Linda's Page 2

God Bless America

God Bless America's, Tuesday 11th of September 2001 As tragedy struck New York's World Trade Center Two hijacked aircraft hit the famous twin towers Beyond the control of everyone's powers Nothing could be done but to watch in disbelief As the world shared in New York City's grief An unexpected shock as the towers came down While servicemen attempted to evacuate downtown Never in history have we witnessed such a terrible crime And altered forever, the New York skyline A country brought to a standstill as the world looked on God Bless these landmarks and people - now gone Innocent people lost lives and loved ones Husbands, wives, daughters and sons The pentagon in USA's Washington DC Was the next horrific sight the world would see Pennsylvania, another tragedy we could do nothing for The world watches all this news unfold in awe More victims, more deaths, more tears and sorrow A brighter future we hope for tomorrow God Bless America and the victims of all four flights The world will never forget the heart wrenching sights Police, paramedics and firemen, their lives they gave For this "Land of the free and home of the brave" Now the US states will join as one To ensure that justice will now be done "Indivisible with liberty and justice for all" Schoolchildren's voices echo before morning roll call Never to forget this day, we will fly American flags in the blue sky United countries from near and far Will join in prayer - God Bless America.

The World We Live In

The world is such a violent place. From gangs, drugs, murder, and rapes. How do we survive in the world today? There's only one thing I want to say. Who are the ones who protect us through all the long days & nights? Who are the ones who keep the streets safe & end all the fights? Who are the ones who risk their lives to protect ours? I'll tell you who they are, They are the ones who get shot at every single day & night. They are the ones, who put their lives on the line, while we lie in bed each night. They put us first & their own lives second, just so we won't have to feel one ounce of pain. But what happens when one gets slain? Does anyone know? Does anyone care? Except for their family & friends, who sit there in tears, with no one to protect them from their nightmares & fears. The pain they go through, just because someone had to kill a cop. Even though the killer will be punished, the pain is there forever. So do you think it's all worth it? All the crime & sin. It's just The world we live in.

In The Land That We Love

At 9:02 in the morning, April 19, Nineteen Ninety-Five, A roaring blast was heard and it blackened the sky. The loud boom traveled to the country sides, Past our town of Hinton, as the crow flies. The Alfred P. Murrah Building was blown to desolation. A structure that had been such a stately creation. We thought Oklahoma City immune to terrorist crime. Such a senseless act on any day, at any time. Dust and debris filled the air all around. Floors of the building smashed to the ground. The blast caused a maze; cars were on fire. Concrete was falling or hanging by a wire. Everyone came running at the deafening sound. Voices were calling for help, but couldn't be found. People were injured and bleeding, children began to cry. What a horrendous sight - and no one knew why! How could this happen in the heart of our land? To try to shatter a city, and not let it stand? The answer came later--the reason so bleak. It was done on purpose, perhaps revenge to seek. Mean, cowardly persons, with hearts cold and dark, Left an explosive laden truck that hit its mark. To kill the innocent - takes a heart that is black. How could anyone strike such a vicious attack? Local police officers and firemen arrived without delay, Not knowing what they faced in the terrible display. EMSA, doctors and nurses, all rushed there, too. Everyone began working as ONE incredible crew. Their toil was to be a most difficult task. To try to save lives from the rubble of the blast. Out of the destruction emerged sights that caused tears. A policeman and then a fireman cradled a broken child, so dear. This terror in the heartland dealt a devastating blow, Leaving hurt and pain most families never know. Such a sorrowful happening, so hard to comprehend! But a community spirit arose in a compassionate blend. A plea was made for many items needed. Supplies to be used as the rescue proceeded. Oklahomans came forward with charitable hearts, And brought things quickly, right from the start. Many people responded, professionals and volunteers. The efforts they put forth worked like well-oiled gears. Great numbers gave blood, others tended to searcher's needs. Churches, clergy and counselors joined in doing many urgent deeds. Our news media reported with sensitivity and care. The Salvation Army and Red Cross were an awesome pair. Businesses and Feed the children answered this fateful call. Everyone who was reaching out, freely gave their all. Word of this evil bombing spread for all the world to hear. The news was so shocking, every eye shed a tear. Folks from all over sent their hopes and prayers, Just wanting to give comfort and help shoulder the cares. Rescue workers came from many states in the land. How can OKC ever repay those loving, helping hands? A grateful "THANK YOU" is sent to each and every one - For answering our SOS and for a job so well done. The task seemed impossible from the pictures shown. Crews worked together tirelessly, never uttering a groan. When the labor become dangerous, as it did from time to time, They never once paused, and put their lives on the line. The land that we love was hit hard, but never, never fear. We will not be defeated, great courage was shown here. As each Oklahoma morning dawns anew, The sharing will continue in the work left to do. Our Governor, his wife and the Mayor seemed to always be at the site. Their leadership was exceptional, and needed in this sad plight. Thanks to all for heroic efforts; for all the acts of kindness and love. They beamed like rays of sunshine, inspired from heaven above. Remember dear people everywhere, this tragedy wasn't God's works. The devil is always here and tauntingly lurks. This evil one walks on the earth every day of our life, Crossing our paths to tempt faith and cause strife. Heavenly angels greeted those suddenly taken from our land, And placed each one tenderly in the palm of His hand. In God we must trust, now, that His will be done. And rise above despair and hate, or satan has gleefully won. My thoughts are with those who lost loved ones that day. May God's infinite love and mercy surround them, I pray. As shattered lives seek peace and try to heal and men, No one will be forgotten - we are all Oklahoma friends.

God Bless America

God, we made you leave our classrooms. We were not allowed to pray. To worship you or speak of you in any outward way. Forgive us for our negligence! We're glad to have you back. We're sorry that it took an act of terrorist attack. We ask, please bless our country with the freedom you stand for. Be with us in the future as we go into this war. We need you more than ever and we call upon your name. To find the ones who did this and to let them take their blame. Help us as we crush them. Give us strength, the days ahead. Give comfort to the families of the many thousands dead. Give hope to all who're lacking. Thru this, let your light shine bright. Bring vict'ry to America, in dealing with this plight.

Dear God Please Here Our Prayer

Our Nation has been shaken, more than we're even aware. And so dear, God, we come to you, in earnest, needful prayer. We need you more than ever, In this tragic time we face. We need your strength and power. Even more we need your grace. Give strength to all the families, For the loved ones that they lost. Stamina to the rescuers, In the efforts they exhaust. Wisdom to our leaders As we take our freedom back. Healing to our country, Lord. Please get us back on track. As a nation, keep us standing, In your honor and your name. Help us to accept the change. Life will not be the same. Bring our nation close to you, As, always, you've intended. See our hearts are opened up, Refreshed and, somehow, mended. Help us not be hateful for the crimes against our land. Strike down these evil forces. Let us hold the upper hand. Bring change to our great Nation, Make us better than before. In you, we trust completely. God, this prayer, please don't ignore. Forgive us for our past And how it was you were ignored. It is in this time of crisis That we call upon you, Lord

What So Proudly We Hailed

The stars and the stripes that we fly every day Represent our great nation. The U.S. of A. Since we were attacked in that terrorist manner, Our love has increased for that Star Spangled Banner. Every day we see more of them proudly displayed. A reminder of freedom and the price that's been paid. A statement to those who we soon will be fighting. A sign of a country that's truly uniting. Patriotism is filling the air. For the war that's ahead, as we boldly prepare. We'll all stand together, behind our Old Glory, And bring a bright end to this, now gloomy, story.

In Memory

One gift, above all others God gives to us to treasure One that knows no time, no place And one gold cannot measure The precious, poignant tender gift Of Memory......that will keep Our dear ones ever in our hearts Although God gives them sleep It brings back long remembered things A song, a word, a smile And the world's a better place ... because We had them for awhile!