If you're like me, watching the events of September 11 you were first horrified, then shocked to think this could happen. I mean, I've always known it was possible and that Americans in general have been too blasé in the about it. Too many have said "It'll never happen here." How quickly we forget the past.
In the days that followed 9-11, I was mesmerized by the television, numbed by the brutality, unable to fully comprehend the loss not just to person and property but to safety and security. On 9-11, we lost something we may never get back that feeling of being safe at home. As we attended church services and stood outside holding candles and singing patriotic songs, we sought that peace we had always known. People wept openly. I, for one, found it hard not to cry when I thought about it, when I heard the names of those lost.
One thing those that would harm us failed to comprehend, something they forgot about, was that America was founded on religious tolerance and a strong belief in God. If you've read the writings of Thomas Jefferson, you also know that America was founded on the strong brotherhood of man. Standing together. Holding up those who were unable to hold up themselves. The terrorists forgot about that.
We've gotten a wake up call. A hard, nasty, ugly wake-up call. I hope we don't forget it too soon.
God bless America and God bless the world.
Judy Regini
2002
