09/11/01

Six years ago this country was attacked by Muslim extremists who were purportedly doing the work of their "god". Three thousand Americans died that day. 2996 to be exact. Americans, just like you and me who got up and went to work on that fateful day not knowing what their fate would be. Life ended that day for these fine folks. There families and friends left to fill a void. As the anniversary of this grim chapter in history approaches I was reflecting on one question...Who were these people?

Who were they? I found several websites, (here & here), that have chronicled the names. One had a suggestion for reflection. Pick a name, any name, and GOOGLE it. See what you can learn about those who died that day. Learn about the impact of this barbaric act. You might learn about:

Thomas McGuiness age 42 of Portsmouth New Hampshire. He was the first Officer on American Airlines Flight 11. (North Tower at 8:46 am) A Navy veteran who was working his way up the airline seniority list. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, and a 14-year-old son and 16-year-old daughter. He was active in Bethany Church in Greenland, New Hampshire, friends and neighbors told The Boston Globe. Rick DeKoven, a church administrator, described him as "a devoted family man."

or

Rosemary A. Smith age 61. Rosemary worked in Tower One for Sidley Austin Brown and Wood, LLP as a switchboard operator for 12 years. She had been in the tower during the 1993 bombing and had gotten out despite leg and breathing problems. When many refused to go back, Rosemary still returned to work. She was on the 57th floor of Tower One on September 11th, and was the only fatality her firm had.

There are many more. They simply went to work one day and never came home. We need to remember these people. Do what you will to pay homage on this anniversary, but please, never forget.