9/12
The recent 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks was a difficult one. I was born and raised in a small town about ten miles west of the World Trade Center - we could readily see it every day. We raised our own family there, and we experienced that terrible, scary, and sad day together in real time as it unfolded. As a small child myself, I looked into the vast pits that would one day be the Twin Towers that we would enter and climb with exhilaration when my kids were growing up. Now those pits that I remember peering into so vividly hold sad memories and a solemn memorial.
We went to a local commemoration this weekend in New London, CT that was led by the Coast Guard, with participation from the Navy, Fire Department, Police and Public Safety officials, Federal, State and Local leaders. It was a glorious setting on a beautiful day, just like 9/11/2011. There was a substantial crowd, and the ceremony was solemn but significant.
I wanted to feel a sense of closure, for something that will actually never close. But I mostly wanted a sense of moving forward.
The following day I read in the paper and in several online postings and on TV the remembrances that were being shared of the power of 9/12, the day and the feeling that followed and rose out of the depths of darkness on 9/11. This new day, 9/12, rose with hope and unity as we all began caring for each other, supporting each other, and sharing our love and grief with those that lost so much and needed our care.
This suddenly became my new focus – the rebirth and power of 9/12. This is an energy and force that we need now more than ever. We have the chance to look forward for opportunity and back only for inspiration. The time is here again to look toward care and concern, not the harsh sensation of intolerance and difference. The recognition to me is simple - we are all more similar than we are different!!
Challenges always generate the most progress in life and in any natural system. We are living in challenging times with divisions being the focus more than the unity we can share. The vivid memory and persuasive power of 9/12 though can give us all the lessons we need of the value and strength we generate to achieve tremendous results if we pull together forward in unity!
The opportunity that 9/12 represents is a shining light that we can all follow. I know that I will do my best to follow it, and I hope I can help those that I meet and learn with do the same. Together Everyone Achieves More – go TEAM 9/12!!
