Wednesday, September 19, 2001

Suddenly, we Americans rediscover America . . .

Citizen Editorial

Suddenly, the world is different.

Suddenly, we see the future less clearly.

Suddenly, we seek the sound, the touch of a loved one more deliberately.

Suddenly, we wonder where are our family members, our friends.

Suddenly, many things that seemed so urgent in the early days of September seem now diminished, their urgency undone.

Suddenly, we are different.

Our lives go on, but suddenly, we embrace a new sense of fragility in the fabric of life; a new awareness of our human weakness; a new sadness for all that has been lost; a new gratitude for our brothers, our sisters, our countrymen; a new resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our family and friends; a new strength to forge ahead and defend our unique blessings.

America will never be the same. We will never be the same. And that means that we can be better.

God has shed his grace on America, and on Americans. Now, in the smoky shadows of funeral pyres in New York City and Washington, D.C., we must be prepared to become shining stewards of that abundant grace.

We must defend our country from a bitter, implacable enemy an elusive enemy fired with a burning hate from Hell itself, to whom life itself is just another weapon.

We Americans will rise up and defend ourselves, and our country, from this enemy. We will cause that red, white and blue banner to wave yet again, so long as we have life and breath, over the land of the free, and the home of the brave.

O God, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come,

Our shelter from the stormy blast,

And our eternal home.

Under the shadow of Thy throne

Thy saints have dwelt secure;

Sufficient is Thine arm alone,

And our defense is sure.

O God, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come,

Be Thou our guard while troubles last,

And our eternal home.

Back to Opinion Home Page | Back to the top of the page