Some of you can remember where you were and what you were doing when Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941.  Most of you will remember where you were and what you were doing when you heard of the assassination of President Kennedy on November 22, 1963. 

Both were horrific events in our country’s history that changed us in various ways.  The actions of Pearl Harbor led us into World War II.  President Kennedy’s death left us reeling and wondering what was happening in our country.  What would happen next?  Were we safe?  How can we protect ourselves and our families? Why were these things happening?

All of you will remember where you were and what you were doing when you heard about the terrorist’s attacks on September 11, 2001 twenty years ago today.  I had dropped my daughter off at school and I arrived at work and heard the news.  I was stunned, but didn’t really understand what was going on.  I turned the tv on in my classroom and saw the second plane hit the second tower.  It became very real at that moment.

Then the fear set in.  My husband was at the Salt Lake airport and was to board a plane taking him to a conference in Minneapolis.  This was before we had cell phones and I couldn’t reach him.  I was afraid he had already boarded the plane, was in the air and who knows what would happen?  All I could do was pray for his safety.

School started and my students entered the room.  Most were subdued as they had all heard what had happened, but like the rest of us, didn’t know how to react.  They had fears I could understand and questions I couldn’t answer.  Within a few minutes the principal came to my room and told me my husband was on the phone.  My knees almost buckled as I went to take the call.  They had cancelled all domestic flights as he was boarding the plane and was coming home.  Thank God!!

When we got home from work that evening, we watched with horror the events of the day in New York City, in Washington, D.C. and in the field in Pennsylvania.  It was surreal to think this was happening in our great country, right on our own soil to so many innocent people.  Again, we were forced to ask what would happen next, were we safe, how could we protect our families and why had it happened? 

The events of 9/11 changed us yet again.  We were broken hearted for the families who had lost innocent loved ones. We were angry with the terrorists who had committed these appalling attacks. The aftermath of these assaults on our nation brought out the best in people as often happens in time of need, however.  People came together to help their neighbors in any way they could. Our great country united in a way it had not for many years.

Today we remember and honor those who lost their lives in these dreadful attacks.  Take a moment to pray for peace, strength and continued healing in the lives of their loved ones. We also pray for peace and mutual understanding in our country as we deal with so much discord over so many issues. Pray that we may once again be united in a positive way to help each other.  This peace can only come from one source and that is God that loves us unconditionally every day.  Remember the words from Philippians 4:7. “And the peace that passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”.

Patty