Kellogg's Korner

I am sorry my post today in not about fatherhood or family. I just think reflection on 9-11 is important. As a military vet and proud American, I will take this time to put up my 9-11 post for this year.

On September 4, 2002, President Bush used his authority created by the resolution and proclaimed September 11, 2002, as Patriot Day.

On this day, the President directs that the American flag be flown at half-staff at individual American homes, at the White House, and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments, home and abroad. The President also asks Americans to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 A.M. (Eastern Daylight Time), the time of the first plane crash on September 11, 2001.

This is a day that reminds me of how quickly Americans forget the past. On this day 2,974 died and another 24 remain listed as missing. This is our generations’ Pearl Harbor. This event spurred America into action against terrorism. It was the catalyst that fed the support for two military actions. We, as a nation lost thousands of loved ones in this event and the following war that ensued shortly thereafter. It slingshot national security into overdrive, and cost our nation trillions in overhauls and upgrades, but also on a positive side, generated thousands of new jobs in the security field.

Earlier this year, there was a big uproar about Democrats wanting to make this day a national holiday of community service. This bill originally containing this holiday was passed without including it. I personally do not feel that this needs to be a holiday, simply due to the fact that is it so close to Labor Day. As for remembering the events and those lost in the destruction, I find that very important.

This event sparked a war on terrorism, a war that can not be won. A war on terrorism is like the war on drugs, as long as there are groups with extremist views and violent natures there will be terrorists. Our military is still engaged in actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, even after the promise to pull out was a major platform for our current president. I have seen yet another article today where he is asking to increase troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I have said in the past that this military action was needed when it started, but has now turned into a fool’s mission. No matter how many American troops are in those nations we can not force peace. The Middle East is a region that has been at war with itself for generations. One small regime change is not going to fix the problems. We need to pull our troops out of the region and let the dust settle on the actions that have taken place there.

Take today and thank a soldier, firefighter, or a police officer. Pray for those who lost loved ones in the attacks. Don’t forget what made September 11 gain notoriety. Fly your flags at half-staff in recognition of those civilians and firefighters that lost their lives.

Remember that this is a strong nation that is feared by terrorists, and that fear has caused them to strike out. Also remember that they are waiting for the opportunity to strike again, and they will not rest until America falls.

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