As the mission of the American Legion Family dictates - For God and Country - We, the members of the American Legion Post 17 Family, wish to offer our prayers and thanks and memories of 9/11 to all in our Lewes community.
Many of us are now Delawareans, but 20 years ago we were in New York City, near a field in Shanksville, Pa., or in D.C., and near the Pentagon when our TV screens started showing pictures which did not seem real. Our cellphones rang and then suddenly stopped. Confusing messages and images were confronting all of us.
First responders - many we called friends - were called to action at all three sites, working side-by-side as comrades were lost in the attacks.
The minutes turned to hours then days trying to figure out how to help all those who were so affected. Firemen, police and paramedics responded without hesitation, and along with uniformed military, National Guard and reserve units, became our newest heroes as America reeled from this act of terrorism.
The service of those days has now become the illnesses, deaths and health issues - known and unknown - that are borne by these heroes.
So today, we say thank you to all who did step up to those tasks, and to all the dear ones who gave all that day. Their loved ones mourn, not only on 9/11, but each day these past 20 years, for all that was lost and all that will be forever missed. The haunted memories and grief are sharpened each anniversary, and remind us that we should not forget the unselfish service and profound sacrifices made that day.
On this 20th anniversary of 9/11, we will pause as we always do and ask that all of our community do the same. On the morning of 9/11 at 8:46 a.m. look skyward, and with hand over heart say for all the first responders, all who were lost and all those who mourn - Thank you! We will never forget.
-
A letter to the editor expresses a reader's opinion and, as such, is not reflective of the editorial opinions of this newspaper.
To submit a letter to the editor for publishing, send an email to newsroom@capegazette.com. Letters must be signed and include a telephone number and address for verification. Please keep letters to 500 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit for content and length. Letters should be responsive to issues addressed in the Cape Gazette rather than content from other publications or media. Only one letter per author will be published every 30 days. Letters restating information and opinions already offered by the same author will not be used. Letters must focus on issues of general, local concern, not personalities or specific businesses.
