Remembering 911

When we remember the office workers, bystanders, flight passengers and all the others who worked together so valiantly to help each other; we remember great courage and heroism.

When we remember the firefighters who rushed upstairs as most everyone else was racing out the burning buildings; we remember selfless sacrificial service.

When we remember the police officers who protected and defended the people and performed their unwavering duties; we remember commitment for the safety and protection of others.

When we remember the thousands of men and women, young and old, single and married, native and foreign born, who died; we remember the loss of innocent human life.

When we remember the people who rushed to help, did all they could; we remember and give thanks for the power of the human spirit to aid those in need.

When we remember the people who stood in line at the nation's blood banks to make donations from their very bodies; we give thanks for those who live on to pass on life and love.

As we carried each other down the stairs of the burning buildings, we all became people of one compassionate community.

As the soot and ash fell down, we all became people of one color of suffering.

As we lit candles of waiting and expectation, we all became people of one generation of hope.

As we dropped to our knees in prayer for strength, we all became people of one faith in God.

As we spoke words of encouragement and support, we all became people of one language of love.

As we stood in long lines to give our blood, we all became people of one body and blood of Christ.

As we cried tears of grief and sorrow, we all became people of one soul that will live forever.

As we mourned together the tragic loss, we all became people of one family of God.

As we all remember 911 let us pray . . .