09/08/08

September 11th, a date to remmember

John Lenotte, Haverhill American Legion


September 11, 2001. 9/11. 911.

How many ways do we remember this date that is emblazoned in our memories, in our history. A date more horrific perhaps than December 7, 1941.

It is certainly an event that changed our nation and the world.

We should also remember some of the events leading up to this date.

The attack on the Marine Barracks in Beirut on October 23, 1983. The first attack on the World Trade Center on February 26, 1993. The attacks on the US embassies in Tanzania and Kenya on August 7, 1998. The attack on the USS Cole on October 12, 2000.

These all have a common thread. Planned attacks by terrorists against the US. The assassination of Afghanistan General Ahmed Shah Massoud on September 10, 2001 is considered part of the 9/11 attacks, to throw opposition to the Taliban into turmoil.

Where were you that day? Those of us old enough to remember, it is as clear as remembering hearing about the assasination of President John F. Kennedy. The events that unfolded before our eyes, as we watched on TV, Internet or listened to the radio were horrific. And yet there were scores of heroes that day. Many perished and some acts of heroism, I am sure, went undocumented.

Then the fundraisers and the concerts began. And the feelings of rage turned into feelings of patriotism. Yes, we thought of how our government was going to react and ensure that this would not happen again. But we also saw scores of men and women line up to serve their country. The nationally known, like Pat Tillman, and the local guys like David Vicente, Evan O’Neill, Derek Hines, Pierre Raymond, Nickolas Schiavone, Scott Procopio, Dimitrios Gavriel and Alex Jimenez.

And the sale of US flags went up as many, including me, rushed out to put out a flag at our home. And the speeches continued to raise patriotic fervor. And the sadness began as our troops went overseas to carry the battle to the terrorists. And the debates over whether we should or should not go into Iraq.

The Iraq issue is one I will leave to the politicians and the historians. And the sadness continues for those troops who have made the ultimate sacrifice, some of whose names I mentioned above.

Yet, have we forgotten what happened that September day in 2001? It is only 7 years ago, but in some ways it seems a lot more time has passed. And we have grown accustomed to the changes.

We all now get to the airport early and go through the security line and feel comfortable that we are safe. Are we safe? Why are we safe?

We are safe because of the many sacrifices our troops are making daily. And the sacrifices their families are making. And let us not forget our local public safety professionals who put their lives on the line daily. And yes, the politicians who provide them with the money and tools to get the job done.

But we cannot let our guard down. We must continue to fly our flag proudly and support our troops. And we must encourage our elected officials at ALL levels, local, state and national, to support our veterans. Americans are proud, as we should be, of the great country we live in. We do have a commitment to those who have and do wear the uniform of our nation.

The way to say thanks is to give the support that is needed. And it can’t just be words. It needs to be shown in the actions of the general public and our public officials.

Again, I ask: do you truly remember the horrible day, September 11, 2001?

God Bless America and those who protect our way of life.

John Lenotte is the American Legion, Commander, Wilbur M. Comeau Post 4 Haverhill and Vice Commander, Dept. of Massachusetts. You can Email him at JohnLDistrict8@verizon.net


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