What are we fighting for?

God Bless America

First of all, let me just say that it AMAZES me how people have forgotten. In my opinion, everyone should find some way to honor ALL of the Americans that lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks 8 years ago. Almost every Firefighter or EMT has made a comment about their coworkers who perrished. Granted, today I'm wearing a fire department t-shirt honoring the first due truck to the WTC. But what about all the others? Those brave people who helped bring down the plane in PA. In my mind, their actions were braver than those of the firefighters (Here is where I brace myself for the difference in opinion) Firefighters go to work every day knowing they may not come home. Let's face it, it's part of the risk associated with the job. But those men and women were boarding a plane, leading ordniary "safe" lives. Those people are my heroes. They made a decision they knew would be their last. And they were completely selfless. The fact that they made that decision as "ordinary" people is what makes them extraordinary in my eyes.

I don't intend to discount any of the other brave men and women who gave their lives. They too are heroes. I just think that sometimes we, especially the firefighting community, forgets about everyone else that day.

I was completly distressed today when I dropped my son off for his first day of Pre-School. When we got dressed this morning, he wanted to know why I insisted he wear a shirt with an American flag on the front. I told him that today was the day God made many people heroes. When I dropped him off at school, I was surprised to see that virtually none of the other children were wearing anything that might signify what today is. I certainly don't expect children to understand the meaning of it, but, as parents, isn't our job to teach children respect? I think the children should at least have an awareness that today is special. It leads me to believe that the date is already forgotten.