I remember...

"the Blue Hour" OKC Memorial

I remember when on April 19, 1995  Timothy McVeigh parked a truck filled with Anhydrous Ammonia made into a bomb and blew up a building full of men, women and children killing families in Oklahoma City's Murrah Building downtown. I was 17 years old.

I remember when almost too the day 4 years later on April 20, 1999 when 2 boys destroyed a community by going on a rampage in a Colorado High School in the Columbine School Shootings. I was 21 years old.

 

 And I remember when at 8:03am on September 11, 2001 I stood watching the Today show on CBS and behind the morning anchor I saw the first plane hit the trade center without them even knowing what was occurring at the time. I remember watching in horror as the next followed closely behind. I was 24 years old.

I will never forget the devastation and heart ache caused by the actions of a few. But I also will never forget the bravery of a few that saved the lives of more.

I am unbelievably proud to be an AMERICAN. I am proud to live in the home of the free and the brave. I am proud of those who sacrificed their lives that day knowingly to protect others and I pray for those who lost their lives just by circumstances. I am proud and grateful to those who protect our freedoms. lifestyle, and choices everyday by serving in the United States Armed Forces and can't not say often enough THANK YOU nor can my gratitude repay you for your service. Nor can the tax dollars I pay be enough for your sacrifices because no amount of money is enough to pay for your life- none the less thank you!

I have yet to visit the memorial in NYC for the tragedy that struck that day. But I have spent many a quiet prayerful moment in the OKC Memorial and I can say without question it is one of the most serene yet tragic places I have ever had the pleasure to spend time. It affected me in ways I can not put into words and if you ever have an opportunity to visit please do so. Like the Holocaust Museum at the Smithsonian Institute you can not fully grasp a tragedy until you look at it in the eye surrounded by the scars it left behind. So today and every day as an American, remember those who sacrifice and continue to do so so that you can pray, vote, play video games, shop on the internet, cuss the president, smoke, and even eat junk as you see fit. Thank a solider and pray for their safety! And remember those we have lost not just on this tragic day but all of the days that have shaped the lives of Gen X and others...