It’s weird, not living in NYC anymore means that there’s less of a potent and daily reminder of 9/11, especially on its anniversary. In fact, I didn’t even think about it until I woke up this morning to friend Broph’s facebook status — who served in Iraq post 9/11 — and remembered. And so, in the spirit of remembering, and always remembering, in that We will never forget sort of way, I’ll share:
“Never forget the darkness that intolerance, ignorance, and hatred can bring into this world.
Never forget the tragedy caused by radical militant fundamentalists.
Never forget that there are evil people who would inflict great harm and death on innocent people.
Never forget that the cure for this is for brave men and women who truly love freedom and humanity to take a stand against fascism, violence, and hatred. Sometimes this means sacrificing your own liberty, sometimes it means inflicting violence yourself, sometimes it means building and reaching out a helping hand. This always means having an open mind, caring deeply, and striving to make the world a safer place for everyone.
To all my brothers and sisters in arms, thank you for your service and willingness to step up to adversity rather than sit back.
To all the law enforcement personnel I know, thank you for your courage in doing an extremely difficult job.
To all the firefighters, thank you for your selflessness and bravery in rescuing those in need.
To all the medical personnel, thank you for your care and concern with human health and well being.
To all the humanitarians, thank you for your hard work to build better lives for people who are not as fortunate as we are here in the US.
To all the enemies of liberty and freedom, to those who would hurt an innocent, and to those who would impose their will onto others, as long as I am breathing you’ll have at least one reason to be afraid and at least one reason you will never win.”
Thanks to Broph, brothers and cousins, and well, everyone who serves, related to me or not, for your protection, dedication and service.