I posted this 20 years ago today

[autobonrun]

Take your Porsche to work day.

Not knowing what the next day held. I felt naive that at the same time I was planning a drive, others were planning an attack. It made the post appear so trivial to me. Afterwards for 2 or 3 years I stopped driving my 911 on September 11. Then a good friend said if you change, they win. It still makes me angry but I started driving again, but now after a prayer for the families impacted.

[Baz]

Agree - do not let them win.

The other mantra of mine is when we lose someone we care for - don't let it put you into a funk with sorrow. That's not what the deceased would want. Celebrate their life and keep going.

Which is what our country is known for......

[HobieMarty]

^^^ very good advice, thank you.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[sc_rufctr]

"We have to live well for the ones that are gone".

- The Poph. (Peter's army buddy)

[RNajarian]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

"We have to live well for the ones that are gone".

- The Poph. (Peter's army buddy)

And I may add

“Raise a glass in their memory.”

[oldE]

I might also point out the bonds which were formed in adversity.
The workers who came together from across North America to dig in a heart breaking task have never forgotten their brothers who laboured beside them.
Passengers from the airliners forced to land, anywhere, met strangers who took them in, gave them food, shelter and comfort, and were strangers no more.
Enemies may be fought and vanquished. Friends at times appear by your side and never leave your heart.

All the Best to my Pelican Friends on this day of reflection.
Les

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by oldE

...
All the Best to my Pelican Friends on this day of reflection.

^^^^ Best to you all...

[Baz]

Originally Posted by oldE

I might also point out the bonds which were formed in adversity.
The workers who came together from across North America to dig in a heart breaking task have never forgotten their brothers who laboured beside them.
Passengers from the airliners forced to land, anywhere, met strangers who took them in, gave them food, shelter and comfort, and were strangers no more.
Enemies may be fought and vanquished. Friends at times appear by your side and never leave your heart.

All the Best to my Pelican Friends on this day of reflection.
Les

Very poetic, Les. Thank you for the insights.....

[pwd72s]

Indeed, Les said a mouthful.

[tabs]

You didnt say that..you are making it up.

[oldE]

Tabs, you are spot on. I am able to make up sentences in my head without speaking aloud.

On the other hand, sometimes my mouth says things my brain has not approved .

Best
Les

[tabs]

Originally Posted by oldE

Tabs, you are spot on. I am able to make up sentences in my head without speaking aloud.

On the other hand, sometimes my mouth says things my brain has not approved .

Best
Les

Caught in a web of my own making..

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by RNajarian

And I may add

“Raise a glass in their memory.”

Every damn day although the Aus Gumbit is trying to restrict our alcohol consumption.

Damn Covid.

[RNajarian]

We all remember where we were September 11, 2001.

Someone took a photograph of me on September 12, 2001 as I guarded an entry point at my base. It was a defining moment of my military career.

At that point I realized what the Oath that I, and countless of other servicemen/women took actually meant. I was NOT a medical officer but rather an airman who swore an Oath to defend the Constitution of the United States against any enemy foreign or domestic.

I was blessed. 20 years later I’m still here to reflect upon it. Far too many of my brothers and sisters are not. When I joined in 1995 we were at peace. I had no expectations of ever going to a war zone (which I did in 2003). After 9/11 many took the Oath expecting, WANTING to take arms to defend the Nation.

We were joined by a collation of nations who stood by us to root out these enemies. 60 Nations in all helped us take the fight to their front door.

By no means I consider myself a hero. I don’t post my thoughts or image to garner praise or recognition. I saw far too many REAL heroes and would not want to diminish the word by being categorized with them.

Toby Keith wrote a song called “ American Soldier” which I feel summarizes my contributions and feelings of the effort.


"American Soldier" -Toby Keith

I'm just trying to be a father
Raise a daughter and a son
Be a lover to their mother
Everything to everyone

Up and at 'em bright and early
I'm all business in my suit
Yeah, I'm dressed up for success
From my head down to my boots

I don't do it for the money
There's bills that I can't pay
I don't do it for the glory
I just do it anyway

Providing for our future's my responsibility
Yeah, I'm real good under pressure, being all that I can be

I can't call in sick on Mondays
When the weekend's been too strong
I just work straight through the holidays
Sometimes all night long

You can bet that I stand ready
When the wolf growls at the door
Hey, I'm solid, hey, I'm steady
Hey, I'm true down to the core

And I will always do my duty
No matter what the price
I've counted up the cost
I know the sacrifice

Oh, and I don't wanna die for you
But if dying's asked of me
I'll bear that cross with honor
'Cause freedom don't come free

I'm an American soldier, an American
Beside my brothers and my sisters I will proudly take a stand
When liberty's in jeopardy I will always do what's right
I'm out here on the front lines
Sleep in peace tonight
American soldier, I'm an American soldier

Yeah, an American Soldier, an American
Beside my brothers and my sisters I will proudly take a stand
When liberty's in jeopardy I will always do what's right
I'm out here on the front lines
So sleep in peace tonight
American soldier, I'm an American, an American, an American soldier!


Just like the firemen who ran into the burning Twin Towers on that day, those servicemen who joined after 9/11 knew the risks and still raised their right hands and took the Oath.

Images of my experiences are indelibly etched in my mind that I will not soon forget. Thank you to those who take the time to remember and reflect on the events 20 years ago. Those heroes who cannot be with us, whether they were victims of that day in 2001 or in the 20 subsequent years will always be remembered and cherished for their sacrifice.

However, don’t forget those Giants who preceded us. Servicemen/women who fought in South East Asia, Korea, the Pacific, or Europe. They also took the Oath and “proudly took a stand.” Most of them realizing before taking the Oath they would be in the fight.

Despite our differences, we are all the same “and will always do what’s right.” It is that spirit that is the real strength of the Nation.

God Bless those who we lost as a result of the 9/11 attacks and give comfort to their families.