9/11/09

"It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain--that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
~ Abraham Lincoln

This year, today, was the first year that Creston was able to watch some of the commentary on TV and ask us questions about what it was that he was watching regarding the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01.

What Creston noticed the most, however, was the Firefighters and Fire Trucks that were everywhere that day in every scene, clip, photo, and video taken. He's used to seeing the fire "stuff" on TV programs or at the actual Fire Department, but today, he noticed that there was a lot more going on than he had seen before.

I think, for me....the thing that got me that day, was the number of people that died, and that a lot of those that died were the Firemen and women that were going into the buildings to save the trapped people. I remember immediately thinking and probably saying when we (watching on the TV at work at New River) saw the buildings coming down "All those people! Oh NO!" And then it dawned on me that a lot of those people WERE the firemen and policemen that had gone into those buildings to rescue anyone that they possibly could.

I know in my heart that if Mark had been there, he would have done what he could have done to help, and I know that he would most likely NOT be here with me today, because he would have worked to get those people out and he would have followed the orders just like every other fireman & woman did that day. They are the ones who rush into the burning buildings and dangerous situations when everyone else is running the other way. They are trained to save lives and they take their jobs seriously. They know that the likelihood of losing their lives is great, but they choose to fight the odds because they feel that their cause (to save lives) is too great to ignore.

Now, Mark and the rest of the Firemen/women that I've talked to don't ever feel that what they do makes them a "Hero", but I know many people who would say otherwise. Mark works for the Town of Boone Fire Department, and although they don't have skyscrapers or even 15+ story buildings, there is a daily possibility that they'll have to fight dangerous fires ~ to me, ANY fire is a dangerous fire...AND...there is always a possibility that they could be the very ones to save the life of someone who would have otherwise died in one of those fires. These acts that they preform may be their JOB or Profession, but in the end, those actions are as Heroic as they come.

I tried to get the actual YouTube video to play below, but it won't work for me for some reason!!! It's the Five for Fighting Video to "Superman". This song was played a lot right after the 9/11 attacks. I think it really is a fitting song for the Firemen, Firewomen, Policemen, & Policewomen who risked and lost their lives that day and who continue to do so on a daily basis.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOYIKw1NGSw

All I know is that my husband drives me crazy a LOT of the time, but in the end, I know that he would risk his life to save another if the need arose. For that, I feel Blessed and Grateful and Thankful to have him in my life. Words cannot express how I feel about all of those men and women who gave their lives this day 8 years ago. Appreciation seems like too small of a word, but I do appreciate the sacrifice that they gave and I will continue to appreciate all the men and women who serve with the Fire Departments and Police Departments all over this GREAT country of ours. These men and women are the real deal. They are Heroes through and through.