Remember

As each year after 9/11 passes, the tendency is to become desensitized from the tragic events of that September morning. For some the reminders are everywhere, and yet others have all too soon forgotten not only the innocent people, but the courageous heroes who ignored their fears and injuries to charge into the relentless blaze.

I can assure you that the FDNY and the NYPD have not forgotten, as their men and women continue to take care of the city. Nor have the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines fighting around the globe.

Yet, some have still forgotten.

As I walked through the Student Union yesterday I was disgusted to see a flyer that said an anti-war protest had been scheduled for tonight, September 11.

Our generation's day that will forever live in infamy is about to be disgraced. What kind of neo-hippie group is this that wants to prey on people's sadness to support its own cause, sidestepping the remembrance of lives lost in the world trade center, and in the aftermath of war.

Can't we get by this?

Even for a day can't we all just get together and forget the "how" and "why" and simply embrace remembrance and respect?

Apparently some people can't. But I can, and for a day, I will.

Normally, I would go argue with the protestors and stand-up for a war that I not only fought in but also believe in with my whole heart.

But today I'm better than succumbing to my anger with the protestors. I know that the majority of America believes in what their men and women are doing overseas. They know this war isn't about revenge, weapons of mass destruction, or even oil.

It's about ensuring that there isn't another 9/11, and securing freedom. People everywhere really do care about that aspect of the war.

I can't go anywhere in my uniform without receiving "thank you's." I've been hugged by fathers, and kissed by mothers. I've stood at the graves of lost comrades in that same uniform, and remembered them, and what they died for.

Today, I'll remember those men and women, what they fought for, and what they believed in. I'll say a prayer for the firefighters, police officers, and, of course, the innocent civilians who were only trying to make a living but were tragically killed five years ago today.

I won't argue with one protestor. After all, that's part of the rights that American servicemen are fighting for across the globe. But I will say this.

Today, the protestors are dishonoring something sacred.

They will probably stand on tables with megaphones spouting off crazy statistics, trying to spread their beliefs, all the while taking away from the candle light vigils and prayer sessions.

Instead of joining the protest craze, lets all make it a point to find a firefighter, rescue worker, police officer or serviceman and say 'thank you.' There are no hidden motives in this; it's just a "thank you".

You don't have to explain it, you might not agree politically or legally with the person, but someday it may be them who charges into a building to save you or the one who kills the terrorist that's trying to make an attack on American soil.

Many times after someone passes away, friends and family say things like, "I never told them how much I loved them", or "I don't know if they knew how much I appreciate them."

Why not make today the day you tell them?

Say some "thank yous," call your family and tell them you love them and forget those stupid arguments with friends. Never forget who helped you get where you are today. Make it a day when we can all get along.

Most importantly, say a prayer to whatever god you believe in for the men and women who lost their lives during this entire crisis, and for their families who will never forget this day.

Ever since I heard George W. Bush say this, I've wanted to find a time to repeat it, and for the first time I think it's appropriate for me to do so.

Thank you, good night, and God Bless America.