Letter to the Editor

Your View 9/11: United we "still" stand

Wednesday, September 11, 2002

Some of you may or may not remember a letter of mine published a year ago, following the tragic terrorist attacks upon our great country that killed thousands of innocent citizens. After having many positive comments, one very recent, I felt the need to express and answer some of my questions from last year.

Thanks to the love and camaraderie of my family, fellow coworkers, church friends and most of all, God, I have lost the hatred that was in my heart last year. I only now feel sorry for the confusion in the terrorists' hearts that they have been led to believe their while lives, the hatred they have been taught and their teachers, are the culprits and should be convicted of such a heinous crime.

Personally, and thankfully, I didn't lose any family members due to this tragedy. That hasn't stopped my heart from breaking every time I think of all those who did. The emptiness they must now feel is more than I could ever imagine. Let us not forget the survivors and the families of those lost, for they are the ones who need our help. I've heard some say, "Look at all the money they've already gotten collected for them. That's more than they deserve or will ever need in their lifetime." But when I hear this, I think to myself, "I'm sure they would give it all back four-fold for another hug or kiss from their lost loved one, and this is a small price to pay, no matter what sum of money they got for the life of an innocent loved one." This selfishness is what got our country into the turmoil that has caused so many problems we have to this day! Let us remember to look at a dollar bill every time we spend one. The inscription of "In God We Trust" should be all the answer we need.

I am so proud of the millions of Americans that have shown their pride by flying their flags at home and on their cars - the magnets and the clothing. It's amazing that you can now go anywhere in public with 20 or more people and I would bet at least one of them will have patriotic attire on. This is what I meant a year ago when I said that we need to "stand united."

It appears now that people all over our great country have had their wake-up call and this makes me very proud to be an American. I see a new kindness among people, smiles for that "stranger" that weren't there before and old grudges lifted. No, we're not done yet, but we've come a long way in 12 short months. Let's not slow down or let the cynicals ruin our views or harden our hearts.

The kinder, gentler nation is alive and kicking!!

DPN