” as the old hymn goes.

It’s 12 years later.  We cannot possibly have the same potent feelings of September 11, 2001. But for those who are old enough, can we think back to the fundamental truths that stirred in us in the initial days and weeks following those life-altering events?

There were important realizations that happened and they are realizations that are worth remembering.

Remembering 9/11

Even very significant events have a way of growing dim in our memories over time. It is part of being human. But some events should continue to be pointed to and spoken of because the sobering truths they reveal are too important for us to forget. So we very intentionally remember the actions of September 11, 2001. May God grant us wisdom as we ponder this consequential day.

Can There Be Hope In Light of The Events of 9/11?

In light of 9/11 we ask, is there any possibility of hope even in the context of hurt, tragedy and sadness?  I have to believe that there is.  Where is that hope found?  It’s found in the reality that there is Someone even bigger than the hurt, tragedy and sadness.  And the joy, peace and love that is found in Him is known and understood from an eternal perspective.

A Christian Thinks About 9/11 - Video

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