9/11: 8 Years Later

Frank Borelli
Editor-in-Chief
Officer.com

On this coming Friday, September 11th, 2009, the United States of America will be remembering the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11th, 2001. We will be remembering the 2,998 lives lost; the horror and devastation we all watched on television; the memorials people from around the world were kind and empathetic enough to place outside our embassies. We'll should also remember a few other things that may cause us a bit of righteous anger:
  • We cannot forget that those attacks were committed by fanatical men driven to kill innocent Americans. Such men still exist today as was just recently demonstrated when three men were convicted in the British courts for planning more attacks on airplanes; attacks that they hoped would kill tens of thousands.
  • We cannot forget that such men don't just plan airplane attacks but also scheme to commit any such acts of atrocity that will take innocent American lives.
  • We cannot forget that such men can't be bargained with; cannot be negotiated with.
  • We cannot forget that here in America; here at home - our public safety officials comprise the final line of defense against such terrorists. The first line of defense is an observant public that isn't afraid to dial 911.
First, I'd like to encourage all readers to take a moment to remember that morning; the events; the scenes; the videos, pictures and more. I don't encourage this in an attempt to incite rage - but instead to incite two feelings: sadness and then national pride. Remember the horror and loss and allow sadness to fill you - as it should. But when the sadness passes, remember the outpouring of national pride and strength that was demonstrated so clearly in the weeks that followed those attacks. Let that same sense of national pride fill you and celebrate the unique blessings afforded to each of us in these United States of America. Second, I'd like to remind all public safety responders - especially those of you who are the first to respond to calls of violence - to remain vigilant. Remember that those who hate and would attack us train hard and plan long. We must train just as hard and constantly plan to counter their attacks. We are well on our way. Many active shooter / immediate response programs teach tactics that are applicable to counter-terror work. For our reaction to be successful we must train regularly; maintain ourselves and our equipment properly. Third, I'd like to thank every member of the public who supports their peace keepers, police officers, deputy sheriffs, firemen, paramedics, etc. No one can do the job all alone and any support we receive from the public is better than the option. Finally, I'd ask you to comment below. I clearly remember that morning: where I was; what I was doing; the proclamation made by a man standing next to me as we watched the second plane fly into the World Trade Center. He said, "Oh, my God. We're at war!" He didn't know how right he was at that time. Where were you? What were you doing? How did it impact your day? week? month? life? Above photo credited to and used with the permisson of, Norm Styer. I encourage everyone to remember that day and use those memories both to honor the dead; mourn the loss of innocent life; and maintain an inspiration to remain strong as Americans. I still can't watch THIS VIDEO without choking up with emotion and, yes... crying. Please share your thoughts...

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