Remembering That Day

Days We All Remember

Its been my experience that few things in life have the power to unite as many people as tragedy on a national scale, especially when that tragedy strikes unexpectedly and/or causes the deaths and sorrow of innocent fellow human beings.  These horrific events leave indelible marks on the memories, hearts and souls of everyone.

In my lifetime there have been many, but there are a few days that stand out as truly sad ones for people everywhere, and most of us remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when we heard the awful news. The day President Kennedy was taken from us (though I was still in diapers), the morning the Challenger fell from the sky in flames, the day Princess Diana was killed in that tunnel, and of course, that perfectly ordinary September morning in 2001, when so many innocent men and women, and so many American heroes lost their lives in New York City, Washington D.C. and that empty field in PA.

A Suckerpunch That Hit Us All

There are a lot of theories behind the events that morning, and we all know the results that followed this cold-blooded attack on American innocents. In the end, it doesn't really matter who you believe was behind the massacre of so many people that day, and whether or not you agree with the politics of the aftermath ... because when those buildings came down, we stepped up.  True American heroes gave their all, and many gave their lives, to help and save as many of the wounded and dying as they could, not for money or glory, or even because it was their job, but simply because it was the right thing to do.

Without the brave police, fire, health-care and emergency workers (not to mention the accountants, stockbrokers, hotdog vendors, janitors and those from many other professions), who ran toward the smoke and rubble that morning instead of away, the toll would have been much larger. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

We will also always remember and honor the patriotism and valor of all the brave fighting men and women who answered their country's call to arms, and joined in the battle to protect our way of life from those who would see us fall.  I salute each and every American soldier who put our national interest ahead of their own ... those who have fallen in war, those who have returned home to their families, and those who are still out there risking their lives to protect my family and loved ones here at home.

From the deepest part of me, I thank you all.

Powerful Memories Make For Powerful Words

My youngest son Woody was only 8 years old on that fateful day, but the memories remain strong for him as well. The two of us collaborated on, and published, a book of poetry last year ... He actually wrote all of the poems in the book, and for each one I created a large 20"x16" image, an accompanying visual poem, if you will.

One of the poems he wrote for the book was about that morning, and is called The Fallen Towers. The following is a small version of a much larger image that was inspired by, and created for, this poem. If you'd like to read this wonderful commemorative rhyme, dedicated to the soldiers and civilians who lost their lives that day, please click the image below ...

The Fallen Towers

One last thing, before you go - If you have the time and the ability this week, say thank you to someone you know who gives of themselves to help make your community, your neighborhood, your life, better .... and let the veterans in your life know how much you appreciate their service.

You never know, but one of these people might very well end up coming to your rescue, if the unthinkable happens and we suffer another day that we all end up remembering. A simple request that comes

From Grandpa's Heart ...