Monday, September 11, 2006

Anniversary

I have alot of feelings and thoughts associated with September 11th, 2001. Some still pose thoughts of confusion in my head, some still feel stronger than steel, and others make me feel like jello. I am sure many of you have thoughts as well, but for today I think it shouldn't be about whose to blame or who should have predicted what was to happen on this fateful day, it should be a day to remember everyone who lost their life.

Although I did not lose anyone personally in this tragedy...I still feel compassion for those who did lose their lives, lost loved ones. I myself would like to see the victims of 9-11 avenged, but more so that they are showed the respect that they deserve. I knew I would probably go off topic a little in my 9-11 tribute, but I will just go with it now.

I know we all have our own thoughts about politics, President Bush, the War, etc...Of course...and we are fortunate that we are allowed to have our own thoughts, it's freedom of speech. Today, I saw a photo that disturbed me. A woman prostesting, with signs saying Arrest Bush and the other one stating something about Bringing Peace. Now it's not what the signs said, but she was protesting this on the site of the World Trade Center. Now I know you all may not agree with me, especially Buttercup...we have different views on many things, but Freedom of Speech is one thing, to me,this lady was taking advantage of her freedom and disrespecting all of those who lost their lives. 2 NYC cops were taking her away, and a part of me felt bad for those cops to even have to waste their time on some petty lady doing such a thing. Another part of me felt anger that someone would do such a thing on the WTC where such a tragedy happened. Then there was a part of me that wanted this lady to be put in a country where she was stripped of her rights and freedom, maybe then would she have some insight into what happened on that day. Perhaps she would learn some respect for those who lost their lives, and perhaps for those who continue to fight so she can stand up and protest with no fear of being punished, hung or beaten.

Again, I know many do not have the same beliefs as myself on the event nor about this occurence, but isn't it great that we all have a right to have an opinion. I am wearing red today, as well I am driving with my lights on in rememberence of 9-11 and everyone who lost their lives. I am Proud to Be an American. And with that said, here are the lyrics of a song I heard when in Las Vegas. We, (my mom, brother, and my husband) heard it in front of the Belagio with the fountains blasting to the music, it was moving to say the least. It means alot to me and you all can take what you want from it, perhaps you have heard as well:


Lee Greenwood’s God Bless The USA

If tomorrow all the things were gone
I'd worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife,
I'd thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom
and they can't take that away.

I'm proud to be an American
where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died
who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.

From the lakes of Minnesota to the hills of Tennessee,
Across the plains of Texas
from sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston
and New York to L.A.,
There's pride in every American heart
and it's time we stand and say:

I'm proud to be an American
where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died
who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.

I'm proud to be an American
where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died
who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.

7 comments:

Buttercup said...

Bean,

I agree with you that this day should be about remembering and honoring those who lost their lives, and lost loved ones, on September 1th. When I force myself to think about the events of that day and to imagine what it must have been like for those in the towers, on the planes, or those on the ground, I am devastated and overwhelmed by how senseless and tragic it was. My heart goes out to all those impacted by the events of that day.

Anonymous said...

I am solidly anti-Bush and anti-war, but even I think protesting at the WTC on Sep. 11 is out of line. But who knows what her story is -- maybe she lost a son or a daughter or a husband on 9/11. Maybe taking this kind of action helps her, as tacky as it may seem to us.

Bean said...

You are very right Gypsy of course I don't know her full circumstance, and there was no description for the photo. But from her signs, it seemed to me as though she is using that day to speak because she knows people will be there to watch.

Anonymous said...

There are those that are so narcissistic that they have to draw attention to themselves, even on a day like that.

That song brings tears to my eyes even more than our National Anthem. It's a fantastic, powerful song.

Stace said...

well said

Anonymous said...

I think sometimes people get so caught up in their zeal to protest or make their political opinion known that they forget there are others who would be affected adversely affected by their actions.

I like what you said about wanting the woman to be put in a country where her rights were stripped away...I can think of a few people right now who need to join her. You are absolutely right, I also think it was a callous, thoughtless thing to do.

My then 8 year old daughter and 5 of her friends sang that song on stage at a talent show after it came out. Quite a few people were singing along with them. :)
We should never take these things for granted.

Bean said...

Thank you all for your comments. I am glad that I am not alone and others feel the same way. The song is very powerful. Laura: That's cool your daughter sang that song with friends in a talent show.