In Remembrance of 911

"The sick do not ask if the hand that smoothes their pillow is pure, nor the dying care if the lips that touch their brow have known the kiss of sin." ~ Oscar Wilde

Tomorrow will mark the ten year anniversary since 911 - Spetember 11, 2001 - a day clearly marked in American history due to the atrocious acts of terrorism that were committed against us. Do you remember where you were on that fateful day when you heard the news? Hardly any of us can forget. I was at work when a co-worker of mine told me that he had just heard that a plane had hit one of the Twin Towers in New York City. At first, we wondered what had happened to cause the pilot to lose control like that and hit a major landmark like The World Trade Center. Before long, however, as several of us listened to the news on a radio, we heard of the second plane hitting the other Tower and we realized that this was no accident; the nation was under attack by people who obviously wanted to do us some serious harm. We were shocked and scared at the same time, "what was going on? Who was behind these attacks? How many more planes had been hijacked and where were they targeting next?"

Before long, work had practically come to a standstill for most of us as we listened and watched for more updates on the radio and online. We would eventually all be allowed to go home early that day, right after we said a prayer together, holding hands in solidarity and love, not really knowing what this meant for our future as a country.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1 (NIV)


What I remember most in the days and months that followed 911 is the sense of solidarity and unity we felt as Americans. There was no "white America" or "black America" or "brown America". There was no "liberal" or "conservative" or "independent", we were all in it for the long haul (until the Iraq war started) to help one another cope and overcome the tragedy that we had experienced. When I watch the documentary reminders of what happened on that day, I see people from all walks of life trying to assist one another, helping others regardless of race, gender, or socio-economic status.

Suffering can often be a great equalizer when it comes to humility and bringing out the best in people. When I think of how much concern there was for our fellow human beings in the days that followed 911, I often wonder why it often takes tragedies of that kind to bring out the best in human spirit. When people are hurting, they don't care what your status is in life, they just want help, and really don't care where the help comes from as long as they get it.

Compare and contrast where we were as a nation then and now. Split by political factions and corporate, political, and individual interests, we could not be any more different in our consciousness than we were in the days and few months that followed that tragic day. Liberals hate Conservatives and Consevatives hate liberals (but then again, what else is new). If President Obama says the sky is blue, Republicans and the Tea Party are obligated to say it's red. Almost every move made by those in power is to satisfy their bottom line, even it means doing so at other people's expense.

As we remember those who were lost and the loss of innocence that occured on such a large scale on 911, may we never forget the spirit of solidarity and concern that we had for one another in the immediate days following the tragedy. So many of us are hurting, whether it be due to the poor economy, or personal issues (that we often hide by wearing "happy-masks"). But if we would take the time to get to know one another beyond the stereotypical labels , we would actually see the common human spirit we share and be there to help each other out in times of need. This is the primary lesson I get from reading the Gospels. Jesus loved people; This love led him to make the ultimate sacrifice for our redemption. As we are touched by this love, we cannot help but be compelled to love others.

God bless the souls of those lost on 911. And for the families and friends who lost loved ones, Time really doesn't heal all wounds, but we can continue to remember our loved ones in a positive light. And for the thousands of soldiers who have died or been wounded in the war against terrorism, God bless you, and thank you for your service. Our very freedom is a product of your sacrifice and service.

As always, with peace and love,

Stephen O. Akinduro