We Will Not Forget!

            Tomorrow marks the eighteenth anniversary of September 11, 2001, otherwise known as 9/11. On that day eighteen radical Islamic terrorists flew four airliners into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and into the ground in Pennsylvania. Under the direction of Osama Bin Laden, they thought that they could weaken America and bring her to her knees. They were wrong, and we will not forget the attacks on our nation.  


            Americans immediately turned the streets of every city red, white, and blue with their flags. It was no different in my town. Many of my neighbors fly the flag of the United States every single day, but flags came out at other houses all up and down the street on 9/11. My daughter came home from school that day and exclaimed that flags were everywhere.


            People came from all over the country traveled to New York City to help in the rescue and the later recovery effort. Even the U.S. Congress stood together on the steps of the Capitol Building and sang, “God Bless America.” The terrorists were wrong. This is America! We may fight like siblings, but we will stand together when attacked by outsiders.


            The fight against terrorism has been long and hard, and it continues until this day. Many Americans have lost their lives in the battles, and many more will likely lose theirs. Other are maimed for life, and still others mourn the loss of their loved ones. Yet, Americans still stand up for America and fights when the going gets tough. America still stands and grows stronger every single day, but we will not forget those who fight against us.


            I cannot help but sing a beautiful tribute to America and the freedoms that it gives to all people. Lee Greenwood sings “I’m Proud to Be an American” in this YouTube video put together by Alicia Miami “Remembering 9/11 – I’m Proud To Be An American by Lee Greenwood.” 


            I am proud to be an American! I love America with all its warts and bruises because I know that there is more that is good in American and Americans that there is bad. I know that America is strong because it is good and that it will stay strong for as long as it remains good. May God bless America today and always! God bless the USA!

God, Country, and Our Fellowmen

                I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a city-wide day of service on September 10, 2016. Members of churches and organization all over Anchorage went door-to-door to collect canned goods and other staples to fill the local food pantry. I drove the car while my son, his wife, and daughter collected the food. It was good to be a part of a huge and successful annual program.

                The next morning when I went to my local meetinghouse, I found the building surrounded by American flags. The sight of the Stars and Stripes always thrills me, but it really hit me on September 11, 2016. I walked into the chapel, and my eyes immediately focused on the red, white, and blue bouquets on the podium and other places on the stand. I assumed they were there for the patriotic program scheduled for that evening, but I certainly appreciated seeing them during the church services.

                Sunday evening I attended the chorale event, “God and Country,” that was held to commemorate 9/11. Prayers, music, and speakers came from many different organizations. The opening prayer was given by the local chaplain of the Alaska National Guard. The flag ceremony was under the direction of the Young Lions of the Shiloh Baptist Church and the Anchorage Police Department. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by a Boy Scout.

                The first music of the evening was by a soloist singing “The Star Spangled Banner” and “The Alaska Flag Song.” Other musical numbers were “America the Beautiful,” “Amazing Grace,” “For the Beauty of the Earth,” “Come By Here My Lord,” “Oh Happy Day,” “My All Is Thine,” “American Hymn,” “Mansions of the Lord,” “American Anthem,” “We Will Stand,” “God Bless America,” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

                There was a large choir consisting of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Anchorage area. There were presentations by choirs or parts of choirs from St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Shiloah Baptist Choir, and the Midnight Sons. The combined choirs gave a powerful rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Wow!

                Narration, in the form of statements from various former Presidents of the United States, was given by local and state politicians. A former lieutenant governor dressed like Abraham Lincoln to read the Gettysburg Address and a short history of the speech. Senator Dan Sullivan was represented by his wife because he had to stay in Washington, D.C., and she read a letter from him. The closing remarks were given by a local stake president. The closing prayer was given by the pastor of Grace Ministries.

                The entire evening was very enjoyable, and the music was absolutely beautiful. I appreciated the willingness of people of all colors, races, religions, political parties, etc. to come together to commemorate 9/11.

I particularly appreciate the closing remarks. The stake president retold the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Then he discussed the fact that the Good Samaritan was hated by the Jews, but he was willing to take care of the injured traveler. The speaker spoke about how we are all children of God, spiritual brothers and sisters. We should be willing to come together to love, support, and serve one another.

                I was very touched by the entire evening. I felt the love of God and country in the chapel. I know that the people speaking, singing, and listening were there out of love for God and country. I hoped that the events of the evening would carry us through the coming days and weeks and help to unite the people of Anchorage, Alaska.

                The next morning I happened to read an article titled “After Love, Then What?” by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. President Uchtdorf states, “Love is so important that Jesus called it `the first and great commandment’ and said that every other particle of the law and word of the prophets hang upon it. Love is the central motive for all we do in the Church. Every program, every meeting, every action we are part of as disciples of Jesus Christ should spring from this attribute – for without charity - `the pure love of Christ,’ we are nothing.

                “Once we understand this with our mind and heart, once we declare our love for God and for our fellowman – what then?

                “Is feeling compassion and love for others enough? Does declaring our love for God and our neighbor satisfy our obligation to God? ….

                “The answer to the question `After love, then what?’ can be simple and straightforward. If we truly love the Savior, we incline our hearts to Him and then we walk in the path of discipleship. When we love God, we will strive to keep His commandments.

                “If we truly love our fellowmen, we extend ourselves to help `the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted.’ For they who do these selfless acts of compassion and service, the same are disciples of Jesus Christ. This is what comes after love. This is the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

                President Uchtdorf answered my pondering question, “How can we maintain the feeling of love we feel tonight?” We can become less selfish and more willing to help others. In other words, we can become the people that God would have us be.

Lest We Forget

                The attacks in New York City and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, were a series of four well planned and coordinated terrorist attacks.  They were launched by al-Qaeda, a radical Islamic terrorist group led by Osama bin Laden. 

                “Four passenger airliners were hijacked by 19 al-Qaeda terrorists so they could be flown into buildings in suicide attacks.  Two of those planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, were crashed into the North and South towers, respectively, of the World Trade Center complex in New York City.  Within two hours, both towers collapsed with debris and the resulting fires causing partial or complete collapse of all other buildings in the WTC complex, as well as major damage to ten other large surround structures.  A third plane, American Airlines Flight 77, was crashed into the Pentagon (the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense), leading to a partial collapse in its western side.  The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was targeted at Washington, D.C., but crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after its passengers tried to overcome the hijackers.  In total, almost 3,000 people died in the attacks, including the 227 civilians and 19 hijackers aboard the four planes.  It also was the deadliest incident for firefighters in the history of the United States.”

                Osama bin Laden initially denied any involvement in the attack, but in 2004 he admitted that he was responsible for the attacks.  He “cited U.S. support of Israel, the presence of U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia, and sanctions against Iraq as motives for the attacks.”  Within a month or so, the War on Terror had been launched with the invasion of Afghanistan in an effort to destroy the Taliban because they were harboring al-Qaeda.  President George W. Bush vowed to catch bin Laden, but the terrorist mastermind evaded capture for years until May 2011 when U.S. forces located and killed him.

                It is now twelve years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon and the deaths of nearly 3,000 innocent Americans.  It is also one year since our Ambassador to Libya and three members of his staff were killed by terrorists.  It appears that Barack Obama has forgotten that al Qaeda attacked our sovereign soil and killed our fellow Americans.

             God’s living prophet, President Thomas S. Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said that the tragedy of 9/11 allowed us to rebuild spiritually.  “The calamity of September 11, 2001, has cast a long shadow.  Ten years later, many of us are still haunted by its terrible tragedy of lost lives and broken hearts.  It is an episode of anguish that has become a defining moment in the history of the American nation and the world….

                “There was, as many have noted, a remarkable surge of faith following the tragedy.  People across the United States rediscovered the need for God and turned to Him for solace and understanding.  Comfortable times were shattered.  We felt the great unsteadiness of life and reached for the great steadiness of our Father in Heaven.  And, as ever, we found it.  Americans of all faiths came together in a remarkable way.

                “Sadly, it seems that much of that renewal of faith has waned in the years that have followed.  Healing has come with time, but so has indifference.  We forget how vulnerable and sorrowful we felt.  Our sorrow moved us to remember the deep purposes of our lives.  The darkness of our despair brought us a moment of enlightenment.  But we are forgetful.  When the depth of grief has passed, its lessons often pass from our minds and hearts as well….

                “If there is a spiritual lesson to be learned from our experience of that fateful day, it may be that we owe to God the same faithfulness that He gives to us.  We should strive for steadiness, and for a commitment to God that does not ebb and flow with the years or the crises of our lives.  It should not require tragedy for us to remember Him, and we should not be compelled to humility before giving Him our faith and trust.  We too should be with Him in every season.

                “The way to be with God in every season is to strive to be near Him every week and each day.  We truly `need Him every hour,’ not just in hours of devastation.  We must speak to Him, listen to Him, and serve Him.  If we wish to serve Him, we should serve our fellow men.  We will mourn the lives we lose, but we should also fix the lives that can be mended and heal the hearts that may yet be healed….”

                Here are a couple of videos to help you remember the attacks.  “Have you forgotten?”  “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?”   

                We must remember 9/11 just as previous generations remembered the Alamo or Pearl Harbor.  This is our day to defend America.  May God continue to bless the USA!

Day of Remembrance

                    Once again we commemorate September 11, 2001, the day terrorists crashed two hijacked commercial airliners into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City.  As we watched these 110-story buildings collapse, we learned that a third airliner had taken a dive into the Pentagon Building, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense located in Arlington, Virginia.  This structure suffered a massive fire and the collapse of one side of the five-sided building.  We learned that a fourth airliner had crashed into a field in western Pennsylvania.  There was some thought that this airplane was intended for the White House or Capitol Building but was brought down by an uprising among the passengers.

                    September 11, 2001, - known as 9/11 - changed the world forever and became another date that will live in infamy.  Just as the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, this attack on our own soil by terrorists galvanized and unified Americans against those who seek to destroy our nation.

                    "On Tuesday, Sept. 11, 1001, the world changed forever.  The United States, the world's only superpower, sustained a devastating attack on its own soil by a foreign enemy whose agents had infiltrated American society.  The ferocity and scale of the attack shook most American's sense of security and awakened them to the threat of deadly terrorist violence.  The enemy was not a rival nation, as had been the case in wars of the 20th century, but a shadowy, multinational movement whose members were highly motivated and technologically sophisticated.  The members of this enemy movement claimed to be fighting the United States in defense of their religion, Islam, in a great struggle between good and evil.

                    "Shortly before 9:00 a.m. in New York City that September morning, American Airlines Flight 11, a Boeing 767, slammed into the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City.  Less than 20 minutes later, United Airlines Flight 175, also a Boeing 767, crashed into the south tower.  Both planes had been hijacked after taking off from Boston's Logan International Airport.  Less than two hours later, the twin skyscrapers collapsed into a massive, smoldering pile of rubble.

                    "The dramatic attack on the twin towers in the financial heart of the United States was only the beginning of the nightmare.  At approximately 9:40 a.m., a hijacked American Airlines Boeing 757 out of Dulles International Airport in Herndon, Virginia, plowed into the Pentagon Building, the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense, just outside Washington, D.C.  A fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, a Boeing 757 scheduled to fly from Newark, New Jersey, to San Francisco, was taken over by hijackers and redirected toward Washington, D.C.  Officials with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) later speculated that the hijackers intended to crash the plane into the White House or Capitol.  However, at about 10:00 a.m., the plane went down in a field in Pennsylvania.  Passengers on board, after learning of the other suicide hijackings from cellular telephone calls, apparently overpowered the hijackers and forced the plane to crash."  (See R. Scott Appleby, World Book Encyclopedia 2002 Year Book, [2002] pp. 38-39.)

                    Investigators later concluded the 19 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria and other Arabic countries and were part of an organization known as Al-Qaeda and led by Osama bin Laden.  Thousands of people were killed that September morning with estimates of approximately 3,000 - more people than died in the attack on Pearl Harbor.  These victims included 300 firefighters, 189 people in the Pentagon, and 44 in Pennsylvania.

                    There were many heroes that awful day.  The names of Todd Beamer, Jeremy Glick, Tom Burnett, Mark Bingham, Lou Nacke, rich Guadagno, CeeCee Ross-Lyles, Sandy Bradshaw, Elizabeth Wainio, Laura Grandcolas, Joseph Delus, Linda Gronland, Don Greene and Andrew Garcia will always be on the list of heroes of that day.  They were passengers on United Flight 93 and made the deliberate decision to take control of the aircraft; they were determined to save the lives of other people even if it meant the loss of their own lives.  We honor the First Responders who rushed into the Twin Towers to help others and lost their own lives or suffered from health problems from the experience.  Others heroes were on the scenes, those who preserve and protect our lives, our homes and our freedoms everyday:  policemen, firemen, military personnel, FBI, CIA, etc.

                    The events of 9/11 affected all of us differently.  When I heard that one airplane had hit the World Trade Center, I thought it was a private plane out of control; when I heard about the second aircraft, I knew that our country was being attacked - even before I knew that airliners were involved.  When I learned that all airliners were grounded, I was concerned about my daughter-in-law who was scheduled to take a red-eye flight from Anchorage, Alaska, to Salt Lake City, Utah.  I was greatly relieved that she was on a direct flight rather than stopping in Seattle as ticketed and had arrived home safely.

                    Just as I remember where I was and what I was doing when I learned of the assassination of John F. Kennedy and the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan, I will remember the way our world was turned up-side-down by a group of extreme Islamic terrorists on 9/11.  I remember the horror I felt when the authorities thought another hijacked airliner was headed for our city.  I remember that offices buildings, etc. were emptied in downtown Anchorage before the aircraft was diverted to an airport in Canada.  I remember the immediate need I felt to fly my United States flag and only later realized that I was only one of millions of Americans who had this same reaction to the horror of the day.  I remember the eerie silence when only military planes were flying and the isolation I felt as I drove around Lake Hood, the largest float plane base in America.

                    Last year our nation marked the tenth anniversary of 9/11 with speeches and musical performances.  A ceremony was held  

at Ground Zero to dedicate a memorial to 9/11.  This memorial consists of two beautiful granite reflecting pools that were built in the footprints of the original twin towers.  Bronze panels inscribed with the names of the people who died at Ground Zero on September 11, 2001, surround the pools.  Another memorial was dedicated at the Pentagon previous to this dedication. 

                    Whether or not people agree with the politics of President Bush, no one can deny that he is always a class act, and he did not disappoint us when he spoke at the dedication of a memorial in Pennsylvaniaon September 10, 2011.    

"When the sun rose in the Pennsylvania sky ten years ago tomorrow, it was a peaceful September morning.  By the time it set nearly 3,000 people were gone, the most lives lost on American soil in a single day since the battle of Antietam….

                    "One of the lessons of 9/11 is that evil is real, and so is courage….

                    "For generations people will study the flight, the story of Flight 93.  They will learn that individual choices make a difference, that love and sacrifice can triumph over evil and hate, and that what happened above this Pennsylvania field ranks among the most courageous acts in American history.

                    "The memorial we dedicate today will ensure our nation always remembers those lost here on 9/11.  But we have a duty beyond memory.  We have a duty beyond honoring.  We have a duty to live our lives in a way that upholds the ideals for which the men and women gave their lives, to build a living memorial to their courage and sacrifice.  We have a duty to find common purpose as a nation….

                    "Secondly, we have a duty to remain engaged in the world as 9/11 proved that the conditions in the country on the other side of the world can have an impact on our own streets.  It may be tempting to think it doesn't matter what happens to a villager in Afghanistan or a child in Africa, but the temptation of isolation is deadly wrong….

                    "Finally, we each have a duty to serve a cause larger than ourselves.  The passengers aboard Flight 93 set an example that inspires us all.  Many have followed their path of service by donating blood or mentoring a child or volunteering in desperate corners of the earth.  Some have devoted their careers to analyzing intelligence or protecting our borders and securing our skies.  Others have made the noble choice to defend our nation in battle….

                    Many years ago, in 1863, another President came to dedicate a memorial site in this state.  He told his audience that, `In a larger sense we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground.  For the brave souls who struggled there,  consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract.'  He added, `the world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.'"

                    In an effort to keep our memories of that day alive, I encourage you to click on other links for pictures of the events of 9/11 and beautiful music.  One of the first songs to appear after 9/11 was one performed by Alan Jackson who recorded "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning."  You can find it here or here. 

                News anchor Tom Brokaw, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and the Orchestra at Temple Square joined together to produce a special "Music and the Spoken Word" for the event entitled "Rising Above".  

                    Americans must remember the attacks of 9/11 as well as the unity of our nation that day.  We must remember how we felt on September 12, 2001.  We must remember the time we were truly united as Americans.    We must remember 9/11 just as other generations remembered significant events in their times and rallied to the cause of liberty.  During the Spanish American War, the cry was "Remember the Alamo!"  In World War II, the cry became "Remember Pearl Harbor!"  Today our cry must be "Remember 9/11!"

Bush vs Obama

Did you notice the differences between former President George W. Bush and President Obama during the remembrance ceremonies for 9/11? I wondered if it were just me until I read of others seeing the differences also.

I saw a picture of the two Presidents standing together during the 9/11 memorial service in New York City. Both Presidents had their eyes closed so I assume a prayer was being said; Bush had his head bowed in humility while Obama was looking up. Was he being arrogant?

I listened to President Bush's speech at the ceremony taking place in Pennsylvania and felt that he was sincere in his words. I can't stand to listen to President Obama, but I read the words spoken by him at Ground Zero and wondered about his sincerity. The words were all good, and they should have been comforting. I questioned his sincerity because he has a history of saying all the right words - the words we want to hear - but his actions tend to go in a different direction. I noticed that President Bush received applause both in Pennsylvania and at Ground Zero while President Obama did not.

I felt comforted while watching and listening to President Bush. I remember back ten years to the day of the attacks and the comfort I received knowing that President Bush was our leader. He was a true statesman. He was severely attacked on every side for every decision he made, but the policies adopted during his administration have kept us safe from further terrorist attacks for the past ten years even though at least forty-one attempts have been made. President Obama talked about how he would change many of those policies - from closing Gitmo to trying terrorists in civil courts - but his tune changed when he was in charge.

I thought of the billboards containing a picture of President Bush and the question "Miss me yet?" My answer is yes!

President Bush understands the importance of remembering 9/11 and who attacked our nation. President Obama wants to turn 9/11 into a day of service. Service to others is important, but it can be done on many other days. Each anniversary of 9/11 should be a day for remembering!