Never Forget

This Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of the worst terrorist attack in American history. Many people could hardly believe their eyes as they watched it happen. Hundreds of World Trade Center employees lost their lives that day. Others lost their lives trying to save those caught in the midst of the tragic events as they unfolded. We also remember those victimized on the hijacked flights and those at the Pentagon. Our soldiers have been risking their lives since that day to protect us from terrorists.

I wipe away tears when I listen to interviews from surviving family members. The legacies of these fallen Americans and heroes have learned to not take their families for granted. Some kids are growing up without Mom or Dad, sister, brother, or a best friend. We lost many of our fellow Americans in that attack. Mayor Giuliani describes watching a man jump from the 101st floor of the World Trade Center as the most prominent memory he has of September 11, 2001. Each of these numbers had a face, a name, a life, that was taken on 9/11.

• Total number killed in attacks (official figure as of 9/5/02): 2,819
• Number of firefighters and paramedics killed: 343
• Number of NYPD officers: 23
• Number of Port Authority police officers: 37
• Number of WTC companies that lost people: 60
• Number of employees who died in Tower One: 1,402
• Number of employees who died in Tower Two: 614
• Number of employees lost at Cantor Fitzgerald: 658
• Number of U.S. troops killed in Operation Enduring Freedom: 22

1,609 people lost a spouse or partner that day. Please take a few minutes to remember and pray for them. There are no words to express the gratefulness I have for the NYPD, the unnamed heroes who rushed in to help without a single hesitation, and the United States Armed Forces who are actively risking their lives on a daily basis to see that this does not ever happen again. I am so blessed to have my husband, my family, and my friends and I am so thankful for them all. They too are my heroes. Some may never know theirs.

We disagree and fight in politics, but we should not take our elected officials for granted either...because just like family, (who must also work through their differences) they pulled together and united in a time of need. This makes our great country like a family. It's healthy to disagree and work through arguments, however we must always remember to support one another through the tough times too. When we are willing to risk everything for another person, that is what makes us someone else's hero. Through thick and thin, hard times, and all of life's struggles, be a hero to those around you...and Never Forget.

"The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” -Mark 12:31

Memorial Fountain at Ground Zero

Memorial Run from West Point to Ground Zero. Dedicate your workout on 9/11.

http://www.universalsports.com/news-blogs/article/newsid=554934.html

"God is our refuge and strength. An ever present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

Even though there was much hesitation regarding the word of God at the 9/11 Memorial, President Obama read Psalm 46. This is a great reminder that our physical strength and power over this world is very limited. We have to rely

on the ultimate strength that comes from something much bigger than ourselves.

What motivates you to push beyond your limits? Have you challenged yourself today? If not, what are you waiting for?! Get up, get out, and get MOVING!