9/11 Tribute
6,939 Days = 19 Years - 166,440 Hours - 9,986,400 Minutes
Since September 11, 2001
A day when the whole nation was stunned and we all felt the major blow from a terrorist attack. The nation never stopped, never truly slowed down, security was raised, and new rules and regulations were established. Families, friends, neighbors were devastated at the tragedy that occurred and now visitors cannot look up and see two large buildings that stole the skyline of New York City instead they have to go to a memorial for all the lives that were lost; correction stolen. Everyone thought that this was the last issue we would have within our borders because we caught and destroyed the suspected terrorists that had no fear of the United States.
But sadly another tragedy hits on Patriot Day during the Boston Marathon, there is another attack that can only be considered terrorist. A Marathon is the ultimate form of dedication where an individual is determined to run 26 miles and cross the finish line to feel like an accomplished runner. That year in the final mile without warning two bombs exploded giving every United States citizen a reason to again realize nobody anywhere is safe.
Politics aside; economy aside, sales aside; professional life aside I would like to make a few statements because I was in upstate NY recently discharged from the Air Force during 9/11/01 and all I wanted to do was drive down to NYC and help the injured and clean up the quickly unified city. I never for a second thought about politics, my job, my college life but instead I focused on the lives of others and how this could happen to our country. Today many of us will only remember 9/11 because of a social media post or a news story but almost every day I use these terrorist attacks as a way to remind myself of a few things...
1. Do not live your life in fear; that is why people destroy lives – they want you to fear what can happen; if you are not fearful, you become a great example to those you encounter!
2. Do not complain; be thankful that today you woke up and you have the ability to live your life how you want.
3. Enjoy your life without a hiccup; everyday there is the potential for struggle, receive bad news, miss quotas but if you enjoy your life than the positive can outshine the negative.
4. Do something special just because – open a door, say Thank You, buy a meal for the homeless, etc. Your generosity and respect will help others to do the same. Start a trend!
5. Be strong for those who do not understand what is going on; Sometimes the ability to develop a close bond is by providing someone knowledge, look to see who needs your strength and offer it to them.
6. Remember 9/11, the Boston Marathon bombing, and all other tragedies Yearly, Monthly, Daily; never forget that innocent people died and others live everyday with the horrific images of these events. Even those that simply helped are now struggling with serious health concerns.
7. Believe in yourself; you may not feel that you have the strength or ability, but you do.
8. Realize that tragedy is extremely sad and difficult to handle but you are a CITIZEN of the United States of America; stand proud every day to show how Strong you ARE!