HAL BRADY: Twenty-one years later

They have simply been imprinted upon our minds and hearts. I’m talking about the pictures and sounds of September 11, 2001 — immense human suffering, highjacked airplanes, buildings in ruins, pictures of terrorists, heroic firefighters and law enforcement personnel, courageous citizens, memorial services, a nation under attack, a nation in prayer and a nation responding. On the occasion of the 21st observance of 9/11, how can our memory of the past enable us to have a better present and future for all humankind? Just a few thoughts for your consideration.

First, we can identify with the affliction of our brothers and sisters. There is a line from a “Litany” that will assist us with our personal identification with the experience of 9/11. “The One: We remember the citizens who rushed to the scene and did whatever they could to help, we can say together, The Many: We remember and thank you for your unselfish commitment.” Remembrance always begins with a deep personal identification. We make the pain of our brothers and sisters our own pain.