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The Catholic Defender: 9/11/2001


Few things that happen in history are so dramatic that when they happen you know where you were and what you were doing when these things took place.


I'm telling my age a little here, I remember November 22, 1963 when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated as he rode in a motorcade through the Dealy Plaza in Downtown Dallas Texas. He was pronounced dead at the Parkland Hospital.


I remember the Nuns at the Catholic school dropped everything crying letting school out early. I will never forget that day. Since this fateful day (9/11/2001), America has been at war in the Middle East, Iraq and Afghanistan fighting terrorism keeping America safe from another major attack. We have much to be thankful for our military who have been so important keeping us safe.


The assassination of President Kennedy was a major happening that the world took notice. What happened on 9/11/2001 was another happening that continues to have world wide importance that affects the United States particularly. If there was a positive that came as a result of the the attack on 9/11/2001, Americans came together as a nation. President Bush speaking to the Ground Zero Rescue Workers using a bullhorn said:

President Bush: Thank you all. I want you all to know -- it [bullhorn] can't go any louder -- I want you all to know that American today, American today is on bended knee, in prayer for the people whose lives were lost here, for the workers who work here, for the families who mourn. The nation stands with the good people of New York City and New Jersey and Connecticut as we mourn the loss of thousands of our citizens

Rescue Worker: I can't hear you!

President Bush: I can hear you! I can hear you! The rest of the world hears you! And the people -- and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon!

Rescue Workers: [Chanting] U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.!

President Bush: The nation -- The nation sends its love and compassion --

Rescue Worker: God bless America!

President Bush: -- to everybody who is here. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for makin' the nation proud, and may God bless America.

Since this fateful day, America has been at war in the Middle East, Iraq and Afghanistan fighting terrorism keeping America safe from another major attack. We have much to be thankful for our military who have been so important keeping us safe.


If you count all who have served in the military to include their families that constitutes about 4% of the American public. Of all who have served, about 1% have retired with 20 or more years.


My major concern today is that many Americans have lost the concept of freedom as they have been conditioned to embrace Socialism and Atheism. Our Government has become corrupt as we just have surrendered Afghanistan to the Taliban so the need to pray for America is more important now than ever.


As we remember 9/11/2001, there were many hero's who responded in heroic fashion from our first responders that saved many who were in the twin towers. Many of them sacrificed their very lives to save others.


9/11/2001 was on a Tuesday and I happened to be on leave at the time stationed at Fort Campbell KY. My wife Gigi was currently working at the Emergency Room as a Nurse and literally called me with what was happening. What a horror it was watching the Twin Towers being hit by two planes as Islamic Terrorists lodged the attack us. Nearly 3,000 Americans were lost this very day.

Flight 93 was another plane that was taken by Islamic Terrorists, it is believed this plane was heading for the White House or the Capital Building. That is guess work, but because of the brave men and women on the plane, they prevented the Terrorists from accomplishing their goal. "Are you guys ready?" was heard by an air phone operator when Todd Beamer, a Wheaton College graduate, ask his fellow passengers on United Flight 93 just before they revolted against al-Qaida hijackers. He said:


"Let's roll." That became a motto for the nation. It is that American spirit that we want the world to respect. American exceptionalism is a great example to all who long for freedom.


May those who were lost that fateful day have the perpetual Light of Christ shine upon them now and forever.


God our Father, giver of life, we entrust the United States of America to your loving care. You are the rock on which this nation was founded. You alone are the true source of our cherished rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Reclaim this land for your glory and dwell among your people. Send your Spirit to touch the hearts of our nation’s leaders. Open their minds to the great worth of human life and the responsibilities that accompany human freedom. Remind your people that true happiness is rooted in seeking and doing your will. Through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, patroness of our land, grant us the courage to reject the “culture of death.” Lead us into a new millennium of life. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.







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