SEPT. 11, 2001 - Former President George Bush said it was a day Americans must never forget.
On that day 12 years ago, terrorists attacked our land and shattered our feeling that we were free from outside aggression. Countless people lost their lives and many others were injured.
Three days later, President Bush declared a "National Day of Prayer and Remembrance." Once again it has taken a tragedy of major proportions to reawaken in us a feeling of patriotism - to remind us that we need God and how much we rely on Him for strength and comfort in difficult times.
Our churches were filled as we came together to pray. There was a feeling of national pride and unity. People from all walks of life came together to offer assistance. Blood drives were held everywhere and supplies and donations were sent to the affected areas. Volunteers responded in record numbers.
As time went on and things got better, we more or less forgot about the tragedy. Oh yes, we remember it when the anniversary comes around. All kinds of thoughts run through our minds like will it ever happen again and are we better prepared if it should happen. And again in a few days, we forget about that tragedy and wait for another anniversary to recall it.
Our nation is engaged in a battle against terrorism and it is not an easy one.
Sept. 11, 2001 is a day that Americans must never forget. Too many of us have already forgotten what happened on Feb. 26, 1993 when the first World Trade Center attack took place.
It is a comforting thought to believe that a nation at prayer will be a nation at peace. These are difficult times for our country. Like President Bush once said, "God's ways are not always our ways."
It is time once again for the people of our nation to get back on our knees and pray that peace will come to our world. Wake up, silent majority and let our voices be heard throughout the land. God must be a welcome guest in our homes and in our schools and public buildings. Our family life must be strong. We cannot continue to break God's laws and expect Him to bless our country, and we must continue to pray for peace and for an end to violence and terrorism.
Let us never forget 9/11, the attack on the World Trade Center or Pearl Harbor. Let us resolve to pray and work for peace and justice in our world and in our families. Let the feeling of patriotism continue to burn brightly in our hearts. Let us ask God to protect the members of our armed forces and bring them home safe and soon. May he continue to bless our country, keep us safe and strong and forever at peace.