I woke up on a recent morning with an ache in my heart for a dear friend who lost her sister (mother of a 5-year-old) those 20 years ago, when American Airlines Flight 77 was used to attack our Pentagon. That the sisters, both of whom worked at the Pentagon, parted company just 15 minutes before the plane hit is in and of itself heartbreaking, yet never must we forget the all told 184 souls lost in the Pentagon attack.
Please know that my friend assuaged her sorrow and, yes, survivor’s guilt these now many years, by starting the fundraising that would result in a truly moving Pentagon memorial, a sea of what are often termed floating benches, each bench bearing a victim’s name. Also, she continues to walk surviving families through their ever-present grief, as well as uphold the protocols sanctioning respect for the dead. Please know of and add to her patriotism, my friend’s commitment to officiate when called upon at 9/11 meetings and events and memorial services. Here again and clearly, are marks of character, patriotism and citizenship.
I wrote to my friend the following, doing so in the hope my words might lessen my friend’s hurt and pain upon hearing words of “Pentagon attack denial’ spoken by a newly elected U.S. congresswoman:
As a loving friend and a fellow American, you have my deepest sympathy for having to suffer the shameful words, lies and wrong-headed thinking of this “Q-Lady from Georgia.” With her we have yet again, clear evidence that we humans will forever sink to new lows, sad to report.
Thank you always and forever, my friend, for the many good works you have wrought and continue to undertake and surely, you are many-times-blessed for having lessened the great burden of pain and grief weighing down on those who lost loved ones in the three attacks of 9/11.
The many, many hearts you have helped heal, the will you have imparted to those needing to live on both beautifully and peacefully out of respect for those lost, such endeavoring shines as a beacon by which we all might better see as we live out our lives.
You, dear friend, are one who does indeed and at every opportunity, help us soar to new heights. Truly, you are emblematic of a first-rate citizen and a true American.