Friday, September 9, 2011

AMERICA AT 9/11/11

Special greetings to my American friends and neighbours.

I was one of those who watched, in horror, the events of ten years ago. And as a former Fire Fighter, I understood the perils involved in the work of New York's Fire Department, with the help of many Fire Fighters from elsewhere, and their determination to help anyone they could.

We're ten years on, and you American folk are planning to recall and think about those events. (I don't think the word "celebrate" is perhaps the best word — especially when there are possibilities of "more of the same" happening this year in New York.)

I hope and pray that your collective remembrances on September 11 will be a worthy tribute to so many who died or were left with particular loss, and so many who served in an extraordinarily difficult time. I likewise hope these remembrances will help to heal your collective soul.

We Canadians will be remembering with you.

Blessings and Bear hugs.


27 comments:

Craig said...

That was a nice post... yes we should all remember the atrocities tomorrow.

Rob-bear said...

® Thanks, Craig.

Frances said...

Thank you for this post.

(I've sent you an email with some other thoughts.)

Rob-bear said...

® Frances, you're welcome!

THINGS YOU'D NEVER GUESS ABOUT ME said...

Oh how people forget, if you dare stop beating the past into their heads. Joe tried finding a church service for Sunday where 9/11 would be observed.

So we're NOT going to church this Sunday...they've got other things on their minds.

Golden Eagle said...

Thank you for the post and thoughts.

Jean said...

9/11 is one of those "what were you doing when" events. I can remember very clearly what I was doing when I heard about it - I was meeting some biker friends in the local pub and we were all staring at the images on the TV screen in total disbelief.

On the other hand, I can't remember what I was doing when Elvis or JFK died.

Rob-bear said...

® Bear's Mom: Not remembering 9/11? That's so very sad. I just cannot fathom that! Even your neighbours up here in Canada are recalling 9/11 at worship tomorrow!

® Golden Eagle: You're welcome. A few kind thoughts and chosen words are small things we can do for our friends and neighbours.

® Jean: Yes, it is one of those kinds of "memorable" events.
I can't remember where I was when Elvis died (if he really died), but I was in a gym class at high school when JFK passed away.
I was glued to the television ten years ago. Horrified. Puzzled.

potsoc said...

When JFK died I was working with my group of boys in young offenders custody facility. Upon hearing of the event, we stopped all activities and went to the TV set.
On 9/11 I was retired and was relaxing with my wife in our home, then in Val-David a quiet little village, when the phone rang; a friend asked if we were watching TV? No! Needless to say that we spent the next few hours staring in disbelief at our screen.
I pray never to see that again ever.

Just Two Chicks said...

Thank you for this post... The 10th year anniversary of a national tragedy. I still remember hearing about the first plane. What a horrible, tragic loss. I can't tell you how far my heart fell when I read that we are once again on high alert.

Jackie said...

Thank you, Rob.....
Hugs,
Jackie

Rob-bear said...

® potsoc: Thanks for sharing your experiences, Paul. Never again, I hope.

® Just Two Chicks: You're welcome. And, yes, another concern for this year.
Your post on this was good too. I hope folks check it out.

® Teacher's Pet: You're welcome too, Jackie. Friends stand together in tough times. Canada with the US, now.

ReformingGeek said...

It was definitely a sad day in America. Thanks for the post.

Rob-bear said...

® Reforming Geek: You're welcome. It was important for me to do that.

Murr Brewster said...

Sometimes I think remembrances should be private, the way Jesus said prayer should be. I hesitate to mourn publicly when I suspect we are being manipulated to the service of a cynical agenda. The last thing we should be is xenophobic, and the last thing we should be doing is the dirty war-work of Big Oil and the like. Peace

Lydia said...

I saved reading your comments until the end of this day (it is here 11:54 p.m.) because I knew they would be a fitting way to close the chapter of this tenth anniversary. Many thanks and blessings to you for these dear words.

Diana said...

It was a somber day here to be sure Bear. And once again tears flowed as I watched the tragedy happen again on the news. What did make me very proud was the fire fighters and police with all of their heart and bravery on that day. My prayers go out to all who experienced that first hand.
Love Di ♥

Rob-bear said...

® Murr Brewster: I believe there is a place for private remembrance. But when the remembrance is of a shared event or experience, perhaps it is useful for those sharing it to do so together.
Nonetheless, as you say, there is a concern about manipulation.
Thanks.

® Lydia: Thanks for the kind words. I trust my thoughts were worthwhile.
Blessings and Bear hugs.

Rob-bear said...

® Diana: Thanks.
And great to see you getting around some more with your bionic knees. Pretty soon you'll be running from blog to blog.

Chatty Crone said...

I have about five Canadian friends on my blog - and they all are wonderful. Thanks for standing by and being with us on 9-11. A truly horrible day. AND I bet you remember where you were when you heard the news.

Sandie

The Bipolar Diva said...

Thank you Bear. It's nice to know we're not alone.

kj said...

thank you, rob. i've felt your tender support for days.

ah, so this is the blog i should be following. i have a correction to make on my blog roll. will do!

love
kj

Eat To Live said...

I am so happy that the US has Canadian friends like you. Thank you for a beautiful post.

Posie said...

A very thoughtful post, 9/11 was so horrific, beyond our worst nightmares. I too have been thinking of everyone, and do so wish for a peaceful world.

Rob-bear said...

® Chatty Crone: Welcome to this blog. Glad to be with you on a horrid day. I strongly believe we get by with a little help from our friends. And yes, I remember; I was at home and spent a lot of time in front of the tv that day.

® Diva and kj: Glad to be there for you and with you. I figure that's what neighbours do.

Rob-bear said...

® Journey with Candida: Not sure how you found me, but thanks for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment for a Canadian neighbour.

® Posie: Yes, 9/11 was a horrid experience. And I, too, hope for a more peaceful world. Thanks.

Lins' lleisio said...

I remember it well, I was at home after just having my daughter. It made me think about what sort of world I was bringing her into. Unbelievably inhumane and very, very heartbreaking. Thoughts remain with all the families affected, still picking up the pieces after all these years.