Am I The Only One?

Am I the only one that doesn't want to relive the 9-11 tragedy? The only one that doesn't want to drag up sad stories? Yes, I think we need to remember what happened on that day, and certainly those that were injured and died that day should be remembered as well. But a lot of what I'm seeing seems to almost cheapen the memory of people (using their stories to get us all crying, for instance).

What I wish people would get out of 9-11 is that there are brave, giving people in your community that would make the same courageous choices on your behalf as those that died that day. So many communities want to make a big spectacle when a police officer or firefighter dies in the line of duty, yet it is also very common that the same people and government organizations will not spend the money BEFORE a tragedy to AVOID a tragedy. We appreciate these people after something terrible happens and they die, but we don't appreciate them enough beforehand to pay them enough, give them safe equipment, or give them a really good work environment. That's not enough appreciation as far as I'm concerned.

You want to honor the people that died on 9-11? Do what you can to help your local firefighters and police to get the raises they deserve, the training they need, and the equipment they should have. Drop by with a few pizzas, gas gift cards, or homemade cookies and pictures that your kids made. When the Girl Scouts sell cookies next winter, order some extra boxes and take them by the fire station to say Thank You. Do something selfless for somebody who needs your help. Maybe it's an elderly neighbor or a helpless child or somebody hungry that lives on the street. Do something that helps you have to give without getting anything in return, including the admiration of others.

No amount of money or equipment would have saved the rescue personnel that died on 9-11, and there were plenty of other courageous people who weren't emergency service workers that also lost their lives that day. There are tons of husbands, wives, parents, children, friends, and relatives who are still hurting from their losses. To me, memory is good, but moving on with renewed appreciation that makes us live our lives in a better way is worth a lot more.