On freedom, peace and being an American.

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.

Ronald Reagan

~~~~

On this day, September 11, 2001, we must remember and honor the lives lost in the attacks on our Nation. We must remember, too, that freedom is something not to be taken for granted and we are not immortal. Unspeakable atrocities happen in this world and it is up to each and every one of us to appreciate the relative peace that comes with being an American. No, we are not all living Utopian lives and we are not all wealthy. We are not all free from pain or grief.

We, however, do have a strong Constitution, a brotherhood and sense of community that will remain so long as we work to preserve it. After 9/11, people came together in support, love and hopes of peace. The Nation was awakened. While there are many on both sides of the fence concerning war and involvement in missions throughout the world, this is not a partisan issue. Freedom, justice and domestic tranquility are a goal shared by all parties. We must remember this. So, on this day, I urge you not to be concerned whether or not we should be fighting a way. There is a something bigger at stake. Something so much bigger than you and I, but it takes you and I to be the ones to always remember that in one day, in one morning, in an instant our sense of security and safety can be shattered.

Be kind to your neighbors, open your eyes to that which you were ignorant to before, share your vision for peace, get involved--in something, anything, and if you are an American, figure out what that means for you. Define your American citizenship by what you do and not what you say.

~~~~

United we stand, divided we fall.
Aesop