LESSONS OF 9/11

This past Saturday, New York City hosted its annual memorial of 9/11 at the site of what is now known as Ground Zero.  It was an incredibly moving tribute that saw black/white, young/old, rich/poor, Christian/Muslim, all come together in unity to commemorate the solemn occasion and to remember those whose lives were lost on that day.  But the events that followed the annual ceremony had nothing to do with unity or solemnity.

Following the services at Ground Zero, hundreds of protesters took to the streets in front of the proposed Park 51 Islamic Cultural Center, in opposition to what many consider an abomination to the memory of 9/11.  There was shouting, screaming, anger and tears.  Some held up signs that said “We Oppose ‘OBAMAS’ Mosque” (as if he has anything to do with it).  Others even became entangled in some pushing and shoving.  And at the center of it all was Pamela Geller, the conservative anti-mosque blogger who first instigated opposition to the planned Park 51 complex and successfully transformed it into a divisive political national debate.

Whatever side of the issue you happen to fall on, this was neither the time nor the place for such a protest.  9/11 is our generation’s Pearl Harbor.  It was a day to reflect, to pray, to remember — not push, scream and fight.  I liken the days events to the somber and beautiful burial of the family patriarch, only to have somebody start up a fist fight at the grave site.  NOT THE TIME, NOR PLACE FOR ALL THAT! Whoever thought a good ole-fashioned shouting match following the hushed reading of each of the names of the 9/11 victims was a good idea, has absolutely no idea what 9/11 is even about.

One of my favorite memories of September, 2001, amidst all the sadness, was the feeling of unity we all shared.  People were nice to each other.  Neighbors spoke to one another.  Americans waited patiently in long security lines without a peep.  And the world was on our side — sending us messages of love and support that said “TODAY…WE ARE ALL AMERICANS.”  Where did that compassion and respect go?  When did we replace the love in our hearts with fear and hate?? How did we get to a point where we could allow ourselves to push aside all forms of decorum and human dignity???  And why have we forgotten that America is the land of the FREE — including freedom of speech and freedom of religion — with liberty and justice FOR ALL????

Looks like many of us still have much to learn from the lessons of 9/11.