I'd almost forgotten that today is the 11th. . . kind of sad, I know, that I could forget something that has the whole country in mourning. I didn't lose anyone in the attack, and was not really affected by it at the time. Even now, remembering what happened doesn't stir strong feelings in me.
But I believe that memorial is important. I was encouraged to see flags at half-mast today. At least most people are remembering, even if I almost didn't.
I've seen posts on my friends' blogs today about 9/11, and the main theme that I keep hearing and seeing is "
Never Forget". I feel that I have something to share, even though I was not personally affected by the attack, and I am probably one of the least qualified to speak about it.
I definitely believe with that we should never forget. . . at least not for a very, very long time. We should not forget the tragedy and the suffering, because with it, we would be forgetting the heroism and the bravery. We would be forgetting the men and women who died, and we would be forgetting how we responded to that loss. We would be forgetting how we as Americans responded to a moment of crisis and uncertainty...and I think that how our country acted is something to be proud of, and NEVER FORGOTTEN. The memorial of tragedy is important for many reasons, and I am proud that Americans are refusing to forget the attack, even in the face of the pain it caused.
But. . . something bothers me.
Sometimes I wonder if there is not another hidden meaning hiding beneath those words "never forget". Those simple, innocuous, even heroically patriotic words "never forget" can recall the pain of the past, and urge us not to heal. Very easily, the patriotic slogan can become transformed into a cry for retaliation and revenge. Too quickly, we allow the memories of that day to foster hatred and malice. . . towards a small group of people; towards a whole religion; perhaps towards a whole race.
And that leads to wars...not just wars to defend, but wars to persecute for hatred's sake. It leads to strife and violence in the name of just retribution. To killing to satisfy the pain of loss.Ultimately, to a loss of our grounding in the teachings of Christ, and the loss of any right to call ourselves a Christian nation.
Now, you probably think that I'm painting an extreme picture. Perhaps I am.
But I believe the danger is real. It's too easy to start hating; too hard to stop.
So I urge you:
Remember the loss, and be proud of your country; but forgive the pain.
In remembrance and memorial, we make sure that that those men and women did not die in vain.
In forgiveness, we assure that the events of 9/11/01 will never occur again.
