I did not lose any family members, but I was still deeply affected by what happened ten years ago.  I like so many Americans were at a loss for words that day and for the rest of that week.  Shock turned to sadness.  Sadness turned to anger.  Anger turned to prayer. Emotions were at an all-time high.

But there was hope.  What was shown for a long time after that day has made me proud to be an American.  The country was truly ‘One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.’  I know it’s hard for some to remember, but it did happen.  All our differences socially and politically were no longer an issue.  We were all Americans.

There were so many poignant moments after that day.  President George W. Bush saying in New York, “I can hear you.  The world hears you.  And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon.”  The late Jack Buck delivering a moving speech before the St. Louis Cardinals first game since that day. Hearing the story of United Flight 93 still breaks my heart to this day.

I want to take this opportunity to do something that I don’t do as much as I should.  I want to say thank you to the brave men and women of our police and fire departments all over the country.  You risk so much everyday to save the lives of our families and friends. I also want to thank our military who have served their country proudly by defending her since that dreadful day.

Tragedy brought us all together.  We needed a shoulder to cry on, a place to go pray, someone to talk to.  Whose to say that we are a divided country now and can never be united again?  Yes there are those that want to see this country fall.  It’s a fact.  As long as we believe in that American spirit that has been instilled in us since the day we were born, we shall prevail.

Believe in yourself.  Believe in your country.  And believe that the future will be brighter.  There is still good in this world and that there is no place for those who wish to do us harm.

In the 10 years since that day, we haven’t forgotten and we will never forget.

This post is dedicated to 2,977 citizens who lost their lives and to their families.  God Bless