United We Stand, Divided we fall

Today is September 11, 2012 and it's been eleven years since that day that terrorist attacked our country and changed America forever.  I am currently watching stories of the survivors that made it out of the towers.  I am overcome with emotions on just how many tales of heroism are being told.  I have always thought that over the years but this year it seems a bit different to me. 

I want to remember all those that died that day on September 11, 2001. There were so many that rushed toward the buildings or back inside to help others and gave their life for so many. I want to thank all the brave Police Officers, Firefighters, medical personnel, city workers, and volunteers that cared more about others that day and risked their health that day and many days after that horrible event.  I know there are some that have lost their life since then because of working in the debris.  They also sacrificed their life to help others in need.  I want to remember and thank all those soldiers that went overseas to fight for my freedom. I know many died to protect this country, our freedom and safety and many returned injured.  My gratitude is not enough for all they do for us on a daily basis. 

I remember right after that day that people were banning together and doing anything they could to help each other during this crisis.  There were so many people that day that put others ahead of themselves and banned together to get them out of the disaster.  There were so many that gave their life that day to save someone they had probably never met before that day.  We were united we stand.  This always seem to be the case during any event that involves a tragedy. During a lot of huge shocking events there are so many stories of people that helped others and put themselves last.  I saw this bravery during the recent shooting at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado.  I remember brave acts during the shooting that happened at Virginia Tech.  There were great stories of the community helping each other during Katrina.  There have been many tornadoes over my life in my own community that show how many people care and want to help as much as they can. 

This has reminded me of that sense of community again that seems a little lost at this point in our country.  During this election year there seems to be such a sense of division.  I am guilty myself of being part of the division and taking sides.  So I am humbled myself today and reminded that I need to strive harder to be a better person.   There is one thing during tragedy that seems to always be a common thread. Race, religious beliefs,  sexual orientation, disabilities, or income levels have no affect on how we treat each other during this time of need.  I know it is a hard thing to keep up during everyday life as we go about our daily routines, but it is the stories from 9-11 being retold today that  has made me want to strive to do better.   I fight for the advocacy of mental health rights and to fight the stigma against those with mental illness so I should try to remember that myself when talking about other things and times in my life.   Americans do not agree on many things but I hope we can put those differences down and try to see people in the same light as we might if we were in a tragedy with them.

With our country facing so many hardships I do think working together with others in America will help put us in the right direction.   There are so many charitable organizations that do this on a daily basis and never think twice about it.   I am moved on a daily basis when CEO's and others take less pay so that their staff can keep their jobs.  It is that type of thinking and behavior that keeps this country the wonderful place that it is.