Yesterday I spoke with 5 men from Ireland that are here in the US. They asked if we have a National day of mourning for September 11th. I said no, not an organized one. We need to be reminded of the pain thousands of families are experiencing. Life goes on, but we can pause to remember and honor those who still suffer. And thank those who are STILL fighting to protect us.

I remember vividly that morning. I was in the Marine Corps stationed on the West Coast, and I was up ironing my uniform and turned on the news. The first plane had hit the WTC and the 2nd was about to. It was surreal in every way. Ironically, or providentially, I had just graduated from the Defense Language Institute in Monterey and was preparing to go into the intel field to catch these kinds of "bad guys." I was on a plane a week later to attend my grandmother's funeral, and my wife and I were 2 of about 20 on that flight. There was so much fear and uncertainty. What I remember in the following months were American Flags everywhere, political solidarity, and a rebirth of national pride. It was a humbling time to serve in uniform.

9/11 will be etched in our hearts and minds forever. As Edmund Burke so aptly stated, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing". Let us NEVER forget, stand still or allow apathy to become the norm. Let us remain vigilant and forever man the watch tower. As for me and my companies, we will remain dedicated to providing the physical security measures necessary to save lives in the future.

I had acquaintences in both the Twin Towers and the Pentagon who lost their lives. Of particular note, I remember receiving the call that a young technician (Allen Bandy – sp?) working with one of our business partners was installing an electronic security system in the Pentagon window that was struck. He left behind a lovely wife and 3 small children. Senseless!

Join me in THANKS and in prayer for our Patriots, both domestically and abroad, who continue to fight valiently for the Freedoms we all enjoy!

M

Here's a link to a post I run each year at this time to make sure that I never forget the tragedy and heroism that took place on September 11, 2001.

"Hard to Believe But Impossible to Forget" http://sea-fever.org/2007/09/11/hard-to-believe-b...

Thanks for your comment Jane. I think your encouragement to: remember those who have fallen, be thankful for those who serve, but continue to move forward – is sound counsel. Well said…

Hi Bo:

Thank you for your service and sharing your story. It is because of men like you that we all have the privilege of freedom. Best wishes Bo…

Thank you Mark. I hope your inspiring and heartfelt thoughts cause others to reflect on the great price that has been, and is continuing to be paid to protect our freedom.

Thanks Peter…I would encourage everyone to follow Peter's link and to never forget the sacrifices that our made on our behalf daily.

Thanks, Mike, for turning us all to the significance of 9/11. We owe deep debts of honor to so many people for their service on that horrendous day, and in the years afterward. 9/11 itself stands as such a memorable moment in showing, beyond any dispute, who the real heroes are and what really matters. Hopefully their example will raise the standards of leadership in our national life. Soon enough, the remarkable generation of soldiers who have fought for America in the aftermath of 9/11 will also achieve positions and platforms from which they can share their hard-earned wisdom and insights.

Mike, oddly enough I was just posting my annual 9/11 tribute when I saw this post – I would like to honor Thomas F. Swift, a 9/11 victim and hero: http://bit.ly/95rb5X May we never, ever, forget those who perished that day. Thank you.

Hi Terry:

Thanks for sharing about Thomas…our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Best wishes Terry.

Hi James:

Thanks for acknowledging the real heroes, and for offering the needed reminder of what we have to look forward to through their future contributions.

Thanks for doing this, Mike. Thanks for reminding us all.

Here's link to a post of mine a couple of years ago: Dan Nigro, Rick Rescorla and the Leadership Lessons of 9/11
http://blog.threestarleadership.com/2006/09/10/da...

My privilege Wally, and thanks for sharing the link…READ THIS if you haven't yet.

Excellent idea Mike. A great reminder to stop for a moment and pray for the lives lost and the families directly impacted.

And for those who serve to help keep our nation free from future attacks, I say thank you. Thank you for your sacrifice and for the selfless courage you display.

Thank you, Mike, for keeping the fire of reverence burning. We won’t forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice on that day, or in recent days, including my stepson’s friend Chris Moon, who died this summer as a result of injuries sustained in Afghanistan. My utmost gratitude to those who guard our precious freedom.

This day of tragedy stays with me everyday and I will always remember & pray for our heroes who thought of others safety before their own. God Bless the selfless sacrifice of these brave & caring souls.

Mike, this is a great idea. Thank you for initiating it.

I’ll never forget this day, where I was and what I was doing when I first heard what was transpiring. My father was supposed to be on an airplane to the East coast that morning, and I was immediately concerned for him.

As the day and the tragic events unfolded, I learned that my father was safe, but thousands of others were not. And I still wept. Sobbed, in fact, knowing that people lost family members, friends, co-workers and more.

I still revel in the many heroic stories that have come from that day and the days that followed. But…never, ever will I forget the incredible loss that we, together as a country, endured that day. I pray for continued healing and peace for all who have been affected, and I pray for the ongoing safety of our country and our people.

Thanks, Mike!

On that day I lived close enough to ground zero to see the smoke that billowed from the site for so many days. That image remains etched in my mind and heart as a reminder that despite my personal good fortune to live in freedom and peace at this moment in time, that peace and freedom are not free and that all is not well in the world.

I so appreciate our service men and women who willingly and selflessly devote their lives to keeping us safe and fight for peace and freedom for us and for others around the world..

My heart goes out to all of the families who have lost loved ones in the wake of the destruction that day and all of the days since. I also remember and honor those who continue continue to suffer from the physical and emotional scars cause by the continued wake of destruction.

Yet I also want to remember and appreciate the incredible acts of kindness and heroism by every day from people of every color, creed, faith, and walk of life around the world in the days following that fateful day. I remember people seeming to slow down and taking the time to connect and go out of their way to be kind to and support one another.

For that brief moment in time we were conscious of being one people, not obstacles to honk at or part of the wordwork of our busy lives..

That part of the experience left an indelible mark on my soul. It continues to give me faith in humanity and hope for our future. Events like 9/11 are brought about by the worst of humanity, yet they also tend to bring out the best. Perhaps that can give our troops and all those who act in service of creating better world that same sense of hope that what they are fighting for is worth it.

Thanks for sharing Barbi. Please thank Chris's family for his service.

Hi Erin: Thanks for sharing your memories of that day, and your prayers for all affected. I'm hopeful that today's comments will help us all process things in a healthier fashion while not forgetting the sacrifices that have been made for us. Best wishes Erin.

Hi Susan:

This is so eloquently stated that it bears repeating: "…That part of the experience left an indelible mark on my soul. It continues to give me faith in humanity and hope for our future. Events like 9/11 are brought about by the worst of humanity, yet they also tend to bring out the best. Perhaps that can give our troops and all those who act in service of creating better world that same sense of hope that what they are fighting for is worth it. " Thanks for sharing Susan…

I remember that day vividly as my precious two-year old stood glued to the television mumbling the words “plane” under his breath. As a mother, I am profoundly grateful for the men and women who spared their lives on that horrid day. Remembering and saluting those individuals, who gave their lives and continue to offer themselves as a living sacrifice even on this very day, indeed is important.

Yet, for me as I am reflecting, it raises deep questions. As a mother of sons, I ask myself, “Am I raising sons who would in the face of such adversity rise to the occasion? Would my sons, in the face of overwhelming and gripping fear, choose sacrifice over self-preservation? Am I raising sons who will stand up for the things that are noble, true, and just even if it means death?” Humbled, I am brought to my knees, for those are the very values I hope to instill in my sons.

Remembering those who died, yes. Remembering, also the mothers and fathers that helped instill values in their children that continue to make our country proud, and will so long after we are gone; bravo. Your children’s lives, although tragically lost, gave me reason to make sure I raise sons who would courageously rise to the occasion and do the same.

Thanks for reminding us of those things that are most important. Tomorrow is day we should never forget. Our church will have staff led prayer during our service on Sunday in remembrance of that horrible day. I appreciate your post and using your influence in such a meaningful way.

To all the people who died in the 9/11 attacks, you and your families are always in my thoughts.
R.I.P XX

Jane UK

It's reached a point after 9 years where it's not on our mind everyday. It should be. Whether you remember by flying a flag, lighting a candle, saying or prayer or just taking a moment to think, strive to never forget the innocent people that we lost that blue-sky morning that forever changed our lives.

Thanks for sharing Craig. I always appreciate your sincerity and kindness.

For those of you who don't know Craig, he is one of the strongest supporters of our troops that I know. He consistently spreads encouragement, support and thanks via Twitter @craigmo2

Hi Angela:

I'm sure given your thoughts above that your sons will turn out being the types of men you envision. Jane and I raised one such son. He graduated from one of the finest Universities in country and could have had any job he set his sights on. He chose to serve in the Air Force and is currently an active duty EOD officer. He chose honor, service and sacrifice over maximizing a W-2. Thanks for sharing Angela.

Thanks Tom for all that you do in your community and for publicly remembering 9/11 at your worship service. Best wishes Tom.

Thanks Jane…9/11 impacted the entire world and many soldiers from the UK have given their lives in the years since in defense of freedom. Thank you for remembering our loss and know that we pray for the losses your nation has suffered as well.

Thanks for sharing these thoughts Art. Your reminder is a needed one for all of us. Thanks for your support Sir…

Thank you Mike for you're kind words. God bless you & your wonderful family.

Mike, I remember it vividly because I was “across the river” from our in NYC that beautiful morning at a business meeting. I had decided to go over and stay at a hotel on 9/10 in order to make the early morning meeting and beat the commute. When I walked out of the hotel the first plane had just hit and smoke was coming from the tower. As I walked into the meeting room on the 20th floor of the Chrysler Building the guys in the room screamed; they were watching the second plane hit.
As it turned out I got back home three days later because my car was in the city, had been parked somewhere by the hotel, and we couldn’t get to it.

What followed the remainder of the day on 9/11 was a combination of heroic and eerie. Fifth Avenue was shut down and everyone was walking in the middle of it headed from hospital to hospital or up to the Red Cross to give blood. At the same time, fighter planes were coming in low overhead, their engines echoing in the cavernous atmosphere of Manhattan. What was most striking was the attitude of everyone. Even in the midst of the confusion and horror people simply reached out to help other people. The firefighters and police officers involved deserve every accolade offered up and then some more.

Nine years and 3,000 lives later we are in the midst of a “national conversation” about Ground Zero when clear-thinking people should be remembering that the United States was attacked by terrorists, citizens were killed, and the primary responsibility of government leadership is to ensure that our citizens are safe and secure from the terrorist elements who still wish us harm.

We are flying the flag today as a remembrance of the attack and those who were killed. We hope, too, that it honors those in the military who are in harm’s way and are selflessly protecting us on what is, today, another beautiful blue-sky morning.

I regret that I too often leave that event somewhere on the fringes of my mind or out of my mind’s sight. I am grateful for the people who served in that crisis. I most remember our unity, not just as a nation, but as a people, standing against the wrong. I want my memory to be more about the weeks and months afterward when people all over the world rose up against tyranny, joined together, shared and sacrificed for the greater good.

I want to honor the fallen by permanently BEING different because of what happened. Anything less for me is unacceptable.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
from Martin Luther King courtesy of @Gardner_Dave

I will never forget the day the world changed after I heard the news. I ran to my apt and sit on the floor with a friend watching the coverage as my heart broke looking at the devastation. I will always remember the sacrifices that people made that day nor the innocent victims that gave their life that day. I encourage everyone to stop and pay rememberence to all the victims and families that were affected that day in some small way. I want to extend my condolences to all families of 9/11 for your loss. They will not be forgotten!!! God Bless

Thanks for the sharing the powerful reminder of what that day was like from someone who experienced it first hand. Like you, I'm amazed our nation is embroiled in a debate surrounding Ground Zero. Perhaps your story will serve to help others to never forget 9/11 and to always remember that there is a very expensive cost associated with our freedom. Thanks for sharing Steve.

"I want to honor the fallen by permanently BEING different because of what happened. Anything less for me is unacceptable." Mike, this is the most powerful sentiment expressed thus far. I'm always amazed at how so many people can just walk through life as if they live in some kind of fantasy world blissfully ignorant that we are a nation at war. Our troops and their families are paying the ultimate sacrifice on a daily basis for their happiness and those sacrifices should be indelibly etched into every American's heart and mind. Thanks for sharing Mike.

Thanks for the reminder of the strength and good of love and the horrible darkness of evil. Always appreciate your thoughts John.

Thanks for sharing the beautiful sentiments. I know your words will be well received by those for whom they were intended. Thanks again for commenting.

Sharing 9/11 anniv video #frequency curated by my friends @onFrequency http://ow.ly/1qQtI It is a good minute of reflection

I will never forget that day. As a former Marine (79-83) I truly wished I was young enough to re-enlist. I was so proud to see my fellow countrymen in action. I am still in awe when I hear stories if the brave men and women of the FDNY and the NYPD.

God bless this country and forgive us if we ever fail to remember.

I think we all learned some lessons about the courage and honor of our first responders. We’ll never take their commitment lightly.

I was driving to my office when I heard a sketchy report of a “small plane” hitting the WTC. My thoughts raced. Some people from a neighboring business had set up a TV, and we all watched as the horror unfolded.

My best friend, Rob, was working 2 blocks from the WTC. He glanced out the window and saw papers fluttering by. He walked over to the window t see what was going on. Just as he saw that there was something horribly wrong, the second plane hit, and the shockwave drove everyone away from the windows. Then they were told to evacuate the building. He ran into the street and began trying to phone his wife, who was working a short distance away. (They both headed for City Hall as if by instinct, and met later.) The chaos of dust clouds and frantic people are still with them.

My friend Dwayne worked for American Express and was headed to his office. At the last minute, he decided to go directly to a meeting in Brooklyn. The AmEx offices were severely damaged, and Dwayne would have been there.

Gary was leaving an early morning meeting at the Pentagon, and was getting to his car when the plane crashed into the building.

There are thousands of these stories of luck or providence, and thousands that ended tragically. We struggle, still, to understand the why of the senseless attacks. We never will. Nor will we forget.

Thank you Mike for providing a venue where we can unify in remembrance of 9/11 and give our humbled thanks to all those brave men and women who acted so courageously. I hope we never forget all the lives that were changed that day and say a prayer for the families that have to continue on without their loved ones.

Thanks for your service Mike and I know what you mean about wishing you were young enough to re-up. Thanks for sharing Mike.

Hi Roy:

Thanks for sharing these stories…powerful examples of why we can never forget what happened on 9/11. Thanks Roy…

Mike: Thank you for doing this. 9/11 has become a day that is etched in our collective memories. I have never met an adult, in this country, or overseas, who could not tell me exactly where they were or what they were doing on that tragic day and the days that followed . They tell of the horror and shock they felt followed by the pride in how we came together as a nation. They share stories of inspiration, of rescue workers who lost their lives in service that day or who put their lives on hold to drop everything and rush to NY, PA, DC,or VA to lend a hand while others rushed to points around the world to ensure it did not happen again. This week the President reminded us that Patriot Day (9/11) is not just a day of rememberance, it is a day of service. A call to do something for others, in the memory of those who lost their lives and in memory of all who answered the call be they in the air over Pennsylvania, in the rubble of what came after, or in the rebuilding of families and our country that continues. To the families of 9/11, you have our thoughts and prayers and to all that served in so many ways, thank you!

[...] to check my RSS reader to see what some of my favorite bloggers in this space were doing. I found this post over at Mike Myatt’s N2Growth blog and was inspired to join Mike and others to help keep the [...]

Nice post.