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The land of the free and the home of the brave







Since September 11, 2001 the above statement has taken on a revitalized meaning to millions, if not all, of us in the United States.

Most of us have sung the national anthem or "God Bless America" literally hundreds of times to start a sporting event, community function or civic activity. Some of us just went through the motions, hummed along, barely able to wait for it to be over to get to the festivities or fireworks.

Not anymore. If you listen to the lyrics, both songs tell a story to remind us of our heritage, our being and our duty to remain free.

Have you ever heard someone say they have a heavy heart? Some of you know what I am talking about, and some probably have no idea.

I can tell you what it is because I have one. A heavy heart feels like someone is standing on your chest. You cannot laugh, you feel sad, and nothing excites you. Food just doesn't taste the same.

I have not been the same since September 11, 2001. The terrorist attack on our World Trade Center and Pentagon is something you only read about in books or watched in action movies at theaters.

If you served in any of our armed services during World War I or II, Vietnam, Korea, or Desert Storm, or any other massive confrontation, you were involved or witnessed the destruction we now read about and watch on television daily.

September 11, 2001 will never leave us. The terrorists' attacks have changed our lives forever. We are hurt, saddened, angry and want revenge.

How will we react as a city, state, and nation? Our support of New York, Washington, American Red Cross, victims and families has been overwhelming. The flying of American flags almost everywhere and the display of red, white and blue on almost anything are remarkable.

Will we walk this talk when it is time? Do our young really understand what has taken place? Do we teach right and wrong in our classrooms and at home? Did the oil companies or gasoline retailers not knowingly test us September 11, 2001 with unnecessary price gouging at the local pumps?

We failed that last test. We failed it big time with some of us fighting, filling up additional containers and jacking up prices. We were greedy and worried about No. 1. And we were scared.

At 43, I can only talk about the 1960s on. There have been plenty of good times, but also some very bad times, many confusing times. I remember assassinations of our leaders, racial rioting, high unemployment, very high interest rates, banning of foreign imports, gasoline rationing, Vietnam, Desert Storm, a few terrorists attacks on U.S. soil. The '70s were wild; the '80s, I still don't know; and the '90s in most part were just great.

In general, life has not been bad, We had it good, have it good today, and need to continue to protect this nation for the future.

Just listen to radio talk shows, read opinions in daily newspapers, and watch views on television. For the most part, people may speak out their views with limited chance of arrest or persecution. We may write opinions, wave signs, wear our thoughts on T-shirts. There are not many countries on earth where you can do this and get away with it.

Our country got a black eye, sucker punched from cowards September 11, 2001. Our government will deal with these cowards. We need to get along, help each other, and do what we can for the betterment of the United States of America.

I love this country - the land of the free and home of the brave.