Ten years has passed from the day when our lives changed forever. When a new page was turned in the history books.
I still remember that day so very clearly. I was supposed to be on the east coast for meetings but schedules changed, and instead I was working at Nokia’s office in Finland. I was driving home and talking to my sister on the phone. She mentioned that a skyscraper had collapsed in New York, and another is on fire. This didn’t make any sense to me. Buildings do not collapse and catch fire. I was hurrying to get home and turn on the television while searching news updates on my cell phone, and browsing through radio stations in order to find out what was going on.
Eventually I was in my house, and glued in front of the TV. I was staring at it with a great disbelief. It was surreal like watching a movie with real people instead of actors. People dying, crying, buildings collapsing. Sadness, sorrow, disbelief, disaster.
And I still can hear President Bush’s words at the end of his speech:
Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a Power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23:
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are with me.”
The life had changed.
Yesterday was past, on that day people had to unite more than ever, and future was unknown. People and nations united, facing the new tomorrow. The freedom is what we have, and what we believe in. Although it has not been an easy road. Brave men and women have stepped up ready to defend our values and beliefs. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, so many more carry the pains of the war against terrorism in their hearts. Seeing friends struggling with the visible and invisible wounds of war breaks my heart every time even though I am prouder than proud of their dedication for this great country.
That being said, please, take a moment of your day today, and say a prayer for those who lost their loved ones ten years ago, for those who were there ready to help and die for others, for those who serve and have served this great country, and for their families who stand by their service members through thick and thin.
“Let every nation know, whether it wishes
us well or ill, that we shall pay any
price, bear any burden, meet any hardship,
support any friend, oppose any foe, to
assure the survival and success of liberty.”
~President John F. Kennedy
We did not forget. We will never forget.
