09-11-2009
A day that is the anniversary of one of the darkest days in United States history. A day to remember those who lost their lives that day. A day to pray for the families of those who were lost eight years ago today.
I remember where I was eight years ago today. I was at work at Washington's. I remember the eerie quiet that was downtown Ft Collins on that day. Streets that were normally busy with people were almost completely empty. I remember staring at the television in complete disbelief. I remember having to explain to the 12 year football team that I was coaching to "go home after school and be with your families, there are more important things than football today." I remember going home to be with my wife and own children, and try to explain to them why.
I remember I,as most people were, was an emotional wreck that day. I was in disbelief. I was angry beyond any point I had ever known. I was saddened. I cried, I yelled, I threw things, and even tried to laugh a little when possible. I also remember thinking "someone is going to pay for this"
I remember that day, and will never forget.
Now I have always had a great appreciation for our military, policemen and women, and firefighters. My dad was a military man, from a military family and it was not only expected, it was demanded to show respect for all people, but ESPECIALLY these people. Ma'am and Sir were common words in my family.
In the last eight years I have developed a greater appreciation for these people though. I have had many friends who have gone into the military and been deployed to all corners of the earth proudly wearing the American flag on their uniform, to defend what The United States stands for, and people who cannot defend themselves. I know people who have been sent into the theatre of war, and luckily everyone I know has made it home. And I complain about having to work 11 straight days, or long hours. How foolish and selfish I feel.
I have also had the pleasure of getting to know friends who are Police Officers and Firefighters. They like our military men and women do the things that most of don't, or won't. They run into situations with guns and weapons when we run away. They are the ones that nobody likes when you get pulled over for speeding, but yet they are always there when someone is breaking into your house or business. They are the ones that run into burning buildings, as we call them and run out. They are the ones that get out of bed at 2:00am to come make sure some idiot who got in a bar fight is OK, usually only to get treated badly by said idiot.
The very least they deserve is my respect.
To all of my friends and family who have served in the military past and present, Thank you for serving and defending this great country and everything we stand for.
To all the Policemen and Women and Firefighters - Thank you for all that you do to keep us safe in our day to day lives.
To all the victims and their families who were lost on 09/11/01 - you are in my thoughts and prayers today, and every day.
Know that we will always remember, and never forget.
