Remembering Patriot Day
On September 11, 2001, the world witnessed a moment that will forever be etched in our collective memory. It was a time when people from all corners of the free world united in grief, standing as one voice to reject terrorism emphatically.
Rest assured; we make a solemn promise that we will never forget the sacrifices made on that fateful day and the unwavering courage displayed by countless individuals who came to the aid of others, not just on 9/11 but in the days that followed. Every life affected was precious, and we will always cherish their memories.
Here is a short story from our pages devoted to Sept. 11, 2001.
United
The other night I had a dream. I dreamt of Lady Liberty standing on Staten Island, just as she has for many years, when suddenly I noticed a single tear fall from her face. I also noticed a Bald Eagle fly down and land on her arm.
The Eagle said to Lady Liberty, "Lady why do you cry? I did not realize that you could know of this tragedy so quickly."
The Lady replied, "My friend, how could I not notice? The Towers are not that far away."
The Eagle said, "The Towers? I'm talking about the jet that crashed into the Pentagon."
The Lady said, "Two jets have crashed into the World Trade Center. Many lives I'm feared will be lost, and now you tell me of this. Yes, I know now that many innocent lives will be lost."
The Eagle said, "And, there is nothing that we can do to help these people. I wish so much that I could do something for them." A tear fell from the Eagles' eye, and he bowed his head in sadness.
Lady Liberty said, "Raise your head my friend, lift it high. You are an American Bald Eagle, a strong symbol of the United States. You carry within you the power to lift the Americans' spirits above and beyond this world.
The Eagle lifted his majestic head high, raised a wing and drying his eye, he said, "Lady, you are right, I know this, and I also know what I must do. I will help my Americans; I will fly high and proud for I am the American Bald Eagle."
Just then a voice from above was heard. "Yes, you must help in uniting this country, they all need you, both of you, now, more than ever. I must tell you this was no accident. Another jet has crashed in Pennsylvania. The hijackers were not able to fulfill their destination. Brave souls, aboard the plane, committed the most ultimate sacrifice, a strong heroic act."
Lady Liberty said to the voice, "I am willing to do my part and more. I unite with you and with the Eagle. But tell me, what will you do?"
The voice replied, "Same thing I do every day, my friend. I will listen, comfort, and share in their pain."
That moment the voice took human shape, He outreached his arms wide and with a warm embrace, held tight the United States of America.
God Bless AmericaCopyright © 2001 Melissa Knapp
