In Remembrance - Sept. 11, 2001

Today marks the 8th anniversary of the destruction of the World Trade Centre twin towers in New York City, as two passenger jetliners were flown into them by hijackers. Also attacked in the same manner was the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.; a fourth plane was taken down by its passengers in a Pennsylvania field before it could reach its destined target (which we can only speculate at).

While I don't always agree with how the memory of 9/11 has been used by some in the United States, it did mark a day on which 'We were all Americans'; thousands of innocent people died, for having the temerity to live where they lived, and to work where they worked. It was a day, and a time that followed, of great heroism and courage and coming together as a community. The increased security thereafter, and the two wars in Afghanistan and Iraq which followed, only compound the tragedy wrought by the Sept. 11 hijackers.

But today, in the spirit of 'hope', I would like to look at the positive; to remember the emergency workers and volunteers, ordinary citizens who were anything but ordinary, working to save people from the rubble of the fallen towers; men and women in harm's way today for causes they believe in, to make the world a better place, even if not everyone always agrees; and let us remember, that while there might have been reasons for 9/11, there were no excuses. As our lives over the years have slowly but surely returned back to normal, let us never forget the best, and worst, of humanity tha was revealed to us on that day.

Peace to all the survivors, and the families of victims, and remember as always to keep your family and loved ones close; you never know when your last opportunity to do so might be. Be well, and much love - Sarah.