Patriot Day 2010

As Chairman of our local County Republican Party I thought about having some sort of event today being the 9th anniversary of the attacks of 9/11. We looked at the logistics of an event and somewhere during the process of putting an event together I realized that this isn’t necessarily a day that needs to be crowded with special events of commemoration. As one of those days when everything stopped I think it is imperative upon us all to reflect on that tragic day in a manner we each hold dear.

Many folks will reflect on where they were when they heard of what was going on. 9/11 was one of those days when we all remember where we were when we heard the news; like Kennedy’s assassination or the Challenger explosion. We all know exactly where we were and most can remember the feelings we all had. 9/11 was a day when all of our problems, all of our trivialness, all of our disagreements were put aside and a nation came together.

I was midway through a six-moth deployment and as a member of the United States Navy I was once again away from home in Okinawa. As soon as I heard of the first plane, I tuned in and saw the second plane hit. I immediately called home and spoke to my Wife and then my parents. I knew it would not be too long before phone lines were all tied up and I wanted to make sure I spoke with them before the typhoon hit Okinawa (yes, we were in the middle of a typhoon also).

Nine years ago my three oldest children were in elementary school, but they were military brats and understood that Daddy and his buddies were already deployed and would probably have a good shot at being some of the first responders on site to bring some retribution to those who so cowardly struck out at America. I look at them now and the older two are away from home in college while the younger two are at home; one of them born after 9/11. He’ll have to hear about that day from his older siblings.

How time passes so quickly and how so many have seemed to have forgotten that day and everything it means to this country. Today when I watch the events from that day, I can’t help but tear up and reflect upon the feelings and thoughts that still go through my head. Many of us lost friends and family that day and it still breaks my heart to think about it.

So, on this ninth anniversary of this day I will spend it with my family and friends. I will call the kids not here with me and let them know how much I love them. I will visit my Grandmother. I will sit in the stands of a Baylor football game with my children who are home next to my father like I have since I was five years old. And later tonight, when my wife gets home from her job as an ER nurse, I will sit with her and quietly reflect on all our life is and has become. In short, I will do all those things that make life so very special.

To my friends here at home, I wish you all well. To my friends still in the service, stay safe. To my family, you are all precious to me, even if you don’t know that. And to all my family and friends, I love you all.

Take Care and God Bless,
Bill