Remembering, and Hoping for a Better Tomorrow

This has been a notable week for those of us in our town. Two events, one yesterday and one on Tuesday, cause us to realize the fight against terrorism is still very real. They may not be as dramatic as what we all witnessed on this date in 2001, but for those of us in the Midwest, these events resonate profoundly.

On September 8, a ruling was handed down regarding a white supremacist who brutally attacked and murdered two people at our Community Center, mere blocks from our home. Our Community Center is a wonderful place, a place we frequent, and we were there just days before.

He was sentenced to death for hate crimes and terrorist acts against a race of people he wishes exterminated. Sadly, his response was one of satisfaction. He wishes to become a "martyr for the cause."

The second event occurred just yesterday when the FBI arrested a man in Florida planning a terrorist attack for today, in our hometown, at an event to raise funds for the people of 9/11. We are thankful he was caught, but are reminded for the need to stay aware of an enemy no one has ever courted and for whom we wish no harm.

And so, especially on this day, this year, we remember.

We remember, we mourn, and we pray for a day when this kind of vigilance is no longer needed.

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