16 Years Forogtten 

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

You know what is terrifying?

The fact that most high school seniors were born after September 11, 2001.

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Yep. Seniors in high school. Did not experience 9/11. Many were born after the terror attacks.

My mind. Can’t. Comprehend.

It’s been 16 years.

The slogan has been and always will be: 9/11: Never Forget. 

Never Forget the 3000 lives that were lost that day in the towers. The 343 NY fire fighters who lost their lives, including the fire house chaplain, Fr. Mychal Judge who was hit by falling rubble while giving a victim last rites. The children who lost parents or loved ones that fateful day.

Never Forget that our country was viciously attacked in a calculated, and cold blooded way.

But you want to know the sad truth?

We have forgotten.

I remember right after the attacks, there was a shortage of American Flags across the United States.

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A shortage. Every store was sold out. Because people were hanging them outside of their homes, car windows, mailboxes, cubicles, – you name it. People were even spray-painting their lawns the American Flag. There were candle light vigils and patriotic concerts.

Everything was God Bless America.

Now a days, we can’t even get our professional athletes to stand up during the National Anthem at sporting events, for crying out loud.

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Photo Credit: CBS

We’re fighting to remove “Under God” from our pledge of allegiance.

We’ve got pop stars proclaiming that they “hate America” and openly disrespecting our country and the flag – and encouraging others to do the same.

Not to mention the complete farce people – and the media – have made of President Trump and the first family.

This was not the America of 16 years ago.

The America, 16 years ago, stood up for itself. The America, 16 years ago, was not afraid to draw a definitive line between right and wrong, and enforce consequences for offenders.

Now a-days, we can’t even call someone by their God-given sex, without the threat of offending someone or being the target for public shame – or even worse – getting labeled as part of a “hate group.”

Somewhere during the process of the “Snowflaking-of-America,” we’ve completely forgotten about the day we were attacked, not once – not twice – but four times: Twice in NYC, Once at the Pentagon, and Once in Pennsylvania.

I was walking along the West Side Highway in New York City today, and the next thing I know, the road is closed, and literally 1,000s of motorcycles are parading down the avenue. There are helicopters and police escorts, and for literally 25 minutes, hundreds and hundreds of bikes, bedecked with American Flags and patriotic swag caravanned from Ground Zero to midtown in honor of the anniversary of 9/11.

These people remembered.

These people were not afraid to raise our flag with pride and reverence.

These people were showing respect, and God bless them for it.


Why is forgetting 9/11 such a crime?

Because it makes us take our freedom for granted.

It makes us forget that our freedom is actually a gift. People have died for our freedom. It came with a price.

So the next time you’re stuck in line at airport security, just remember that 9/11 is the reason you’re having to take off your shoes. And belt. And jewelry. And getting a pat down.

Why? Because on September 11, 2001, hijackers got on airplanes and attacked the United States of America.

But we stood up for our country.

We made a vow never to forget.

And it’s time we started acting like it. 

It’s time we start respecting our elected officials and work to cooperate together instead of demonstrating hatred and anger and an uncompromising spirit through violent protests and marches.

America, 16 years ago – came together when the chips were down. We united.

America today – we’re hostile with one another: venomously divided, – and violently defensive.

I don’t like it. I don’t like it one little bit.

And I get it, our country is far from perfect. There are still some serious issues – racisim and sexism just to name a few. But cooperation is a two way street, and all sides have a role to play. So that with our freedom, and with a cooperative spirit, we can continue to make progress against these issues in a county that allows us the freedom to do so.

Maybe this hurricane is falling on the anniversary of September 11, as a God-facilitated catalyst for our country to come together.

Because quite honestly, we’re at a breaking point.

Maybe this emergency is just the situation we needed to set aside our differences, and come together as a United nation. The United States of America. One nation – under God, indivisible, with liberty, and justice for all.

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303 thoughts on “16 Years Forogtten ”

  1. Everything old is new again. Welcome to the 70’s.

    America forgot about the war in ‘nam and started hating the soldiers.
    American flags were burned.
    Solders were spat upon in airports as they were returning home.
    God was taken out of schools, Krishna was allowed in.

    Liked by 5 people

  4. Beautifully written! I’ll never forget walking through the rubble, bustling with activity as thousands of volunteers and emergency personnel were clearing debris while on other side of Ground Zero there was silence as canine officers searched for life. The sights and sounds will always be with me.

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Great post! That is a scary thought,I feel very old now thanks lol 😂
    I made a Facebook post today and said it is that even here in the UK the behaviour that is going on from both the far left, and right is scary, as most things tend to do what is happening in America is happening here in the UK too.
    I remember the news the afternoon of the twins towers attack,it wasn’t long before I picked my son up from primary school. We were all terrified here, so I can only imagine what it was like for you living there. I was scared to go out, but I wanted my boy home with me and I had to pick him up of course.
    Now I think Americans, and increasingly Brits, have more to fear from each other than any outside terrorists. Who knows perhaps this has been a lot more of a cold and calculated plan by ISIS, perhaps they knew what would happen, that we would all turn on each other, but to be honest I wouldn’t actually credit them with that much intelligence.
    I stand pretty much in the middle of this row between sides, there are things from both that I understand, and I wish were different. As such I get abuse from both sides so I can categorically say they’re as bad as each other.
    I know it is more serious actually on the streets, but online I can only liken it to a bunch of overgrown school kids arguing about who pushed who first. Good luck with getting any of the real issues sorted that way folks!
    I do not even think most are truly concerned about the causes they claim to be, and many of them are skewed to fit the agenda of whoever is saying whatever.
    Right now ISIS are less scary than these two sides, the ones at either far end of the scale.
    It’s got to the point where I have given up trying to reason with any of them, they do not want to hear that for peace someone has to stop firing the bullets, or in most cases the insults for that to ever happen, they don’t want to.
    So me, and those like me will just stand in the corner for now and wait for them all to either grow up or kill each other.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. thank you so much for this thoughtful response. Yeah, it was definitely a scary day indeed. and how quickly we forget. you’re right – both sides need to come together and let go of the radical agendas. They’re not doing anyone any good. thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Well said. Last year I went to NYC and saw the 9-11 museum. What an incredible memorial. It was so intense that I couldn’t take all the horror of that day.

    Not only was our country united that day, the entire world was. There were people crying out in countries all over the world, grieving the lives lost from the evil that day.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Wonderfully stated. I have been lamenting to anyone who will listen to me about this very sentiment today. If you care to check it out I posted a poem yesterday about this. It may interest you. I love your blog

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Yes! Well said, sister! I completely agree. I remember when the twin towers fell… where I was and how people responded… that was the only time I can remember that people really came together and united, even those who weren’t thrilled with Bush 2 being our president… people who didn’t vote for him or like him still respected and trusted him in that moment as he sought out the right response. I pray regularly that our nation can one day unite again… heaven knows how much we need it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Aw Caralyn. Excellent thoughts. Being Canadian, I still hurt with you guys, because we are neighbours, we are all God’s Creation, and Canadians were also killed. I was in NYC during Thanksgiving week, following 9-1-1, with a group from our church helping as we could. I will never forget the sites. Spent time at the Memorial, crying with residents, praying with and for them, crying and praying with police officers, military personnel, construction workers. It is in my memory forever. God Bless you Caralyn.
    Luv ya, 😀⚘❤
    George

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Excellent post! We haven’t all forgotten, but perhaps some that are adults today didn’t understand the full impact of 9-11. Or perhaps people have gotten so busy pointing fingers at the other side, they have forgotten. I also hope that some of the disasters going on, hurricanes and fires will bring us back together. Thank you for a much needed post. ❤️❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  18. So very true that 16 years have passed and to think high school seniors did not experience 9/11. Reminds me of assignments about interviewing your parents about an historical event. I do have to disagree w/ your view on personal protest and choice. Anyone who is not a civil servant is not required to “go along to get along”. Having a difference of opinion or using your influence to evoke conversation, awareness, or change in cultural norms is the greatest acknowledgment of truly being an American. It’s ​everyone’s right to have.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! I definitely don’t oppose people having different opinions, or people exercising their right to a peaceful protest. It’s just the anger and aggression with which many people go about it, that gives me pause. But yeah that is definitely a gift that comes along with freedom! Thanks for joining the conversation! I love hearing all perspectives 🙂 Hugs and love xox

      Like

  19. So well said … AMEN … AMEN … AMEN !!! You wrote so clearly what I have been thinking for a long time. Thank you for your patriotism and thank you for openly supporting the United States and our need for Uniting. Bless you. God, please help us to remember … remember … remember. Amen

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Great post and reminder that society has forgotten how important it is to be united! A kingdom divided among itself cannot stand and it is frustrating to see how it is playing out in today’s day and age. What a humble reminder that we aren’t promised tomorrow!

    Liked by 2 people

  21. Caralyn,
    What a profound and brave statement. It is very sad how people quickly forget the tragedies that our country, our world has faced. Yes, there has been some judgement, stereotyping, possibly even prejudice against anyone from the Middle East because of what happened on this day 16 years ago. It is understandable to be afraid especially when of late we do not know who the next suicide bomber will be. However, are not some of these people who claim to be kneeling, sitting down, claiming hate because they feel that they are being mistreated. That they have been discriminated against by the cops, society, etc.. Okay, so to those people whether it is the BLM, the group or groups that started the whole gender identity thing and the list goes on-I ask each and every one of you, Have you ever in your life judged someone for being different than you or because they were similar to a criminal, a murderer? Are you not being hypocrites? I am an American, Christian, and I try very hard not to stereotype. Can any of you who kneel at a game, refuse to pledge allegiance to the flag to the God who gave you life, to the country that fought and still fights for your freedom, your rights, and your life. Your right to protest against mistreatment? Yes, Isis and other terrorists scare the daylights out of me, but the hate rising in our country scares me just as much if not more. Also, and this is still directed to those who claim that they are offended by those who do not believe what they believe, who feel that because of the color of their skin they are mistreated- do you see any of the people from the middle east kneeling at their jobs, protesting in public on national tv, rioting in the streets or igniting riots all for their rights.. I would think that they have just as much cause to do so as each of you. Since 9/11 they have been terrorized for their nationality because the terrorists who attacked us on 9/11 were people from the Middle East. Take some time people who only see that their lives matter. who are blinded by the poison fed to them by the media, democratic party, Satanists, and those who love to see hate and violence? Oh, wait! That is Satan and his minions!!!! Am I offending him?
    Sorry, Caralyn. I did have an original short point to make here but I got a bit carried away. I also apologize to all of your followers. This stuff just really bothers me. I was bullied as a child for dressing different, being a church goer, being poor, living on the wrong side of the tracks, etc… Where were the victims of bullies matter protests? Not being serious, just trying to make a point. We all have experienced something that makes feel left out and or mistreated, maybe it was someone we know and not us. My point is we are made to be courageous, kind, selfless, hopeful, loving, forgiving, and merciful..
    God bless and keep you safe, Ms. Caralyn.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much for this powerful response. “We are made to be courageous kind selfless hopeful loving forgiving and merciful” AMEN!! Don’t apologize at all! I love your passion. I think you’re right – there is a difference between protesting against injustice in a peaceful and cooperative, respectful and beneficial way, and then spewing hatred and prejudiced ideology. Thanks for stopping by, and thanks for sharing your heart. Hugs and love xox

      Like

      1. Teaching about Love for Enemies

        43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’* and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies!* Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends,*how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

        Have a safe and blessed night. XO

        Liked by 1 person

      6. Verse 45 reminds me of the floods and hurricanes happening all over the world. Anyone spewing the idea that hurricanes and natural disasters are happening because of “God’s judgment” are being incredibly wrong and merciless in their assumptions. Evil happens to faithful Believers and complete non believers alike. Just wanted to share that sentiment!

        Liked by 1 person

      7. Thank you… Yes, you God is merciful and allows “bad things” to happen in our lives whether we are believers or not. Just because we follow God does not mean that we are immune from illness, tragedy, loss, death, natural disasters. Again, God is merciful but we as believers must remember that God does discipline us when we are not following his ways. At the end, when we face God we will all be judged. From what I have been told and I wish that I could remember exactly where in Scripture it says this, but the Bible talks about the signs of Jesus’s return to Earth to gather his people. One of the signs discuss the freak or abnormal weather and like you mentioned, in Isaiah we read about the hurricane and floods.

        Like

  23. I was in Canada on a business trip on 9/11. It was the first time I really felt like I was out of country there. I always joke that Canada is really the 51st state! Not that day, though! Like so many, I wasn’t going back home any time soon! I remember watching the towers go down on the TV at the bar in the hotel – it was open in the morning. I think everyone needed a stiff drink at that point.

    It was the worst shock since Kennedy was assassinated. It’s just too bad that everyone is too busy with cell phones and fidget toys to even think about things of substance. And shame on us for allowing ourselves to be so easily led down that path!

    Well, just a little more at Patreon. Not much. It would be too depressing to say much more.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey Jeff! Thanks for sharing that. Wow I can only imagine the horror of having to watch it unfold on tv from Canada. I can’t wait to read more from you! I actually got a sneak peak of your comment on my email and I definitely have a lot to reply with! I actually have another version of this post that I will share there 🙂 Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Beautifully written! I love all your posts but 9/11 impacts me greatly. (to understand why you can see my blog post joangraves.wordpress.com/2017/09/11/where-was-god-on-911 ) For the last 16 years, I have talked with my boys about it. We watch a 9/11 documentary or film every year. Even my special needs non-verbal son gets a lesson. Last year I made ribbons with him then took him into the community to hand them out to first responders. Since 9/11 our flag flies proudly every day. The majority has forgotten how we felt that September day. I just keep praying that someday we will rediscover that unity and never let it go. Thank you & God bless you!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much Joan. That’s such an important lesson to teach your children. You’re a great mom. Thank you for passing that important history and truth onto the next generation. I will join you in that prayer. Hugs and love xox

      Like

  28. Hi there! Very well put as always! Just to chime in, most high school seniors were babies during 9-11–making them 17 and turning 18 throughout the year. I know…I have a senior and she won’t turn 18 until after graduation. Today her school held a memorial, and I just want to give our seniors credit as well as the educators who do remember and teach about this tragedy. I thought you might appreciate this, and you are right…too many have forgotten. #NeverForget

    Liked by 2 people

    1. thanks so much Sharon. I’m glad to hear that!! there is hope for the class of 2018!! hahaha juuuuust kidding just kidding. There truly is hope to be found in our upcoming kids – they are a promising group of young people! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  29. I will never forget. Nor will I ever forget that we were not allowed to win in Korea, VIetNam, Iraq and Afghanistan. We spend billions supporting countries that hate us. Forget 9/11? Never! We have become a nation that doesn’t want to offend anyone or hurt anyone’s feelings. 9/11 will happen again because we won’t do what is necessary to prevent it.

    Liked by 1 person

  31. Thanks for the post. There are two events in my life that I remember exactly where I was. When Secretariat won the race by 31 lengths, I was sick and laying on my couch as a kid. On 911 I was at work with my mouth held open, and if you can believe it or not, totally speechless. We had a television at work, and I saw it.

    No, we are not the same America in many ways, forms, and fashions. To “offend someone” can almost get you the electric chair in this nation now. Lot’s of freedoms gone and done away with we think. We are still under the Constitution, and that says, “I can say what I want to.” In fact I have a book on the Constitution in case I ever need it. I take it with me everywhere I go. Love you so much and God Bless, SR

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much SR. I really appreciate your thoughts. Yeah the whole freedom of speech – and frankly freedom of the press too — has been taken to the absolute extreme. I wish we could remember the sacrifices that got us those freedoms. Hugs and love xox

      Like

  33. You do bring up some good points about the spirit of Patriotism and the link to a tolerant God. Rarely do we as a whole nation have both at the same time either through words or actions. I fought, everyday in America and when it came time to fight again. I did. I never did it for the parades. Patriotism might be the glue for those that do not or are not willing to fight.

    That is where Americans forget that chain of selflessness. The same chain that puts food on the table from farms. Puts cops in the right places to make a difference.

    We shouldn’t be blind though and just, follow. It is the right of every citizen to question those in power for resolution and inclusion. The president on many occasions has only accepted blind loyalty. That is not American.

    You can have Patriotism and not totally agree. It should not be in place of religion. You should have God in the things you do but remember that God did not make America. People did. There were forty thousand Native tribes roaming about that suddenly, disappeared through the forming of America. Those were my people and they are also forgotten. God doesn’t choose sides, we do.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks so much for this thoughtful response Kenzie. The chain of selflessness – I wish that would come back. You’re right – it’s a both/and. We respect those in power but we keep them in check. But respect for our country is a non negotiable. And so true – the fate of the Native Americans is truly tragic. Thanks for this powerful food for thought. Hugs and love xox

      Like

      1. Respect for our country?

        Let’s define that. Love, is mercy and respect. We can say hate may be the opposite.

        Thomas Jefferson and his crew, dressed as Mohawk indians to dump the British tea into the river. Later, it was used against the Mohawk to kill them in your area. New York. A big wall came up to protect the colonies from these, savages. That wall is now Wall Street. Perception, not love is what built your area. From the Triangle Fires to the Hellegat bridge. You might call Hell’s Kitchen.

        America was not founded on mercy and respect. Not founded on love but as a means to escape the tax from Britain and share it with the newly wealthy. Themselves. Trading one tyrant for another you might say.

        The South. Had money and although they did have slaves they weren’t entirely keen on shooting themselves in the foot over a British tax. They more than made up for the tax in trade but, it wasn’t enough for “Americans.”

        Slavery is wrong. When, the minimum wage is $7.25 an hour and I myself used to clean toilets for $4.75 an hour as a first job.

        You have more workers at a slave’s wage than you would a living wage. There is no respect, no mercy there. Just, hard workers and no future.

        So, we still have Wall Street except there’s no Natives left. That would leave us well, maybe not you but the rest of us as the new, savages.

        Liked by 1 person

  34. You said a mouthful. Spot on. I don’t know how old you are but I am 63. I was alive when President Kennedy was assassinated and Dr King. I remember the government assault on the students at Kent U. The Detroit and LA riots. I still think the news media has forgot what unbiased reporting is. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on your blog.

    Liked by 1 person

  36. Definitely agree… I see it too …. people in this country have so quickly forgotten such a tragedy, which is pretty terrifying and I hope I am not so quick to forget the amazing things God has done for me!

    Liked by 1 person

  37. Why, oh why? Why is there not a “love” button as well! I cannot like this post enough! We need to get back to that point as a country. A reset , if you will. Back to the days of “flag shortages” and patriotism flooding our nation.

    Liked by 1 person

  38. Yes– the creepiest part is how certain aspects of freedom/respect/protection for certain people and beliefs, even beliefs that have been integral since the birth of this nation, has been overlooked in the name of “political correctness”…

    Liked by 1 person

  40. Ordinary people simply want to live their lives with dignity. And I believe be this the reality in all places, peoples, and nations, children, young and old.
    Civilization enabled the world to live comfortably and with a wide variety of possibilities and choices.
    For organized people, information, science, and technology solve much of the practical problems of caring for life and others.

    But a crucial question has not yet been resolved since the origin of man and will follow him to the end: human character remains subject to evil.

    In the beginning, “God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.” (Genesis 1:4)
    But “and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
    For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” (John 3:19,20)

    God granted will to people to be free, but they became slaves of the sham, hurting themselves and others, and drowning in freedom.

    But “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
    And, “whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
    Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5: 4,5)

    Liked by 1 person

  43. I will never forget sitting in my college classroom and getting a phone call to turn on the news because her brother, my friend, lived in New York and she couldn’t get a hold of him. I left class and didn’t care that the professor got mad at me and turned on the news.

    My friend ended up being fine but so many people lost loved ones that day. I agree that we HAVE to remember as a country because we don’t want anything like that to ever happen again.

    Liked by 1 person

  45. Wow! Wow! Well put. I can so relate with this because my country has been in a series of attacks on and off for sometime now. When it happens we unit as a people and mourn together, donate where need be. But when the dust calms down, we somehow FORGET ! Until we are stricken again. My heart bleeds for my country. May God bless us all!!

    Liked by 1 person

  47. Well put. Such a compelling piece. I can so relate with this because my country has been in a series of attacks on and off for sometime now. When it happens we unit as a people and mourn together, donate where need be. But when the dust calms down, we somehow FORGET ! Until we are stricken again. My heart bleeds for my country. May God bless us all!!

    Liked by 1 person

  48. This is very well put. I usually would get on facebook and see so many posts about the tragedy 16 years ago. Today I saw three. I said ok maybe its because of the hurricanes and other horrible things going on in the US, but still… How can we not learn from the past? It makes my heart hurt.

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