In Solemn Remembrance

As I sit at the computer, I can hear the names of those lost on 9/11/2001 being read aloud amidst a backdrop of stoic violins. My television, a 52" widescreen is not within sight, however, I do not know if I want to see the family members of those who perished that day reading the three thousand plus names. But... Something is preventing me from changing the channel.

Maybe it is because I feel a connection to those Firefighters and Police Officers that perished while selflessly putting themselves in jeopardy to save the lives of others. Why, you ask? Well because I am a Police Officer and my brother is a New York City firefighter. I stood in front of "The Pile" a few days after the carnage. A very uneasy feeling came over me at that time which I will never forget as long as I live. How I helped during those days pails in comparison to how the NYPD, PAPD, FDNY and scores of volunteers, both civilian and from agencies around the country helped.

Maybe it is because I grew up in Brooklyn and could see those two majestic buildings reaching towards the sky whenever I left the comforts of our modest home in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn. The sense of pride I felt whenever my gaze caught a glimpse of the buildings is beyond what any words can portray on this page. The World Trade Center buildings were just two more things that gave me great pride for the city in which I lived.

One thing many citizens of this country do not realize is that the brave Firefighters and Police saved many more than three thousand people that day. That for the most part goes unnoticed. I submit to you that this is a testament to the bravery and dedication of those who served that day.

I saw firsthand how the citizens of New York stood behind the Police and made it a point to wave and thank those who wear the badge. When I saw this support, It bothered me in a strange way. I felt genuinely good about it but also remained modest; thinking, why are you shaking my hand and thanking me? This is what I do. While I felt the gratitude of those who approached me, I felt as though it was disingenuous. Why did it take such a tragedy to make you realize what we do? While we patrol our streets every day getting shot at, spit on, injured, and killed by putting ourselves between you the citizenry and those who prey on you. We do not do our jobs for glory. We do it because it is our job and we do not expect anything in return. I am not trying to cheapen the gratitude of the citizens, I know we are appreciated as Police Officers, Firefighters, etc. It is just something you do not see every day. We are Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

You only see the Main Stream Media's slanted portrayal of Cops. Only when there is something to report that conjers a sense of drama are we in the news.

However, it was nice to see this country come together with a renewed Patriotism.

I digress.

I am deeply disturbed by how divisive we are as a country. More than ever before, we need to come together as Americans. We need to overcome those in this country who without any rationale, are willing to leave this country vulnerable to further attacks. It is time to suck it up and be willing to work with our government even if that entails giving up some individual freedom.

I am still angry about 9/11 and I think as Americans, we need constantly be reminded of the heinous acts perpetrated against us on that day.

Remember the ability for you and I to opine has been earned in blood. Freedom is not free. Please do not tread on the sacrifices of those who bravely fought for and died for our country and for those whose lives were needlessly taken in New York, Washington D.C., and a field in Pennsylvania.

God Bless this great country of ours. As with all things, one must take the bad with the good. We need to remain united against those who would like to harm us and take away our way of life for no other reason than we do not conform to their religion or cherish the freedoms we have.

Never Forget 9/11