At 8:30 pm, President Bush prepared to address the nation - to address 320 million Americans who had witnessed an unspeakable tragedy. He gave these words:
"Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes or in their offices: secretaries, business men and women, military and federal workers, moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge -- huge structures collapsing have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong.
A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining. Today, our nation saw evil -- the very worst of human nature -- and we responded with the best of America... with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could....
I have directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible for these evil acts and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them."
Before going to bed that night, President Bush would write this in his diary:
"The Pearl Harbor of the 21st century took place today.... We think it's Osama bin Laden."
Those working at the scene hoping to find any survivors were horrified. There were places they walked where they saw body parts -- parts of human bodies... hands, legs. Mayor Guiliani would later report:
"We recovered about 19,000 body parts - a very small percentage of intact bodies. About half of the families got something they were able to bury and the other half got nothing.''
Today - 10 years later - we stand here not as Men or Women, Young or Old, Rich or Poor, or members of any ethnic group. We do not stand here as laborers or professionals or housewives or public servants. Or as Christians or non-Christians. We are Americans. On the morning of 9/11, our enemies didn't target any one group over another. They targeted Americans. Firefighters and other first responders risked their lives to save those dying and in danger.. They didn't see the scared and suffering in terms of race, religion, gender, or profession. They simply saw them as fellow Americans.
The spirit that the terrorists tried so hard to kill on September 11 has never been stronger. The attacks only solidified our commitment that America will survive and freedom will ring. The attacked forged a new generation of patriots. Men and women have been inspired in force to join the armed services. Over 3 million have volunteered.
Today is a day to remember the attack on our country, the overwhelming response by first responders, and the tremendous outpouring of support and love for fellow Americans. Today we honor those who died for no reason other than they happened to be where they were on that morning. The display of the flag at half-mast, the participation in remembrance services, the watching of footage on TV, and the saying of prayers is about respect and an unspoken duty to keep 9/11 from fading in significance. It's about a solemn promise to fellow Americans to keep their spirit and sacrifice alive. As Scottish poet Thomas Campbell wrote:
"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." 3000 unarmed, innocent Americans were targeted for death in NYC and Washington DC because they were Americans. It could have easily been my husband or my child who was on one of those planes, or your husband, wife, or child.
Today we renew our respect for firefighters and others who quickly and unconditionally respond to emergency and tragedy. We recall the contribution from the brave firefighters who lost friends and family and even their own lives. We thank the clergy who performed last rights and comforted those who were injured and dying. Their words and presence meant more than we can ever know. 343 firemen and paramedics lost their lives on that fateful morning. They crawled up fiery blackened, smoke-filled staircases to save complete strangers... And they willingly did so. We have such fondness and respect for our firefighters. They are a special breed. You see, the death card is one that every firefighter carries in his hand. He hopes he never has to play it, but it's always there. Every time we hear a siren or a fire truck wail, we instantly know that a life will be saved. Sadly, we never know if the fireman's life will be sacrificed.
As we recall the barbaric events of the morning of 9/11 and the human tragedy that unfolded before our eyes, and as we participate in remembrance services, we look for the soothing words that only members of the clergy can deliver. Reverend Michael Bresciani said: "If a hundred clergy were called to pray at the ceremony they could do nothing to bring back those lost in the 9/11 attack." But it would have been an act of respect, of consolation, and above all, a welcome reprieve from the indignations the families have already endured (including the fact that certain perpetrators of 9/11 have yet to be brought to justice, let alone even tried, a triumphant mosque near Ground Zero that is moving forward in its development, and an atheist suit that has been filed to remove the cross - a remnant from the crumbled towers - that was intended to be part of a memorial display). People look to clergy for comfort and empathy, and in fact, it was in this very capacity that Father Mychal Judge, chaplain of the NY Fire Department, lost his life at the site of the flaming Towers. He was in the lobby of the South Tower administering last rites when it collapsed. Debris flew everywhere, striking Father Mychal in the head. It was reported that at the time he was struck, he was praying out loud: "Jesus, please end this right now! God, please end this!" When I was in high school, Father Mychal served at St. Joseph's parish in my hometown of East Rutherford, in north Jersey. I was in a youth group at the time.
It is said that the test of any religion, government, political system, or educational system is the type of man or person that it forms. Let us think about that as we reflect on the events of 9/11 and let us hope that the events of that day will forever inspire us to put forth the best leaders in the world, committed to freedom, peace, and security.
May all those who died on 9/11 rest in peace and may we continue to remember what happened on that horrible day...
Publisher's note: Contributor Diane Rufino also serves of co-publisher for Pitt County NOW.
poll#11
Those "crazy to kill" people whose hands were on box cutters and controls were even stupid to believe 40 virgins awaited them as a heavenly reward. Further after-analysis showed some of them purchased porno movies the night before they killed.
What it shows clearly to me is that sex and violence go hand-in-hand. A lusting mind can turn black into white, given enough bad leadership.
I hope when Satan met them in that fire, the Bible is absolutely right that an eternity of damnation awaits such people---not any virgins and lust-satisfaction!