I meant to do this yesterday and got distracted. On this day, or yesterday, I just want to say how much I love our country, and how important it is to remember what we have here. I spent many years in the Middle East and I still get teary eyed whenever I hear certain patriotic songs. I remember when we were living in Saudi Arabia my Mom would make us recite the Pledge of Allegiance and learn the National Anthem when we were little, to make sure we knew where we came from and didn't forget. And there was at least one occasion where she kissed the ground when our plane finally touched down in America.
I hope to pass down this love and appreciation to my children, despite all the cynicism that's out there. Josh already knows the words to I'm Proud to be an American, and can point out every American flag.
Yes there is a lot wrong with our country, but the wonderful thing is that we have the freedom and the ability to fix what's wrong. So on this day I would say be grateful, for all that we have, and if you want to change something, educate yourself and work to do it. Get involved and leave a legacy of freedom.
I read a friend's blog where she asked everyone where they were on September 11th, 2001. I'd love to hear where you were as well - so I totally stole the idea :) Please leave a comment and tell me what you remember about that day.
I had just started my freshman year of college and was in my dorm room when it came on T.V. I didn't know my roommates very well yet and I ran over to my next door Arizona buddies apartment and we watched it together. My family was planning on moving back to Saudi Arabia on the 25th of September. I remember how deserted campus was that day, and I remember going to President Hinckley's address. Mostly I remember that it didn't feel real. I tried to have a normal day and it just couldn't happen.
I didn't write much in my journal unfortunately - but these are some of the notes that I took during the devotional:
"There is no reason to fear for lives of loved ones if they were not there- the terrorists are hoping for panic"
"Be respectful of all people"
And the over arching message was that it is possible to feel peace in troubled times. "Do you young people understand that you have the world's power of peace in your hands?" The question of a prophet.
4 comments:
I had almost the same 9-11 experience...BYU apartment, Today show, all of my classes canceled all week. I watched the 2nd plane fly into the tower on t.v. and couldn't believe it was real either.
I had the day off of work. Stephen had just left for work and I rolled out of bed and was praying. Phone rings...it's Stephen telling me these unfathomable things. I couldn't even comprehend what he was telling me. So I flipped on the TV and spent most of the next two days parked in front of it.
i am your sister so you probably know but i will tell you anyways. in california i believe on the roof eating breakfast when sister king called and told us. then we ran down and watched. dads plane got canceled so he drove down and met us and yes we still flew out to saudi a couple of days letter. mom loved life.
I was in college too. Watched it with my roommates in shock. And one of my roommates father's was an important person in the military. He was actually in the Pentagon when it happened. But he was prompted to turn down a different hallway that day, which saved his life. I just remember being scared and wanting to be with my family.
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