9 . 11 . 2001

Our little online community here, the place where we congress at our leisure to gripe, complain, laugh, explore, learn, and make friends; is a fine example of one of our American Freedoms. The freedom of free assembly.

It is important that Americans take a time out once in a while to understand and remember that this great country of ours was once a grand and unique experiment. There was nothing like the idea that is The United States of America on the face of the world before its formation. A country founded on the will of its people, for its people, and by its people. With unheard of freedoms guaranteed at its founding, and hard-earned freedoms gained as the young country grew.

It is important to remember because it is easy to become complacent in the comfort that those Americans that came before us fought, bled, worked, slaved, and died for. And not just here. Americans have fought and died in and for foreign lands to protect the idea of freedom from very real tyranny and oppression. Those Americans will never come home; those that died to protect the homes of strangers.

But on this, the 7th anniversary of the attacks of 9.11.2001, we should take pause and be rightly stirred by the memory. It was a poignant and tragic reminder that there will always be those that hate freedom and wish its end. There are those that do not care what you think, and only seek your submission for their ends. And, horribly, there are those that simply want the world to burn. It is a reminder of the price of freedom: Eternal vigilance.

So as we lose ourselves in the petty complaints of our comfort: Who won American Idol? Who sucked? Who does that politician think he is? Who will go get pizza? Who will pay the cable bill? Who will see to my aches and pains? Et-cetera, ad nausea. Let us also take a moment to remember those who came before and paid the finite price that we may have the freedom to complain and the freedom to assemble to do so.

God bless us all. God bless the United States of America.

— theGardener

Below: Four paintings by Norman Rockwell illustrating Four American Freedoms as articulated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt: Freedom of Speech. Freedom of Worship. Freedom from Want, and (the one I'm most thankful for) Freedom from Fear

"Don't just complain... Be a Snarky Sarkie!" Click Here!

Read More of TheGardener's Journal Here.

By Teacherteacher
Posted September 11, 2008 at 10:47 am
Report post

TeeGee,
May we keep our freedoms in the forefront of our minds and never forget to be thankful for those who keep it possible and made it possible.

Your eloquence to bring forward those memories is something I am very thankful for.
TT

By Pat-y
Posted September 11, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Report post

TeeGee,
Thank you for your well put words, they are a reminder that we do have much to be thankful and grateful for. Not only to the troops who protect our freedoms today but the men that fought for an idea of freedom....and the right to say God Bless America! Thanks, Pat-y

By JanetGrant
Posted September 12, 2008 at 1:41 am
Report post

Dear TG,

Thank you for this. I had just finished watching a special on 9/11/01 on the History Channel, as filmed and seen through the eyes of people who just happened to be there that day, with their video cameras. It was gut wrenching to watch.

Freedom from Fear is also the one that I am the most thankful for.

God Bless... Janet

By smilinginside
Posted September 12, 2008 at 2:12 am
Report post

tee, Thank you for your beautiful words. As a medic that was there on standby and my husband who is also a fireman and medic that was there , and of course seeing the start of it all from across the water at our house........ not fun. i know i will never forget and neither should anyone else. too many friends, unknowns and fellow firemen and we say "murdered" and never found but they will always be remembered. thank you again! eileen

By Sarasota
Posted September 12, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Report post

TG, you bring tears to my eyes and joy to my heart with your words. I pray every night for God to keep the U.S.A. safe. Those that mean all of us harm are walking amongst us even now, and those on foreign soil contemplate ways to end our way of life; not only our lives. We should all stand proud when our FLAG goes by, or draped over a coffin. Our freedom is not free. We all came together as a nation, as a people, as if we really could respect each other and look after one's neighbor when we lived thru such a tragic time in our lives. We must NOT ever forget. Register to vote so you can make a difference. Share with others whatever you have to share; even a smile or a hug. Thank a soldier, thank a police office, thank a fireman. They would and do give their life for all of us. God Bless Us and Keep Us. Love to all of you, SarasotaSandy

By gonenatural
Posted September 13, 2008 at 9:42 am
Report post

Thank you Gardener and Everyone,

I went to the site of 9-11 apx 1 yr after the event and they where still finding "items" in the church nearby and the church was still helping the workers. The photos and personal belongs hanging on the fence. You could not help yourself not to cry. I still carry that feeling with me.
I went and spoke to the firemen who where 1st to respond and thanked them and thanked all the policemen I saw.
I was sitting in my living room watching it happen on tv as soon as it was put on live.
For all who lost someone I am sorry.

Let's never forget 9-11. I am sorry I missed the special on History Channel but have some amazing books and dvd's on it.

Gone Natural

By quincycat
Posted September 14, 2008 at 1:44 am
Report post

Great reminders above.

And remember that our cause around sarcoidosis is linked to the brave rescue workers who survived on 9/11 to then spend months at the WTC clean-up.

http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/full/131/5/1414

World Trade Center "Sarcoid-Like" Granulomatous Pulmonary Disease in New York City Fire Department Rescue Workers
Chest. 2007; 131:1414-1423

Welcome to Inspire!

Explore topics in this journal entry and replies:

11 replies

Add to the discussion

You