After 9/11/2001 most of us here in the USA realized our vulnerability. Perhaps years of peace at home contributed to a general complacency that we were removed from attack by outside forces; lulling us into a kind of la la land where all was secure and our own pursuits were focus enough. Thousands perished as we watched the TV; just three planes destroyed what we assumed was indestructible. We were actually ‘sitting ducks’.
Like the Israelites of old we turned back to our Creator and nationwide church pews were filled, our country’s flag flew in place of seasonal decorative ones with turkeys and summer flowers, etc. In my own experience I remember an abundance Old Glory wherever I went, our country parish reached near capacity, religious prayer services were broadcast from Madison Square Garden.
It seemed a country founded on faith and fortitude had returned. I often think if the terrorists had attacked soon after 911, although tragic, we may have preserved ‘a nation of the people, for the people and by the people’. All that we cherish is indeed under attack today. Our enemy dwells among us and I often feel like a ‘sitting duck’. Ironically it increased my desire to seek otherworldly help. Sitting on my deck amid the glories of springtime, I prayed and wrote a poem I’ll share with you in my next post.
DJ Pasternak, Author 