A Living Remembrance

September 11th means many things to many people. It's been written about, reflected upon and spoken of to the point where you almost think nobody has anything novel to add. And maybe so. But why let it stop you? My parents' generation has November 22, 1963, my grandparents' generation has December 7, 1941. Days that live in infamy. Days we will forever regurgitate to whoever will listen, "When it happened, I was..."

On this day, we think of the victims and their families. We think of those brave first responders. We think of the thousands of soldiers who have served their country, especially those who have been laid to rest. One of my oldest and dearest friends, a veteran, was asked to give a speech today at Kutztown University and the key message of this speech was to enlighten the younger generation and remind the rest of what sort of camaraderie was born on that day. How in the weeks that followed, American flags and yellow ribbons were everywhere and why that matters. In one horrific instant, we were all baptized into being wholly American. That vigorous sentiment faded as the months went on. (There's much more to his speech than this but my aim is not to simply repeat his oration). Now, granted, not everyone is or was for war. I'm not saying every red blooded American hopped into a deuce and a half, waved Old Glory and belted out the Star Spangled Banner and there's naturally a shit ton of dissension that went into the mix. But if memory serves, we were all a little more decent to each other when it happened and nobody in their right mind was happy about their country being under attack or about the loss of innocent lives.

Spread from my high school scrapbook.

Each year, we remember. And each year, we reflect. It shouldn't just be an annual thing. If we could harness a bit of that fellowship that we found 13 years ago on a day to day basis, we'd be better for it. Time and again as a nation, we've paid in blood. We say "never forget" and yet, we kind of do. At least for most of the year. Such staggering loss is worthy of justice in daily remembrance.

Lamentably, in the beginning of my senior year of high school, I remember looking at my classmates who didn't stand up for the Pledge of Allegiance and thinking, I wish something would make these assholes have an appreciation. Soon enough, something did happen and at heavy cost. I don't think anyone sat down during the pledge from September 12th until graduation day.

On this day, I feel the best way to honor those who fell (aside from attending one of the many and meaningful memorial services) is to live. Take your kid to the playground. Go fishing with your dad. Give your wife a flower. Volunteer. Be kind to a stranger. Make an awesome dinner. Call an old friend. Recapture a bit of the decency we were all forged into. Get off Facebook and make the day matter. Look at it as one more day you have that somebody else doesn't. What would they do with today? Honor them by remembering and honor them by living.