We Have Not Forgotten…  

 [ This article was published in the Anthony Republican September 10, 2003]  

Two years ago on September 11 we suffered through a day that laid bare every raw emotion possible- anger that people filled with hatred would do what they did to us; grief that so many members of our American family had perished; love for our Country and the people who had lost their loved ones; determination to bring the terrorists to justice.  We even allowed ourselves brief moments of somewhat guilty happiness that our loved ones were alive and live in a “safe” place. 

But the overwhelming feeling we shared with all Americans was a deep wrenching sorrow for those we lost and sympathy for their families.  The recent immigrant who worked at the Windows of the World restaurant.  The brave husbands and fathers in the skies over Pennsylvania who chose to confront terror rather than let terrorists crash their plane into the Capitol.  Joe Spor. 

Two years has passed and time has a way of healing wounds.  Somehow the pain has dulled.  Somehow we don’t find ourselves thinking about it so often.  And that’s normal and good.  Maybe that’s our heavenly Father’s way of helping us continue with our lives. 

But while our wound isn’t as raw as it was that day, and while life has once again somewhat returned to normal, we haven’t forgotten.  We can’t.  Our sons and daughters fight in far-away lands to keep us safe.  Our economy still reels from the impact of that day.  We no longer assume our shores are invulnerable to attack.  Thousands and thousands of our fellow Americans miss the voices and touch of their loved ones.  If we believe, as we claim, that every single American can achieve anything they set their mind to, we know we have all been diminished by the loss of every single victim’s dreams and potential.

Last year we met, in a very touching service, as a community to remember.  This year let us each remember in our own way.  In accordance with the President’s declaration of Patriot Day, I ask you to fly your American flag at half-mast from sunup to sundown.  Our fire sirens will sound at 7:46, 8:03, 8:43, and 9:10 to commemorate the exact times the planes hit the Towers, Pentagon, and crashed in Pennsylvania.  At 9:05 in the morning, the exact moment the first Tower collapsed, the Courthouse bells will toll for one minute.  While they are tolling, I ask you to observe a moment of silence in honor of Joe Spor and all the other victims.  In the evening, I ask you to place a lighted candle in your window to represent the Light of Freedom and commemorate the candlelight vigils that spontaneously occurred that terrible night.  I ask you to donate to the Victim’s Relief Fund, the proceeds of which go directly to Joe Spor’s family. 

While our remembrance this year will be simpler than last year, it will carry no less feeling.  There is, in Anthony, Kansas, United States of America, a people united in honoring the memory of those taken from all of us on September 11, 2001.  We have not forgotten.  We will always remember.  We will always care.

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Last modified:  March 28, 2006  

Copyright 2002 Anthony 9-11 Memorial Committee