Have We Forgotten?

As I scan the Internet looking for a memorial service to attend September 11 I realize that my options are few and far between. There are health fairs and walks in honor of this foundation and that, there are sales and ball games. There are very few services planned to remember September 11, 2001. Could we have already forgotten?

Just nine short years ago you couldn't drive down a street in America and not see an American flag blowing in the breeze. The airwaves were filled with songs of pride and they called us not to forget. We stuck bumper stickers on our cars, joined the military, hung ribbons, wore our red white and blue and we were a nation filled with pride. We were determined not to forget what happened that terrible day and the lives that were lost. We were strong and moving forward....but never forgetting our loss.

Now, we debate over a proposal to build a mosque just blocks from Ground Zero. Lets be honest eight years ago this proposal wouldn't have even been considered. Not because we are a nation filled with ignorant, racist, close minded people, but because a tragedy happened at Ground Zero. 9/11 changed our country- changed our world.

The attacks on September 11, 2001 were carried out by 19 men- extremist, terrorists. They attacked our country and did it in the name of allah. Whether they represent all of the Muslim community or not this mosque wouldn't have even been considered out of respect for those who lost their lives at Ground Zero and the ones they left behind. Now that the songs aren't getting the airplay they once did, the bumper stickers are faded and peeling our memories have faded, and have dimmed-could we have we forgotten?!

Have we forgotten that early Fall September morning when we realized it wasn't an accident. when we found out there were more planes in the air. When we saw the towers collapse. when we saw the destruction. when we saw our neighbors dying- the city collapsing around them. Have we forgotten the words said "lets roll"- how could we? When I think about the possibility my eyes fill with tears and my heart beats quicker- I feel the anxiety, the anger, the fear, the sadness all the emotions of that day come right back.

It is a kind of testament to the strength of our nation that just nine short years later we have rebuilt, progressed, liberated, and are healing from this tragedy, but we cant forget! The pride we fel,t the love for our nation and our neighbor. We can not forget. September 11 is coming soon. It is a day that the airwaves will be filled with songs of pride and strength. The morning news shows will flashback to the horrible loss and destruction of the day. There will be television specials and memorials, but each year it becomes less and less.

Too much was lost September 11, 2001 to not remember it each day, and if it takes burning a Koran to remember than thats what it takes! Not because I am anti-muslim, or filled with hate, but because on September 11, 2001, 19 terrorist attacked MY country. These 19 Terrorist carried out these attacks in the name of allah. They believed and followed the Koran. The Koran represented these men- this is what they believed. So if burning this will help us remember- if this is what we need to spark our pride to help us re-call the loss and strength our country has than lets burn'em! If it takes some controversy to re-spark our pride and to remember those who we loss than that's is what it takes.