Today has been designated by Congress as Patriot Day in remembrance of those whose lives were lost and in honor of the heroes who were found on Sept. 11, 2001. Ceremonies will be held throughout the country in remembrance of the thousands who lost their lives and in honor of those who have sacrificed their lives in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq that came after the attacks.
A special service in Montgomery County today will honor 13 hometown heroes who were killed in the Iraq War. Among them are area heroes: Army Lt. Col. Anthony L. Sherman of Pottstown; Army Lt. Col. Mark P. Phelan of Green Lane; Army PFC. Travis C. Zimmerman of New Berlinville; Army Sgt. John T. Bubeck of Collegeville; Marine Lance Cpl. Brandon V. Van Parys of Schwenksville; and Army Capt. Nathan R. Raudenbush of Douglassville.
Memorial banners for these local servicemen will be unveiled during the ceremony today at the Plaza Courtyard of the county courthouse in Norristown.
The ceremony is in keeping with the sentiments of 9/11 observances, noting a day that is no longer “new” but not removed enough to be “old.”
The day is to those living in its wake a historic turning point, but not yet history.Just as the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, should never be forgotten, so should we remember the weeks following that tragedy when citizens behaved with appreciation for their country and civility toward their neighbors.
In those weeks when office workers wore flags on their lapels and the e-mails circulating through chain letters were more inspirational than comical were an important part of our history.
If only for a short time, the lines between Democrat and Republican, city and country dweller, and every other division were blurred.People behaved with decency toward one another.
The period of appreciation didn’t last long, but it proved that Americans know what is important and can put aside petty differences when needed.
Each year, the importance is emphasized of remembering the losses of that day, the inspiring acts of courage among fire and police, and the sacrifices of the military overseas to protect freedom.
But with each year that passes, the sentiments lessen. In his proclamation for Sept. 11 last year, Gov Ed Rendell remembered the tragic day in 2001 as a time when “out of the destruction flowed generosity, hope, and unity and everyday people demonstrated extraordinary bravery and compassion ... the people of America gained a new appreciation of what it means to be a hero and a patriot.”
Today, say a prayer.
Pause for a moment of silence.
Fly the U.S. flag.
Offer gratitude and act with patriotism.
Today, make a personal pledge “to honor and cherish the freedom, equality, and peace that defines America” with hope that our land remains safe and with faith that peace can be achieved.