September 11

Written by Bill Grandi on September 10th, 2021

I am posting this a day early.  I will be participating in a 9/11 memorial in my town of Spencer. It will also serve as a memorial to one of our own, Brett Wood, who lost his life in Afghanistan 10 years ago yesterday. Here are my thoughts:

Even writing those words-that date- brings back haunting memories.

Planes hitting two towers. Papers falling. People dying.  Metal crumbling. Layers of smoke and dust and debris in the air and on people and cars. People digging. American flag waving on site, almost like a guardian and inspiration.

“Let’s roll.” Brave passengers. Todd Beamer. Rumors of the plane headed to the White House.  An empty field. Plane crashed. Crisis averted. Lives lost.

Pentagon. The “seat” of military power. A symbol of military might and genius. The hub of decisions. Fiery death. Walls breached.

A nation united against evil. For once. “God Bless America” sung by political rivals. A common enemy. Swift action. Swift reprisal. Manhunt. Finally got him (them).

9/11…Never forget. This is not a matter of forgiveness. This is a matter of remembering the fallen.  As of today, there are just under 3000 innocent lives gone.  Heroes who rushed burning buildings. People who went to work that day not having a clue. Some of them I will see someday. Some, sadly, thought they had more time. And a few consigned to hell where their vestal virgins do not await. Only tongues of fire.

Matthew 26…Never forget. A memorial feast set aside for a Savior to never be forgotten.  Paying the ultimate price. For me. For you.

LEST WE FORGET

“Father, the memories are fresh as flashbacks occur on this 20th anniversary of evil’s destruction. Thank You for Your faithfulness through it all. Giving hope and life to so many. And thank You for the cross. Help me to never forget.”

 

6 Comments so far ↓

  1. Ryan S says:

    Forever etched in my mind… Never Forget, lest it be repeated.

  2. Beautifully written, Bill. Matthew 26 – the eternal memorial. Never to be forgotten. Amen and Amen!

  3. It is a day none of us will ever forget. May it never happen again.
    Blessings, Bill!