It’s been 20 years since Americans were shocked and glued to their tv watching the attack on America by Muslim extremists.  We could focus more about them and their ideology and how it is reflected in today’s culture but we’ll leave that for later.  Today it is about those who are not here and died suddenly.

Here is a link to some of the most historic pictures of that day.  Please share them with your family and friends — most especially with your grand children who were not here for that tragic event.  They need to know what happened. Knowledge is power and empowering our loved ones is important.    Pictures

And this song might be a good one to share with them too:  Have you forgotten?

Here is an unknown artists memorial rendering of that day.  The artist took the pictures of every individual who died that day and if you enlarge it, you can see their faces.  They were real people and they were creating their own life stories.  So many were killed but so many others in their families were left without moms, dads, grandparents, children, friends, etc.  The rippling effect of that senseless act changed the lives of generations.  

Reflect on what you have done for the last 20 years and remember — they didn’t have that option to finish projects, schooling, raising children, building a business, etc.  Let us remember them and finish the job we were sent here to do – with excellence and love for our fellow man.

We all have a story to tell about where we were on that day.  Tell it.  Share it.  Talk about it.  It’s an honorable thing to do for those faces above.  For me I was on the I-95 heading to a business meeting in Palm Beach.  Of course it was canceled but years later this song came out and I was surprised to hear the words “were you driving down the interstate.”  Candidly when it happened I felt all alone on I-95 and instead of looking at cars around me, I was looking to the sky to see if another plane was ready to attack all the while praying to God to help us.  All I could think about was getting home to my family.  There is more to that story but it was the longest day of my life trying to get back home and hug my children and tell them it was going to be all right.  Play this and remember where you were when the world stopped turning.   Alan Jackson

There are others who should be remembered today too.  Those who joined the military to go fight the bad guys on their turf.  Many died and many were maimed as they boldly put on their uniform and faced the giants of evil.  We salute them today and vow to never forget why we went there.

I’ll end with this – the words of Billy Graham who spoke shortly after the 9/11 attack.  He brought the world a message of Hope and people were clinging to his words.  Churches and synagogues were filled to capacity and we were all in love with each other.  There was no rage on the highways and courtesy to each other seemed “normal.”  Flags were flying.  The National Anthem was sung without embarrassment.  The world seemed nicer after the attack.  9/12/01 was probably the sweetest day for Americans as we all came together as one people.  Pray for another 9/12 but also realize, it usually comes from another 9/11.    Billy Graham’s message

God bless all of you and never, ever give up on what you are working on.  The world awaits your passionate endeavors.  

“Americans never quit.” — Douglas MacArthur