A Day of Remembrance

There is a pall of sadness in the air as people from around the world remember the eighth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks upon the United States...

Throughout the day various news commentators on both radio and television have been interviewing those who lost a loved one on 9/11. I listened quietly as those who are still in mourning publicly told of their pain and loss. I could hear each of their voices as they groaned in grief. And I said prayers for them. I also prayed for those who are still recovering from their injuries, thankful that their lives were spared.

But, as an afterthought, I am afraid that such an official day of remembrance will eventually become just another holiday on the calendar. Like Veteran's Day, it may become something to acknowledge more from tradition than from gut-wrenching grief or a collective national pain. How quickly will the next generation forget or care?

Furthermore, and I say this with great sensitivity and caution, it just might take another nation shaking event from the hands of terrorists to cause us to realize that everything on this earth, including our own lives, is temporary. Perhaps we've forgotten that the days of our lives are numbered? Therefore, each of us should ask ourselves, "What awaits me after the grave?" And, "Where will I spend eternity?" Valid questions, indeed! Are you ready?

D.B.