Remember

            Anniversaries come around regularly and are commemorated, celebrated, or simply observed depending on the event. The anniversaries of birthdays, weddings, graduations, promotions, and many other events should be celebrated because they are reminders of happy and successful times in our lives. Anniversaries of routine matters should be remembered and observed but do not need to be celebrated. Other anniversaries are to be remembered and commemorated more than celebrated.

            I let the anniversary of my blog pass without even remembering it this year. It was on September 6, 2009, that I posted on my blog for the first time. That means that I have been writing posts for almost daily for the past nine years! I often wonder about the reason that I was prompted to start a blog, and I usually come to the conclusion that I write for my personal benefit. I have learned much about the U.S. Constitution, Congress, and other political types, but I have also learned much more about me, including my thinking process and writing abilities.

            Tomorrow we will commemorate the events of September 11, 2001. Many of us think of the day as 9/11 even though government officials have titled it as Patriots Day. The memories of that day are so strong in my mind that it is difficult for me to comprehend that seventeen years have passed since the terrorist attack on our nation.

            No matter what one might call the day, September 11 is not a federal holiday. It is the annual remembrance of those who were injured or died during the terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C, and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Patriot Day is a day for all Americans to fly the flag of the United States on their homes, businesses, or government buildings. Out of respect for those who died, the flag should be flown at half-staff. Because the first airplane flew into the World Trade Center at 8:46 AM (Eastern Daylight Time), some people observe a moment of silence at that time.

            Just in case anyone needs a reminder of what took place on September 11, 2001, here is a brief summary. Four airplanes were hijacked on September 11, 2001. The first two airliners hit the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. The third airplane hit the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and the fourth airplane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after the passengers on it put up a fight. There were nearly 3000 people that died in the attacks, and the economic impact on the United States was powerful. It was the largest terrorist attack to take place on U.S. soil and had great impact from the loss of life and damage. The attack forced the United States to increase national security, causing major disruptions and minor inconveniences in travel as well as everyday life. All Americans must remember the events of 9/11!