I remember people talking about family and friends and loved ones that may or may not have been in the Twin Towers that day. I remember the anger, the sadness, all the emotions that ran amok at the thought of such a cowardly attack against innocent civilians on American soil.
I remember thinking how I would like to be the one to fire the missiles, drop the bombs, or drive the tank over those cowards and their leaders. I remember patriotism and nationalism rising up renewed inside me, and all around me.
I remember concern for the first responders, and praying for their safety. I remember praying for the demise of those that caused this trouble. I remember praying for my own family.
I remember wondering how life in America would change, how would others react, how would America take vengeance. I remember wanting vengeance because of the nature of what happened.
I remember this was not a military attack against the government of the United States of America. I remember this was a personal attack against the people of the United States of America. I remember there were so many that died in the attacks. And I remember that there could have been more. I remember thinking that someone, hidden in their own fears, declared war on the people of the United States of America without actually telling us.
Yes, I remember all these things. But there is one thing I do not remember.
I do not remember being afraid.
We are Americans. And despite a rather vocal minority of individuals who are willing to simply roll over and surrender all we hold dear, Americans do not so easily give up. Even when divided over politics, economics, or religion, I believe most Americans will agree that we cannot allow others to tell us how America should structured, how we should live, and what freedoms we should or shouldn't have.
And despite those pacifistic idealists that have no real clue about the real world, and real hate from real evil, Americans are guaranteed fundamental rights that we will fight for through our military and individually. We are Americans. The world sees us as the most armed nation on the planet. I'm glad they do. They should. And they should never forget it.
I am an American. I am free to believe and think as I see fit. I am free to read my Christian Bible, and carry a gun. I am free to disagree with anyone, and free to ignore anyone that disagrees with me. Freedom is conformity. Freedom is independence. Freedom is our right.
I remember that 236 years ago, a bunch of armed colonists, tired of being over-taxed, under-represented, and over-governed set forth in a document their declaration of liberty. Men who put their lives on the line just by signing it. Men who bled and died defending it, and the families that suffered through years of war to win liberty and freedom for all Americans. Even those that did not appreciate it.
We are an independent nation. We must remain an independent nation. The founding fathers of this nation understood that when words run empty, weapons fill the void. Something they knew then, something most of us know now. Something that some would deny as the last means to preserving freedom. Some would gladly exchange their freedom for security. And that is something I won't do.
Our soldiers and first responders put their lives on the line every day defending our nation, our people, and our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Whether you like it or not, that is what this nation is founded on. Our freedoms and our rights were not handed to us because we demanded it, or occupied it. Our freedoms and our rights were won through battle and death. That is the painful reality of living in a corrupt world.
So yes, I remember 9/11/2001. And I remember on that day thinking that I am glad I am an American. I am glad I am armed. And I am glad that I do not live in fear. And in spite of the efforts of that vocal minority, we are one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
So after all the remembering, take it with you wherever you go. Remember you are an American. Remember you are free. And remember that freedom is just one tyrant away from being lost.
Copyright 2012, Kevin Farley (a.k.a. sixdrift, a.k.a. neuronstatic)
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