Remembering...

Last Sunday, the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, destruction of the World Trade Center in the name of Allah, was a sobering day for us. As we reflected on those nearly 3000 people who lost their lives that day and the many others who risked their lives and made such tremendous sacrifices to help others, we were humbled and grateful for their devotion and charity.

Our sacrament meeting added to the spiritual intensity of the day as the entire meeting, with the exception of the passing of the sacrament, was devoted to testimonies born of sacred hymns and the singing of those hymns as a congregational group. It truly became a day of thanksgiving and spiritual renewal. Our deepest thanks is offered to those who work daily to keep us safe and free.

We were fortunate to have near us a "Healing Field" with 3000 American Flags and on Sat., Sept. 10, was the unveiling of a marvelous statue commemorating the raising of the U.S. flag at Ground Zero by several fireman a couple of days after the tragedy. A local sculptor was able, after much effort, to get permission to create this statue. The firemen who hoisted the flag didn't consider themselves heroes and they didn't want to be recognized or immortalized. However, some of the families of the fallen dead, were able to convince them that this would bring healing and hope to many grieving people. I agree that this is a fitting tribute. It is beautiful and very inspirational. I hope that other areas of the country will follow this example and erect something so meaningful. Here is my effort to share this experience with you.

This statue overlooks the "Healing Field" of flags. You can barely see them as they stretch across a huge grassy area just across the street.