Post by Bri on May 24, 2009 6:45:02 GMT -5
As Memorial Day approaches us again this year, I just wanted to share an observation I've noticed.
The days after the 9-11 attacks, there were stories about the inventory of American Flags being depleted across the country as American citizens rallied to show support for our country in a great time of crisis and turmoil. We say flags hanging from millions of homes, practically every business and even from overpasses on interstates across the country. Pride in America was at a fever pitch and we were once again proud to be an American. We honored not only those innocent lives that were lost in those attacks, but also all those who gave their all so we might enjoy the freedoms we do today.
Fast forward 8 years and look around. Hardly any homes are flying the American flag now, at least in my town and surrounding communities. People seem to have forgotten what this country went through back in 2001, choosing rather to put those vivid images back in the deep recesses of the mind, hoping never to see them again. The pain, suffering, senseless loss, destruction and cruel end of human life has been clouded through the years and people are once again absorbed in their own worlds again. The latest winner of American Idol, what state is approving gay marriage next, who's the biggest loser this year, what Hollywood star is suffering from depression and unexplained weight loss or gain...the distractions are too numerous to follow.
I spent over a month at Ground Zero, arriving there less than 2 hours after the 1st Tower collapsed. While I don't dwell on what I experienced there, not a single day goes by that I don't think of those we lost and the millions of lives affected by the radicalism of a small group of extremists who made such a huge impact on world affairs.
So, with this being said, and the Memorial Day Holiday upon us once again, I want to take this chance to once again remind people of what we endured as a country. I also want to encourage each and every person who reads this to take pride in this country and fly an American flag from your home. Let's show the world we are still united and care about this great country we live in.
The days after the 9-11 attacks, there were stories about the inventory of American Flags being depleted across the country as American citizens rallied to show support for our country in a great time of crisis and turmoil. We say flags hanging from millions of homes, practically every business and even from overpasses on interstates across the country. Pride in America was at a fever pitch and we were once again proud to be an American. We honored not only those innocent lives that were lost in those attacks, but also all those who gave their all so we might enjoy the freedoms we do today.
Fast forward 8 years and look around. Hardly any homes are flying the American flag now, at least in my town and surrounding communities. People seem to have forgotten what this country went through back in 2001, choosing rather to put those vivid images back in the deep recesses of the mind, hoping never to see them again. The pain, suffering, senseless loss, destruction and cruel end of human life has been clouded through the years and people are once again absorbed in their own worlds again. The latest winner of American Idol, what state is approving gay marriage next, who's the biggest loser this year, what Hollywood star is suffering from depression and unexplained weight loss or gain...the distractions are too numerous to follow.
I spent over a month at Ground Zero, arriving there less than 2 hours after the 1st Tower collapsed. While I don't dwell on what I experienced there, not a single day goes by that I don't think of those we lost and the millions of lives affected by the radicalism of a small group of extremists who made such a huge impact on world affairs.
So, with this being said, and the Memorial Day Holiday upon us once again, I want to take this chance to once again remind people of what we endured as a country. I also want to encourage each and every person who reads this to take pride in this country and fly an American flag from your home. Let's show the world we are still united and care about this great country we live in.