Thursday, September 08, 2011

Our Thoughts on September 11, 2001

It has been 10 years.  Ten years that changed the lives of the citizens of the United States of America forever.

On September 11, 2001, the impossible happened.  The United States was attacked by terrorists in the most violent attack on American soil in the history of this country.  Before the day was over, over 3,000 people lost their lives at the World Trade Center in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, PA.

While we could offer our theories of what went wrong that day, comments on how President George W. Bush first responded to news of the attacks, or of the many conspiracy theories that have developed since the attacks, we will not do so.

What we wish to do is focus on the people.  The people who needlessly died that day.  The people who were first responders in New York as they tried to save as many people as possible before the twin towers came down.  The people on United Flight 93 who sacrificed their lives to prevent the plane that they were on from hitting either the White House or Capital Hill.

We want to focus on the American spirit....how perfect strangers came together for a common cause in the aftermath of this national tragedy.  And how America bounced back and became a stronger nation despite the terrorists best attempts to bring us down.

The American people are strong.  We are resilient.  We will not allow terrorists to destroy the American spirit.

To the families of those who died needlessly on 9/11 -- you have our sympathy.  Please have comfort that they did not die in vain and they will forever be remembered.  And to the families of the people who died on United Flight 93 -- the American people owe all of you a great debt that can never be repaid.  The Shadow will never be able to find the words to express his admiration for these selfless Americans.  It is our hope that these families will find comfort in that they died true heroes.

To the first responders -- the word "hero" has been used excessively over the past 10 years.  But the word "hero" is an understatement to describe you. We are proud of what you did that day and what you continue to do in New York City and around the country.  The Shadow salutes you!

And to our fellow American citizens -- continue to remain strong.  It is our unwavering spirit that defeated the terrorists on 9/11 and continues to do so today.  The Shadow asks all of you to continue to stand proud, regardless of race, religion, sexual identity, or political party.  We are one nation.

Yes America -- on this anniversary, let us celebrate the American spirit as we remember those who passed on. 

E pluribus unum -- From many, one.

Good night and good luck.