Sept. 11 changed how we feel about everything





Sept. 11, 2001: a day to remember not easy to forget. Not now anyway. The day that the unspeakable happened. To our country. A day that thousands called 911 and called home to their families.


An unspeakable nightmare.


There are many sad and horrifying stories, about 20,000 or more. Let’s for a moment think of the good and the powerful things that have come from this tragedy. Then let us wonder why it has to take the unspeakable act, and terror, to bring us together as one.


Now people will smile at each other, let someone get ahead of us in line or on the freeways. Both Democrats and Republicans are working as one for the good of the country.


One for all and all for one.


Many other countries are working together with us for the first time and are coming to our aid.


Now more than ever I look around and see the beauty around my country and in the people.


Many people are heroes every day, but we forget them or never give them another thought. Now thousands are heroes. Will we forget them soon? I hope not.


What tens of thousands have gone through has brought us to think of what is important to us. Let’s give a smile to everyone every day. Let us not forget the past and go on from here. Remember what is important and let go of what is not.


Let’s remember that America is made of people of all colors, religions, and backgrounds. We all don’t think or look alike. We all have things in common, feeling emotions. All cry and we all laugh. We all love and we all hurt. (Viva la difference.)


Think of how boring it would be if we were all the same. Think of the experiences we would have missed and ideas we would not have thought of. God made all of us, some chose the wrong direction, they chose to hurt and kill.


"Too bad for them."


God is good; all we have to do is ask him to show us the way. Let us reach out, not hold back. Haven’t we looked the other way too long?


I have always been proud of being an American. I hope I will always look to help others. Remember we have more than most. Rather rich or poor, we have choices and can act on them for good or evil.


We take so much for granted. Take a moment to think of what America means to you.


Think of the small things taken for granted—we can flip a switch and the lights go on or the heat comes on or a flame will cook your dinner. Go to the supermarket and the shelves are full.


This country was founded as one country under God. Yet we can’t even say his name, in schools or work. When was the last time we said the Pledge of Allegiance and thought of what it really stands for?


Are we really one nation under God what ever you call him or her?


Remember God is the only hope we really have. Let us not be like the others. We are one nation under God indivisible. God bless the USA and God bless all of us.


Thank you for your time.


Toni Hanson


Oak Park



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