Seven years ago, the terrorists flew their planes into our lives. Thousands died, and those who survived were left with stark, emotional memories. Like many Americans, my plane was grounded. I was stuck in Niagra Falls, NY waiting and watching with the rest of America for life to return to some semblance of sanity. After listening to one of President Bush’s stirring messages from ground zero, I wrote the following op-ed letter. It’s worth reading now as a reminder of what we went through. It let’s us know why we must not forget, why we must have the resolve to win the war against terrorism and why we must elect McCain/Palin on November 4th! Do you remember or have you forgotten? Maybe this entry from 2001 will help!

Yes, Mr. President, "The entire world has seen the state of our union, and it is strong!" Thank you for encouraging patient restraint and iron resolve in making sure that justice will be done no matter how long it takes. As Americans, we are ready to support you and our military, but we as citizens must continue to do our part. On September 11, 2001, there were real victims from a tragic and evil attack, and the world has provided tears, prayers and unprecedented support. But unlike tragic movies or plays, this tragedy is but one chapter in a never-ending story of the greatest democracy in the world. We have just been introduced to our newest enemy--international terrorism--and, like patriots of old, we are now called to write the rest of the story.

For we who live are not the victims, we are the survivors. We are not victims resigned to helplessness and despair, we are patriotic survivors who endure, marshal resolve to meet challenges, persist and succeed. Abraham Lincoln spoke to those gathered in Gettysburg on November 19, 1863 to commemorate another difficult American chapter in our history. His comforting and challenging words could just as easily been delivered to us today:

"The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what (happened) here. It is for us the living rather to be dedicated here to...the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth."

It is our turn to write America's next chapter together. America is a nation of dynamic and vital people who embrace life...so we must all seize this and every day! For we are patriots! Fly the flag, sing your hymns and patriotic songs, give blood, donate funds, invest in American corporations, support our leaders and the military, be watchful and prepared to fight as needed, hug, mourn, pray, laugh, rally our resolve with all responsible Americans of all races and religions, buy things, enjoy ball games, work, create, travel, give thanks and live life fully. Freedom is not a birthright of America or any democracy. It must be earned and reearned in every age. Now, as patriots of this age, it is our time to earn it again.

Terry Paulson

Where were you when the terrorists attacked? What’s worth remembering from your 9/11 experience?