Monthly Archives: September 2024

One of those dates that remain indelibly etched in the minds of many, for how long, is another story. If you’re old enough to remember the horrors of September 11, you know where you were when it happened. I was watching cable television as it unfolded live before me.                                                               

I read an article once that young people in school were not alive when our nation came under attack. To me, it seems like it wasn’t all that long ago. Being 23 years now, those graduating from college were not yet born, and those in high school now would be so young as to have no accurate recollection.

Another reality, of course, is what is being taught in schools now. There is a tendency to sanitize so all will feel good, and when a member of Congress says, “Some people did something” that day, that’s even scarier than schools failing to teach so the feelings of others suffer no discomfort. I think feelings should not be spared when teaching the truth. The perpetrators were not just “some people.” They were, in fact, particular people.

It was not articulated by a member of Congress, and is nameless here because I refuse to acknowledge her, saying, “Some people did something;” It’s important to remember the sacrifices made by many that day and in the times after.

So, gently remind others why this date is so important, especially if you run into someone too young to remember or not yet born. Indeed, it was the Pearl Harbor of our time, and while I’m way too young to remember December 7, 1941, I know about the day and what happened afterward. We need to remember September 11, 2001, in the same way. Both days should be “a date which will live in infamy.”

Remember, too, the first and last stanza of a poem by Alan W. Jankowski entitled We Shall Never Forget:

“Let the world always remember,

That fateful day in September,

And the ones who answered duty’s call,

Should be remembered by us all.

“And never forget the ones no longer here,

Who fought for the freedoms we all hold dear,

And may their memory never wane,

Lest their sacrifices be in vain.”

September 11 is known as Patriots Day. You’re asked to observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. when the first plane was turned into a flying torpedo and bombed the World Trade Center. This led to 2,977 innocent Americans murdered and more than 6,000 injured. That’s more American casualties than on D-Day in World War II and more than four times the number of casualties at Pearl Harbor. It was a horrific day, but America responded.

It’s not just about the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, or a little field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania (a truly remarkable account of the American spirit that everyone should learn about); it’s about the United States of America. As the poem states, don’t let their sacrifices be not in vain by being one to ALWAYS REMEMBER!

May God Bless America

#neverforget

All invited! From Hiram to Mantua Corners, the most exciting four-mile trip you’ll ever make!

We’ll leave around two or so. You’ll pile in the back of the truck for a group photo, which you will receive free, plus shipping and handling, as part of the $400 luxury package put together with you in mind.

After the photo festivities, with a beverage of your choice from our select menu, you’ll actively guide the truck in small groups up the incline leading out of Hiram. Being a skilled professional, I’ll expertly guide the first mile of this exciting adventure.

Once we get to the crest and the stragglers catch up and hop in, we’ll descend to the bottom of Derthick’s Hill. Hold on tight! We may reach speeds of almost 20 miles per hour!

Derthick’s Hill is the longest, steepest hill in northeast Ohio. When our vintage truck starts heading up, all out to participate in a game we call PUSH. And don’t worry, I’ll be gripping the steering wheel expertly until we get safely to the top. On the way, we’ll pass such sites as the corn maze, but keep your focus on the task at hand. Don’t worry; your package includes a photo of the side of the cornfield with the maze expertly hidden from view, plus shipping and handling.

Now for the first reward. When we reach the top, we’ll have a picnic, so please bring a covered dish. From here, in the spirit of democracy, we’ll vote on continuing or returning.

If we return, the real fun begins. You’ll lift the truck, turn it around, and pile in. We’ll race back down Derthick’s Hill at speeds so fast that if the wind picks up, you may have to keep your hat from blowing off your head. When it starts to level out, everyone jumps out and grabs the truck to stop it before it swerves off the road.

Just kidding, there’s no voting on this trip. We’ll proceed on the slight decline to Mantua Corners at the leisurely speed of almost three miles per hour. Some of you may desire to walk the rest of the way, but you are encouraged to stay with the truck to comfort the more physically challenged among us. Remember, the more in the back of the epic pickup, the faster we reach the journey’s end, where scouts with merit badges can assist the helpless.

Do you think the fun’s over? It is unless you paid the extra $299 for the deluxe package. If you did, it’s time to PARTEE!!! We’ll have drinks. BYOB. There will be games and dancing as we ceremoniously start the truck for the first and crank up the radio, searching for the first AM station that plays music. Door prizes will be given for the best Labor Day costume, so make sure to bring those prizes so everyone can win!