Remembering September 11th

It seems like yesterday in someways; September 11th, 2001.  I forget that most Millenials were either not born yet or were way too young to remember that horrific day when our nation came under attack by violent way-ward Wahabbi Jihadists. This five minute video from Prager University does an excellent job of summarizing that historical event.  Thank God that we have largely eradicated ISIS and al Qaeda and their evil doctrines throughout the world today.  Lets hope that we Americans remember the goodness that is America and the freedoms and liberty she represents.  Lets also hope that there will always be brave men and women that are willing to fight for it and protect it against fascism, Marxism, and authoritarian philosophies.  May God bless our suffering land. 

The 9/11 Healing Fields

As we commemorate the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America that occurred on September 11, 2001, it is interesting to note how various places across our greatest of nations choose to mark the occasion.  Some places are holding solemn prayer vigils.  Others, as per President Obama’s urging, are volunteering in any number of ways to help their communities.  In New York City, Mayor Bloomberg is hosting a ceremony to commemorate the event where clergy and prayer are sadly not welcome.

I, however, am lucky to live in a rather refreshingly peculiar state.  It is quite different from anywhere else I have ever lived.  The people here are generally rather conservative and tend to be quite patriotic, which suits my temperament quite well.  They typically honor that patriotism with respect and service towards others and our nation.  I live in the suburbs of Salt Lake City, Utah.

In the next town over, Sandy, Utah, they have commemorated the attacks of 9/11 in a rather unique fashion.  The city has  erected what they call a Healing Field each year since 2003.  The beautiful verdant grassy field outside of the Sandy City Hall is lined with nearly 3000 American flags to commemorate the deaths of the 2,977 innocent victims that perished that horrible day, with the majestic Wasatch Mountain Range framing the background.  Each flag has a tag attached to it with a name and some biographical information for one of the victims lost that day.  See here for more information on this incredible Healing Field.

The field is nearly overwhelming when first seen.  This is even more so when you realize that the seemingly endless field of flags represents a fallen American for each single flag.

This year they will further be unveiling a new statue of the firemen that raised Old Glory in the midst of the rubble of the World Trade Center as a permanent memorial.  The statue will be entitled Hope Rising.

I happened by the place as I drove home from work today and spent a moment walking through the field while taking a few pictures.  It is amazing how an ordinary field can be transformed into such a solemn place.  I said a prayer to God that He will continue to show His love and mercy towards the loved ones that lost someone on that horrible day and further pray that we Americans will not forget that day and hopefully never have to suffer such an evil attack on our citizens ever again.

A Prayer in Remembrance of September 11th

As September 11th turns to September 12th, I wanted to offer a quick prayer before turning in tonight:

May God be with the families and loved ones of those that perished on that horrible day eight years ago. May He grant them mercy in their pain and sorrow and let it lessen as time goes by so that the good memories are what most remains.

May God protect and give comfort to those Americans in the armed forces that have put themselves in harm's way to protect our great nation in the hope of ensuring that terrorists will never again murder those on American soil or innocents anywhere on God's earth.

And May God protect those that speak up for what is right and just in defense of our country, our God-given freedoms, and human life throughout the world so that these most precious gifts will never be taken from us by any enemy that would be inclined to do so.

In Christ's Holy name, I pray!

Amen!