by M. J. Adams

My way to work this morning was filled with emotion as the radio stations reminded

me that today is the sixth anniversary of the horrific terror attacks perpetrated on us by people consumed with infinite hatred.

Of course I’m writing about 9/11/01. Where was I? I was getting ready for work when I heard the original report that a commuter plane hit the World Trade Center. I was driving to work when I heard report of the second plane hitting the World Trade Center. My first thought after hearing that was, “This couldn’t be an accident, could it?” As we all know my fears were proven true. The crashes were intentional.

Throughout the rest of that day at work, where everyone had a radio tuned to the news, we all anxiously awaited news of another crash. We all shared a sick feeling that penetrated us to the core. Those that actually lost someone felt worse.

Now as I drive to work, after I reflect upon 9/11. My next thought popped in my head unbidden. I can just see someone saying something like, “Isn’t six years long enough?” or, “God! Give it a rest already.”

We all know that no one especially likes to dwell on subjects that make us feel bad, but as I prepare myself to go to college, where I think I’ll run into someone saying something along the theme above, another question came to me.

Why would we want to forget? Other than the obvious, “It reminds me that there are people in the world that want to kill me, even though I haven’t done anything to them.”

I think the answer can be found by asking ourselves, “How long should someone appreciate a gift that’s been given to them?” The answer to that question is, “It depends on the gift.” I know, I know, but really think about it. How long would you be appreciative if someone gave you a keychain, compared if someone gave you a car?

So that brings me to the second part. What if someone gave their life for you, or a family member? How long would you be appreciative of that gift? Most Christian’s, along with those that truly value life get what I’m trying to say here. If life is precious, than we should never forget it when someone willingly sacrifices theirs.

You might be thinking that the 3,000 deaths in the attacks of the World Trade Center were not necessarily sacrifices. If you are thinking along those lines, then ask yourself, “What about the Police, Fire, and other people that went into, and in many cases back into those buildings trying to get everyone out?

Also, think about what a sacrifice is. In terms of death, it’s a death that serves a purpose. Those 3,000 serve the purpose to remind us that there are people out in the world that harbor a hatred for us so strong, it cannot be bought, it cannot be reasoned with.

Whether you sympathize with the extremist’s that flew plane loads of innocent people into the World Trade Center, or not, you cannot, and should not marginalize the sacrifice that was made by those on that day.

Never forget, because I guarantee that there are those that haven’t, and want to do it to us again.