Dear Michael Barbour,
Signs of fall are all around us here in Maine. The morning air is chilly, the sky has turned that special blue, the blueberry bushes that have been harvested have turned a brilliant red and September marks the official end of summer.
September also marks the anniversary of the event that changed our many lives forever.
September 11, 2001. I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news. I was hours away from my kids and I was scared. My driver turned the car around and we raced home. I went directly to school and got my babies home and like so many others sat glued to the tv watching life as we knew it change forever.
From our living rooms we watched in real time the horror and carnage, but we also witnessed incredible acts of heroism and humanity.
But I also remember Sept 12th. Our little community gathered that night for a prayer in front of the town hall. Everyone hugging, crying, and comforting each other. There was a marked change in how people engaged with each other from casual encounters in a grocery store to the church pews overflowing with congregations seeking guidance navigating a new threat to our safety, and possibly, freedom.
In the wake of that terrible day, we came together as Americans. We were America, proud of first responders, volunteers and the many young people who joined the military to defend our wounded Country.
I remember, and speak often of, a commercial that showed a row of houses and the narration, “On September 11 terrorists tried to change our Country forever.” The next shot is of every house displaying the American Flag and the simple statement, “well, they succeeded.” It still stirs me to tears, 21 years later.
As we pause to remember on 9/11, I hope we can also reflect on the amazing efforts of those who have survived and succeeded, and those who rallied to meet the unique needs of victims and their families.
WAA’s mission, that is carried out by our many volunteers, includes opportunities to share in important remembrances. We hope you will join us on the 11th as we have our annual flag waving and also on Labor Day, as we Ring a Bell for Rosies, another opportunity to share the spirit of Americans working together for the common good.
“We’re blessed to have the opportunity to stand for something-liberty and freedom and fairness. And these are things worth fighting for, worth devoting our lives to.” President Ronald Reagan
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