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.... For thousands of Americans the title is all that need be said. But as we continue, this decade later, to never forget I will say more. I am compelled to say more. The deeds of the passengers, and ultimately, their sacrifice in the hour of their country's need demands I say that which my heart can no longer hold.
On September 11th, 2001 a hand full of Americans aboard a jetliner discovered their country was under attack. They discovered first hand that the plane they were on, that their very lives were to be used as an instrument in a cowardly and evil act. In an instant these Americans were faced with a choice; To be the un-willing participants in tragedy or to act in the defense of their fellow Americans.
They did not choose endless argument in committee over who was right or wrong. The did not split along party lines. They did not separate into this faction or that one. They did not argue about whose god is The God. They did not send out a plea to others for help. They did not sit back and hope or pray that help would arrive in time. In that moment they realized they were Americans. Help did not need to arrive, help was already there.
They did choose to put aside race, religion, politics, class distinctions, ethnicity, ideology, region of origin, sexual orientation, gender and economic status. For in that moment they realized, as so many Americans have before them, how small and petty and insignificant those things are in the face of the greater consideration. "Do we fight or do we let evil triumph this day?" They did choose to fight.
They chose to give up all that they had and all they might have ever had. They chose to give up all they had loved and had ever hoped to love. They chose to give up all that they were and had ever hoped to be. They chose what so many Americans down through the generations have chosen, to lay down their lives for their fellow Americans. And...They did. With quiet and dignified goodbyes and the final words "Let's Roll!" They gave their lives in service to their nation. In the early morning hours of September 11th, 2001 a plane crashed in a lonely field in Pennsylvania. All on board died.
Is this truly how it happened? I cannot, with absolute honesty, say yes to that, but I do know this:
Thousands of Americans through out our history when faced with this choice have done the very same, sacrificed their lives so that others may live.
The airliner designated Flight 93 crashed into no buildings or landmarks, no additional lives were lost.
The fierce pride that takes hold of my heart each and every time I think of them, a pride I shall carry to my grave, says that it is true. Each and every word.
Every.. word.
In the end, I believe, the passengers aboard Flight 93 understood what I had long pondered, they understood what being an American truly means; To be a true and just and loving and compassionate, caring, giving and decent Human Being. And with their single selfless act I understand that now. Thank You. May Your Names Live On Forever, and may my life and that of millions of other Americans be a testament to the worth of your sacrifice.
