Nine years ago, an infamous event took place which shook the foundation of our nation and put to test the very character of who we are as a people. Still today, we struggle in our effort to reconcile this event with our vision for the future. It is a struggle that brings out the best and at times the worst in us.
We are a diverse culture of people representing every aspect of the human experience. We are a people united by a common belief in the ideals of liberty, justice, equality, and opportunity. We are a nation tempered by the fire of intolerance and steeled by the understanding that an injustice against one is in fact an injustice against all.
And so, on September 11, 2001, the injustice inflicted on this nation by acts of hatred caused a reaction which has led us on a journey of national rediscovery. Who are we as a people and society? What are our hopes and dreams for the future?
We must remember and honor all those who perished on 9/11. We thought healing could be attained by seeking retribution in Iraq and Afghanistan. We thought healing could be attained by turning the ashes of the Twin Towers into a national memorial. We thought healing would come with time.
Yet, there are those among us who do not want to be healed, and they do not want the rest of us to be healed either. They, like the perpetrators of 9-11, are consumed with hate. And hate, begets hate.
We are better than this as a people and a society. Yes, perpetrators must be held responsible for the consequences of their actions. But we do not condemn a people or a religion for the actions of a few, lest we too want to be condemned. We must lead as always by showing the world that the United States is strong through its compassion and commitment to peace.
We face many and serious issues today. We must have a vision of leadership for the future that pursues economic and social justice here at home while reaching out to create a community of nations around the world. We must be about preparing a better world for our children and grandchildren. This is the legacy we must seek.
We must never forget 9/11. We must remember the lessons learned about the fruits of hatred. We must then honor those who perished on that sad and tragic day by moving on with the unfinished work of building a great nation and a peaceful world.
~ Bill
