It’s the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9/11/2001. My heart goes out to all of those that lost loved ones, family members, and friends on that day. Surely this is a difficult day of remembrance for them. I believe many were catapulted to hero status that day for obvious reasons. From the heroic people on each flight, to the police and firemen that lost their lives trying to save others, a great deal of gratitude and respect is commanded for the lives that were taken that day. But will we allow their lives to be taken in vain?
I hear people say things like “we will never forget” or “that day will forever be remembered”, but why do we remember it? What is it about that day that causes us to refuse to forget? We boast that we will never forget but I think in many ways we already have. I remember the days following the attacks how people, as a nation, were praying and seeking God like never before. I remember churches being packed on Sunday mornings after the attacks. I remember hearing people make vows to God, and each other, to live a better life. I remember people claiming that this day changed their life forever and they’d never be the same. But what happened to that desire to change? When our fears subsided did we run back to the safety of our own abilities? Did we forget the God we cried out to for help in our time of great desperation? It seems so.
I urge you today to remember 9/11/2001 and each life that was taken on that dreadful day. But more than anything else I plead with you to not let the lives that were taken on 9/11/2001 be in vain. Remember the vows that you made to God and others and pay them, less a worse calamity come upon us. If we forget the vows we made to God and others during that time of great despair how can we truly claim to remember?