November 11th is “Veterans Day” in the United States America. This day is set aside to remember those who served or are currently serving in the military. The date was chosen to mark the anniversary of the end of hostilities in Europe during World War I. The day is shared internationally with European nations, where it is called “Armistice Day” in France, New Zealand, and Belgium and “Remembrance Day” in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
This year’s holiday is even more memorable due to the violence at Ft. Hood last week. It is sad that we lose our men and women in combat zones across the ocean, but to lose them at home is even worse. To all at Ft. Hood, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
We would like to thank all of our Veterans and their families for their service to our country, and we pray that all of our active duty members protected while in harms way. Our nation is with you.
I will never forget.
In some ways, it is hard to believe that eight years have passed. I remember that day so clearly as if it were just last year. My morning started just like any other. Every workday morning, I would walk into my office just before 9am and turn on my computer. From there, I would walk around the office making sure everything was up and ready for the workday. During this process, my computer boots up and automatically launches MSNBC online. When I returned to my desk, there was a scrolling message at the top of the screen saying a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. I’m thinking that it had to be one of those small personal planes that fly up and down the river, since no major airlines flew that low or that close to the city.
There was no active line on the news message, so I clicked on the refresh button to see if there was additional information. When the screen reloaded, it said that two commuter planes had collided and hit the World Trade Center. That made a more sense to me, since I could imagine how a damaged plane could not avoid the towers. I stepped out of my office to talk to my assistant to see if she had heard about the accident. We went back to my office to look at the news to see if there were any updates. I pressed the refresh button again, but this time nothing came up. (I would later come to find out that our service provider was routed through New York City, and hence the reason why the internet went down.)
At this point, the radios were turned on and work for the day basically came to a stand still. We learned the details of the attacks in New York as well as the one on the Pentagon. I walked around the building, checking in with the other departments during the day before going outside. The streets were quiet. The sky was free of planes. It looked like a ghost town wherever I turned, but then I noticed some activity across the street.
While my office was busy trying to catch up with the news of the morning, the day care center across the street had the children busy making signs of support and comfort, as well as American flags. The kids walked their creations to the side of the road and held them proudly. There weren’t many people on the street, but I’m sure the few concerned people that were racing home or to their loved ones felt a little better when seeing this display of hope and encouragement in the hands of our future generation.
That morning will stick with me for the rest of my life.
I will never forget.
The following is just a short list of the many websites that posted comments or tributes concerning the Fourth of July. Take a moment to visit their sites and read their articles or view their pictures marking our nation’s birthday.
A Disgruntled Republican talks about the local holiday celebration and picnic.
Cato @ Liberty cover the holiday radio addresses by President Obama and Senator McCain.
EGO marks the reopening of the Statue of Liberty and her crown to the public.
Just Politics praises our troops and displays a wonderful photo of our nation’s flag.
Pambie covers the appearance of former President Bush at an Oklahoma celebration.
Republican Ranting sends out warm wishes to all and thanks our troops.
TalkLeftsends well wishes to all, especially those who are subject to US law, as well as provides a speech by William Pitt, Earl of Chatman from 1741.
The New Clarion explains why the Fourth of July is a holiday that should be celebrated every day of the year.
The Pugnacious Irishman reviews the book “1776″ by David McCullough.
The Right Wing calls for people to remember those that died to give us the freedoms we enjoy (and are at risk of losing) today, including quotes from some less-than-famous people during the Revolutionary War.
Tom Rants quotes from the Declaration of Independence.
Happy Fourth of July! I know that many of you will be participating in TEA Party events, shooting off fireworks, cooking out on the grill, or traveling to see your friends and family on this day of celebration. Please, however, make sure that you take care. If you plan on drinking, call for a cab or designate a non-drinker to take you home. Additionally, be extra alert on the roads for any drunk drivers, especially late at night. I want you all to return home safely.
