A sight that I will never forget

by Sam Graves

More than two months have passed since the unspeakable acts of September 11th, the day that changed America forever. While these cowardly terrorist acts against the American way of life have destroyed lives, buildings, and the dreams and hopes of countless Americans, it also had some unforeseen positive consequences. Osama Bin Laden and his Taliban Regime thought they could bring America to its knees with their acts of terror, they failed.

These terrorist acts have galvanized our nation uniting all of us in support of our Commander-in-Chief George W. Bush, our nation, and our military men and women. Americans are again proud to be Americans, and they are willing to fight for our way of life, our liberties, and our freedoms — regardless of the cost.

Not since World War II has the nation seen such an outpouring of support for our Armed Forces. Therefore, this year Veteran’s Day had a new meaning for millions of Americans. For the first time in a generation, America’s Armed Forces are called to defend civilization itself. Veteran’s Day is not a holiday it is a day to honor those who gave their life defending our nation, its people and our freedom. On this Veteran’s Day we also honored our policemen, firefighters and rescue workers who contribute to our homeland security each day.

Terrorists have brought a new war to America. Neither a trade war nor a war of words dignified by a few chanting children and burning effigies on CNN, but rather a war that strikes at our fears, destroying our thoughts of safety and our feelings of security. In less than two hours, two-dozen terrorists had appeared to destroy what millions of Americans had toiled for more than 225 years to create — peace, freedom, and liberty.

On this Veteran’s Day Americans showed their support and gratitude for our servicemen and woman, past and present. On this special day we also had the men and women whose lives were taken on September 11 and their families in our thoughts and prayers. Like we have never seen before, Americans have heard the call of those in need and they have responded with overwhelming selfless generosity. They have sent their money, donated their blood, and sacrificed their lives to comfort and protect people that they may never meet nor know.

We owe it to all the men, women, and children that perished on September 11th to ensure that they did not die in vain. We truly live in the greatest country in the world. God Bless America.