Remember The Heroes - Page 2
REMEMBERING THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES
... and those they left behind
"Memory nourishes the heart, and grief abates."
Marcel Proust
November 16, 2001Many disasters in our past have taught us lessons for our future. I hope the unity, shared in this time of crisis, will be our lesson for the years to come.
"In unity our strength lies, and on unity our hope for success rests. So let us never forget that unity is the legacy of our American democracy. Through the veins of America, flows the blood of all mankind- from every continent, every culture, and every creed. Every child who learns, and every man who finds work, and every sick body made whole -like a candle added to an altar- brightens the hope of all the faithful."
Lyndon B. Johnson
Submitted by James W., Age 14
November 16, 2001When you remember September 11th, don't cry, don't cry anymore. I want you to know that you are not alone. There is something inside you so strong, stronger than the enemy outside. The Lord is with you, take heart and be strong. God bless you.
"When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."
Isaiah 43:2.
Submitted by Lewis T.O. --- Accra, Ghana
November 16, 2001Is it possible to grieve for those whom you have never met? I think that it is possible to feel genuine grief and pain for the deaths and injuries of people whom you have never known, simply because they are PEOPLE - no different than you or I.Although it is a horrible experience to feel the pain and sorrow that we are all feeling right now, we should be grateful that God has blessed humanity with an ability to grieve. It enables us to acknowledge our losses and show our respect for the deceased. It means that those who died on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 are not and will never be forgotten, as long as humanity exists on this earth.
Written by J.G. --- Washington D.C.
October 1, 2001THE DAY SWEET LIBERTY CRIED
God gazed down from heaven, a tear in His eye,
for His name was what spurred their battle cry.
Filled with grief never known by man,
seeing innocent blood spread upon our land.
An unspeakable strike aimed at our heart,
intended to tear our motherland apart.
Designed to bring our people to their knees,
Instead an angelic chorus was lifted in the breeze.
Although on that day sweet Liberty cried,
no act of terror could break America's pride.
For our souls cannot be bound or contained by fearful chains,
because it is God that breathes the freedom that courses through our veins.
In God We Trust, our young nation used to pray,
but over time were told they were words we could not say.
Even though from Him we drifted apart,
The distance did not change His loving heart.
He promises He can bring good from any pain,
And no man can stop His kingdom's reign.
A country or earthly rulers cannot make us free,
It is only through faith in Him submitted on bended knee.
On that day Sweet Liberty did cry,
But now all her tears have been wiped dry
For evil came to destroy on September Eleven,
But victory will belong to our Father in Heaven.
All hope may waver and evil may have a fleeting role,
But know our loving Father is as always, in control.
So even in this, our darkest and mournful hour,
Splintered we are not, but united in His power.
Copyright © 2001 Todd Wielgos
September 25, 2001I dedicate this inspiration to our fellow neighbors in America and my heart is with them.
Crystal Casebeer --- Alberta, Canada
"If you choose to give, give from the heart. The true recognition of giving should be how you feel when you perform the great deed. To be recognized for a great deed should not be the intent to your gesture. Giving is a performance that takes heart and warmth, not selfishness and fame.
GIVE WITH YOUR HEART."
Copyright © 2001 Crystal Casebeer
September 25, 2001A quote from Churchill as he expressed the United Kingdom's appreciation for the Allied armies during WWII. This quote can be associated with the many workers at the World Trade Centers as they risk their lives to aid those in need.
"Never has so many, owed so much, to so few."
Winston Churchill
Sent in by James W., Age 14 --- Ohio
September 24, 2001When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it... Always.
Mahatma Gandhi
Submitted by Sally N., Age 16 --- B.C., Canada
September 24, 2001Our love and prayers are with you all. May our lord, Jesus Christ, bless you and keep you safe. We are all joined together as a Christian family, you in your small corner and I in mine.
Love from the Peafield Community Church
Mansfield, Nottingham, UK.
September 24, 2001All these are compilations from Our Daily Bread and I would want people who are suffering to have a piece of these that changed my life to a better one. I know that all the help they are getting isn't enough to ease the pain of the tragedy, September 11, 2001, that claimed thousands of lives but let God's word touch, heal your heart and let go.
Only the good memories will be remembered as long as we live. One thing I can attest to this is GOD CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS because He saved me from the lion's den when I forgot that there is GOD. LET US TRUST AND HAVE FAITH. Let God lead the way so we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Lord, give us the grace to trust you
when life's burden seems too much to bear;
Dispel darkness with new hope,
And help us rise above despair.
Help us, Lord, to be a lifeline
To a dying world today,
Bringing hope to hopeless people
As we share salvation's way.
Reaching out to needy children,
Showing them our love and care,
Is one way that God can use us
To bring hope in their despair.
What God is doing you may not know now,
Hereafter He may tell you why;
Questions that taunt you and trouble your mind
Will someday have heavens reply.
In times of greatest trouble,
I've learned to trust God's word;
or through the spirit's teaching
My savior's voice I've heard.
PRAY FOR AN UNFALTERING FAITH THAT STANDS STRONG UNDER LIFE'S GREATEST PRESSURE!
Sent in by Pauline Gabaldon
September 21, 2001UNITED
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 America
Copyright © 2001 Melissa Knapp
September 21, 2001For a week now I have thought about my fellow fire fighters, a strange beast who rushes forward when most would retreat. But it is the nature of the beast; It is what we do.
A FIRE FIGHTER'S POEM
Brother when you weep for me
Remember that it was meant to be
Lay me down and when you leave
Remember that I'll be at your sleeve
In every dark and choking hall
I'll be there as you slowly crawl
On every roof in driving snow
I'll hold your coat and you will know
In cellars hot with searing heat
At windows where a grate you meet
In closets where young children hide
You know I'll be there at your side
The house from which I now respond
Is overstaffed with heroes gone
Who answered one last bell
Did the job and did it well
As fire fighters we understand
That death's a card dealt in our hand
A card we hope we never play
But one we hold there anyway
That card is something we ignore
As we crawl across a weakened floor
For we know we're the only prayer
For anyone that might be there
So remember as you wipe your tears
The joy I knew throughout the years
At the job I loved to do
I pray that thought will see you through
Author Unknown
Sent in by Mickey --- New Zealand
September 21, 2001
"Ask God for good judgment and courage,
To face unexpected events,
To follow the teachings of scripture,
Is the best, most effective defense."
Hess
Sent in by Pauline C.
"When tragedy, heartache, and sorrow abound,
When evil appears to have conquered the right,
We center our heart on our Father's great love,
For He will bring hope in the darkest night."
DJ
Sent in by Pauline C.
September 21, 2001I am an Aussie and am absolutely distraught over the tragedy in New York and Washington D.C. My thoughts are with America and the world.
"I went to bed last night and thought, 'Tomorrow will be different'. And when I woke up this morning, it was. Not because I wanted it to be, but because that's the way the world is."
Copyright © 2001 Catherine Doherty
September 19, 2001It seems that life has always been a series of ' what ifs '.
What if I decide to go back to school?
What if I get married and have children?
What if I take this job?
What if I can't pay my bills?
Since September 11, though, our lives have been filled with a different kind of ' what ifs '.
What if that were my father/mother/brother/sister/child/friend destroyed in that building?
What if they're alive and can't yell out and no one can get to them?
What if I were on that plane?
What if our country retaliates?
What if they don't?
What if I, mentally, can't fly again?
What if I can't stand to hear a plane again?
What if our stock market crashes and the economy comes crashing down?
What if our citizens never feel the safety and solidarity that we once took for granted?
Like never before, I'm glued to the radio and television. I cry in front of strangers, horrified by the strife of people I don't even know. Words like 'unparalleled tragedy', 'horror', 'attack', 'war' and 'terrorism' are words that have become part of our daily language, even the language of our children. I can't help but feel selfish and angry.
Will my nephews and nieces ever experience sitting in an open field, looking up at the sky, and feeling as if nothing could ever hurt them?
Will they ever feel the excitement of traveling to another country?
Will they only befriend the WASPS of the world because they're the only ones they trust?
I've dwelled on these issues. In the past three days, I've let negativity overtake me. It's no secret that nothing will ever be 'normal' again. But if we don't diligently search for the good in this, the terrorists have won more than we've already admitted.
Since Tuesday
I'm not ashamed to show weakness. If you haven't lost a part of yourself this week, there is something very wrong in your life.
Since Tuesday
When I hug people, I'm not the first to let go.
Since Tuesday
When I look at people, I see them for the first time. I don't avoid eye contact because I feel that I'm not as beautiful, or as wealthy, or as intelligent as someone else. There is no one better than I. There is no one lesser than I. Everyone has something to offer.
Since Tuesday
I have stopped being critical of our nation's government and the structure of our country. For the first time, I've fully realized that I'm a citizen of one of the greatest countries on this earth.
Since Tuesday
I understand the lyrics to the Star-Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful. My heart skips a beat when I see our flag freely waving. It sinks when it's at half-mast.
Since Tuesday
I've realized that, when terrible things happen, it's often the people that you would least rely on that come through for you.
Since Tuesday
I now see the freedom of our country through the eyes of immigrants. I see why they are proud to do the most menial of jobsâ¦just to feel a part of the great United States.
Since Tuesday
I've learned that we must thank veterans, mourn the fallen, remember the POW/MIA, and respect our current military.
Since Tuesday
I've learned that it doesn't matter if I have a bad day at work, the dishes aren't done, or my clothes don't fit right. There is nothing more important than God, my family, my friends, and others that I love so dearly.
If there is one thing that you can gain from this tragedy, please let it be this:
Stop taking things for granted. Count your blessings.
Be cautious, but refuse to be fearful of things that you can't control.
Help to make life easier for everyone you encounter.
Love and allow yourself to be loved.
Submit yourself to God. It is His power and grace that will see you through.
Copyright © 2001 Karen Davis
September 19, 2001Stolen, gone and can never be recovered
Full of emptiness and anger
Searching for peace never discovered.
Our families, friends...even enemies
What will be, if we all remain strangers?
Open hearts, understanding minds, good intentions
So rare to find, yet so precious
Life will pass, as we watch...life is passing
Like a slew of dust, dissipating into the heavens.
Be good, not like someone else...
Be yourself. Give the gift that's most precious
That is you...nobody else.
We stand united in the horrible time of anguish
Time is limited
Be good to others.
Author Unknown
Sent in by Huan Nguyen
September 19, 2001"But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one."
2 Thessalonians 3:3
Sent in by Lee McKenzie --- Florida
"We must remind ourselves that no situation we find ourselves in is beyond the range of God's interest in us."
Glen Karssen
Sent in by Lee McKenzie --- Florida
September 17, 2001My prayers and thoughts are with all the people involved in New York and DC. To all the people that lost their lives during this crisis.To all the families that lost loved ones.
I stand behind our flag and support our country. God Bless America and all the survivors of these disasters. Know that peopleworldwide are here for support.
You are in my thoughts and my prayers.
Vicky Gatz
September 17, 2001WHAT GOD HAS PROMISED
God has not promised skies always blue,
flower-strewn pathways all our lives through.
God has not promised sun without rain,
joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God has promised
strength for the day,
rest for the laborer,
light on the way,
grace for the trial,
help from above,
unfailing sympathy,
undying love.
Author Unknown
Sent in by Rose Perry --- Australia
Also this beautiful hymn
GOD UNDERSTANDS
God understands your sorrow
He sees the falling tear
And whispers "I am with you"
Then falter not, nor fear
He understands your longing
Your deepest grief He shares
Then let Him bear your burden
He understands and cares
God understands your heartache
He knows the bitter pain
O, trust Him in the darkness
You cannot trust in vain
He understands your longing
Your deepest grief He shares
Then let Him bear your burden
He understands and cares
God understands your weakness
He knows the tempter's power
And He will walk beside you
However dark the hour
He understands your longing
Your deepest grief He shares
Then let Him bear your burdens
God understands and cares
Sent in by Rose Perry --- Australia
September 17, 2001Maybe this will help the victims and their families of New York, Washington, Pennsylvania and the other countries of the world who lost their loved ones.
When grief comes, it might help to remember that your loved one is in Heaven, even if it feels like you cannot go on and your life is falling apart. If you get the news really soon after a loved one dies, remember that they are probably on their way to the Pearly Gates and maybe there is a reason they were taken...perhaps to be an angel to watch over you. Keep their memory alive in your heart and you will not lose them. Do not blame God for taking them, for God has his own ways and he is not entirely to blame for the world has gotten messed up over the years and sinners will be punished.
Hope P., Age 15 --- Georgia
September 17, 2001In A Moment . . . Our world has changed
- From a nation that was not allowed to acknowledge God in public to a nation that is praying and worshipping God together openly in our government, schools, and homes.
- From a nation separated by political viewpoints to a nation united.
- From a nation of people that were too busy to spend time with family and loved ones to a nation drawing strength from spending time with family and friends.
- From a nation focused on wealth and material gain to a nation whose value system is now quality family time.
- From a government separated by political issues to a government operating in unison with America's best interest at heart.
- From a nation where the definition of a living cell was uncertain to a nation that is focused on rescuing the living.
- From a nation living selfishly to a nation extending their condolences, support, prayers, and lives to their fellow Americans.
- From a nation whose currency is imprinted "In God we trust" to a nation who must trust in God.
- From a nation fighting a war on cancer and aids to a nation fighting a war against a silently plotted evil, terrorism.
- From a nation whose heroes were sports figures to a nation whose heroes are rescue workers.
- From a nation that never realized the value of peace to a nation that is wondering if we will ever truly have peace in America again.
- From a nation that flew the American flag mostly on patriotic holidays to a nation whose homes and communities are proudly decorated with the stars and stripes.
- From a nation where the word victim has taken on a totally new meaning.
- From a nation whose churches and religion taught the second coming of Christ to a nation whose Christians are expecting His return at any moment.
Copyright © 2001 Elizabeth Whetstone
September 21, 2001THE DAY THE SKY STOOD STILL
Look up to the sky, not a plane in sight,
In one horrendous act, they took away our right to flight.
Turn on the TV, all that you will hear,
Is a country come together, thru anger and fear.
On any other day, we argue and we fight,
Amongst ourselves, just to prove that someone's right.
But today was different, today we all joined hands.
When someone strikes against us all, united we stand.
The terrorists came to destroy us, to make us crumble and fall.
But a nation joined together today, and we all stood tall.
We've joined to shed tears for the many lives that have been lost,
We've vowed to not let them take our rights away, no matter the cost.
So the next time you are angered and may fell like striking out,
Just remember how we joined together today, and what it's really all about.
We have lost a lot, as a nation, against our will.
And no one will soon forget, the day the sky stood still.
Copyright © 2001 Kim Eason