In my opinion, today really isn't a day for a lot of words. I wanted to post about the rest of my trip, but to do that would dishonor the day. Instead, my thoughts wander once again with the rest of the country back over the past 11 years. My thoughts wander, and I wonder.
After all this time, I think that the people lost in the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and Flight 93 weren't the only ones who died that horrible day.
Thousands of military personnel from all over the world, Iraqis, Afghanis, and Pakistanis have also died paying the price for one man's hatred.
The America I grew up in died that day.
Today many will vow to never forget. Many will grieve again and cry as they see the images of smoke and utter chaos again. Many will share their memories of where they were the moment they heard the news.
Some will stir up old anger and fear.
Some will stretch out yearning arms for lost friends and loved ones...and find only empty air and the pain of memory.
Some will comfort themselves with the thought that Osama Bin Laden is dead. Justice has been served.
Or has it?
As I said...today isn't a day for a lot of words. It is a day for introspection.
I admit I have spent a lot of time in the past 11 years shaking my fist at the "enemy." I've chanted "USA! USA!" I've flown the flag and cried with the rest of the country.
And now I begin to question.
2,996 individuals died on September 11th.
Estimates range from 110,000 to over one million military personnel, insurgents, civilians, journalists and government contractors have been killed in the resulting wars.
My father served in the military for 22 years. I have the utmost respect for our brave men and women in uniform.
So I ask this in humility...with respect and no small amount of trembling.
Has it been worth it?
I wonder how the 2,996 people who died in the planes, the Pentagon, and the Twin Towers would answer.
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