20 Years Later; We Still Remember

These are words that we have heard or said so many times that their meaning and impact is nearly forgotten. For many of us these words became popular not long after September 11, 2001. As a nation we made the solemn vow that We Will Never Forget. We would never forget the tragedy. Never forget the fear and discouragement we all felt. Never forget the 2,977 civilians, public safety and military that lost their lives that horrible day. But, unfortunately, an idea we don't often include in the motto Never Forget is the promise to always remember and strive for the unity that we had shortly after September 11th.

From around the country people arrived in New York City in an attempt to somehow help in the midst of all the devastation. Fire Departments, EMS Departments, Red Cross, Salvation Army, and many more sent in volunteers to help. Whether it was searching for people who were missing or serving food to the rescue workers, a compassion for their fellow man was already being shown on the night of 9/11.

September 12th saw a new day in the United States. Schools made sure the day was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Pictures flooded the media of children and parents walking the streets waving flags. A new sense of patriotism arose as thousands of young men and women felt it was their duty to join the service in defense of our country. And out of it all, nobody cared if you were black or white, Christian or Atheist, Republican or Democrat. We were all Americans. As Mr. David Beamer has said multiple times, we need to remember that unity and work to bring it back.

Since 9/11/01 we've gone from Republican to Democrat, back to Republican then back to Democrat. We saw protests throughout the country and statues torn down. We've seen riots in the streets. And we have seen more division over the previous few years than possibly in all of American history. Families and friends have turned against each other over disagreements on political and moral issues. Where do we draw the line?

Of course there will always be disagreements over religion, politics, moral issues and personal ethics. But, one thing the United States was founded on, and has become known for, is that we as Americans can disagree on every possible issue and still be Americans. The Declaration of Independence tells us that each person has the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. How each of us strives to live out those tenants that our Founding Fathers agreed should be available to each and every human being is up to every one of us.

In a world, and country, where we struggle to understand another's views or opinions, remember we are all individuals, which gives us the right and privilege to have our own ideas. But, it never gives us the right to hate, disregard, mistreat or disrespect any fellow human being because they hold a different philosophy than our own.

Show tolerance to those you disagree with. Show kindness to those around you. Give forgiveness whether or not you think someone deserves it. Strengthen friendships. Build relationships. Reach out to those who are struggling in life. Hold onto your family and friends because you never know what day will be your, or their last. If those who died on September 11, 2001 could speak to us now I believe this is what they would tell us.

In Freemasonry we have what we refer to as the three tenants of our profession - Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. These are three factors that should help every Mason throughout life as they make decisions in personal relationships and in business. Yet, they are ideas that every individual can, and should, practice in their own lives. Even when we don't understand why someone is the way they are, show love. Show compassion and give assistance as much as you can to those who need it. And in truth, no matter our religious beliefs, we all understand that a human being is unique. Everyone wants, and deserves, to be treated as unique.

As we arrive at the 20th Anniversary of September 11, 2001, let us Never Forget...the rescue workers, the civilians who volunteered their time to serve, the thousands that lost their lives that day and the unity that came out of tragedy.

So, 20 Years later, hopefully we can say We Remember and We Will Never Forget. If we could come together after such a horrific day, then surely we can recognize that we are a country of many different religions, political views and backgrounds. And through all that we are currently facing, may God help us find "unity in diversity".