CONNECT: September 13, 2013

We'll never forget.....

Although not a towering or menacing child, my twelve year old daughter is finally big enough to safely sit in the front seat of the car (a personal victory), which of course comes with lots of radio-fiddling.....even though every once in a while I absolutely MUST veto whatever "cool" song I'm being tortured with, I generally try to be tolerant and chalk it up to her keeping the ever-shrinking shred of "cool" alive in me.  As I drove her home from soccer practice tonight (Wed) I had one of those moments that hit you in the head, the gut and the heart all at the same time.  She landed on 95.5 WPLJ in NYC and they were playing "God Bless the USA" the patriotic Lee Greenwood song in remembrance of the 9/11 attack victims.  

As I listened for a second and expected her to change the channel from what sounded a lot like a country song to something more her style, it didn't happen.  She sat entranced, listening and we quietly shared a moment of remembrance.  Of course, she couldn't possibly remember.....she was only 1 week old and asleep in her mother's arms as the events unfolded, but clearly she understood how much of an impact those moments had on all of us who do remember, because she didn't say a word and didn't move a muscle until the song was over, completely absorbed in lyrics that includes phrases like "....and I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free.....and I won't forget the men who died to give that right to me...."

For many the wounds have scarred and life continues on. The progress of a new tower overlooking lower Manhattan is a sign of our strength and resolve as a nation and a fitting tribute to the greatest city in the world.......and although there is no obvious tie to safety, health or prevention in this message, I wanted to say it anyway, because I know I'm not the only one thinking it.

Even though the last twelve years have flown by.....and not every moment along the way has been perfect......we have lots to remember and lots to be proud of.....may we never forget.

Have a great weekend, God bless the USA,

Mike E.