Fuel for Thought

When Time Stands Still

Every generation has at least one, a day when time stands still. For my parents it was the day president John F. Kennedy was shot.  As a child they would tell me about that day with such minute detail, as if it had happened only moments before.  I was baffled how they could still experience tremendous emotion over something that had taken place so many years before.  It didn't make sense in my inexperienced mind.

September 11, 2001.

9/11/01.

9/11.

The day time stood still for me, and for many of you.  Where ever you were, at home, out on the road, watching TV, listening on the radio, you can recall every single moment in fine detail. I don't even have to close my eyes to see the horror of that day.  It is still like watching the entire day frozen, as if captured by a 360° video, and examining it from every angle.  

I was at work that day, not much more than an hour south of DC.  My kids at school.  It took us hours to get back on base. Every vehicle was thoroughly searched by armed MPs.  And then lock down, no one on or off the base. Wives and children sat outside with candles at night singing hymns, saying prayers, crying and reassuring each other.  Families came together with donated goods to send to NY.   There was shock and grief, but also something stronger, unity!  We came together as Americans.

Who knows what the next generation will face to make time stand still.  I only hope whatever it is, it isn't nearly as devastating as 9/11.  I also hope that it brings them together as Americans with a love of, and a sense of protection for this country.

Still Standing
The mourning sun glares on a street
once enshadowed
By Twin Towers standing as guardians
over Manhattan.
As dust and tears settle on a now
unfamiliar skyline
Their thunderous demise still
echoes the Nation.

Instead of bringing this great county
to its knees
We rise shaken and bruised, refusing
to admit defeat.
We join together as one
to show
A united front towards
a common enemy.

Our flag continues to wave, The Star
Spangled Banner continues to play
And prayers are lifted unto heaven
on Angels' Wings.
Today, amidst the rubble and chaos 
brought to this land
We, The United States of America
proudly STILL STANDS  

(c) sierra sugar 9/12/2001