9/11 memorial at Company 1 (Goochland County photo)

 

The world has turned twenty-two times since that perfect Tuesday morning when America was attacked and changed forever. Gone was the smugness that two mighty oceans protected us from our enemies.

That horrific day united Americans in mourning and resolve. Old Glory was everywhere a beloved and revered symbol of our nation. Now people whine that the stars and stripes are a symbol of hate and are fearfully “triggered” when they see it.

Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and first responders, who perished in unprecedented numbers, were honored for their sacrifice, and revered for their role in society after 9/11.

How things have changed. Today, America is divided. People use an “I’m right and you’re evil” attitude to reject any view that does not mirror their own. We scream at each other drowning out any appeal for civil discussion and a path to resolve differences.

Blind anger, an offshoot of Covid stoked fear, resulted in attacks on first responders as they sought to help. In what universe is it remotely reasonable to burn fire trucks and assault ambulances?

The recent tragic death of a young Virginia firefighter reminds us that there is no guarantee that those who serve and protect us will go home at the end of their shift.

Cries of “defund the police” put those who pin a target over their hearts before they go to work in the cross hairs of vile mobs. Woke prosecutors give criminals who attack LEOs a slap on the wrist yet seem to seek ways to punish them when they carry out their duties. Is it any wonder that fewer people consider careers in law enforcement?

People demand rights but ignore the responsibilities they carry.

As we remember the carnage and honor the sacrifices of 9/11 let us resolve to find our way back to the unity that followed that awful day.

There will be two 9/11 observances in Goochland tomorrow.

At 9:45 A.M.  a first responder community service will take place at Courthouse Fire-Rescue Company 5 located at 2710 Fairground Road. First responders and deputies will gather to read the names and toll a bell in honor of the members of the NYPD, NYFD, Port Authority Police, and New York City EMS providers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

At 7 P.M. the community will gather at Manakin Fire-Rescue Company 1 at 180 River Road West to honor those lost on 9/11. Company 1 is the site of Goochland’s 9/11 memorial built around steel from the 92^nd floor of the north tower. It has five benches to signify the attack on the Pentagon and a piece of stone inscribed with 93 to commemorate the valor of the passengers of Flight 93.