I had to do this post

Even though I am on a blogging hiatus and not really sure if I plan to return, I cannot let this day go by without some sort of tribute.

We all remember where we were when 9/11 happened. We will never forget that day. But, on my way to work this morning, I began to wonder a few things. Have we become complacent again? I know that 9/11 is not at the front of everyone's mind each and every day anymore, but has that potentially opened our country up to another attack of some sort? I hope not. I believe in the United States. I feel safe here and I am thankful each and everyday that I get to live in this country. I hope I never take that for granted.

The other thing I wondered is has it been so long that some people no longer pay tribute? I was running late for work this morning, but I took the time to lower my flag to half staff. It was important to me and my way to pay tribute to this day. This day that the President has declared as Patriot Day. I saw many flags this morning that were not lowered. Flags that were at places of business, large flags that many people see. That bothered me. It made me mad, in fact.

I was talking to someone recently that mentioned something about 9/11 being in school history books and it was very surreal. It seems like yesterday that I sat, stunned, in my living room, wondering what was going on and being scared to death. And now it's like Pearl Harbor, something our kids are learning about.

Kaylie saw me lower my flag today and, of course, questioned me. I have never talked with her about 9/11 before. But, she's getting older and today I told her a little about it. I explained that there were some people that didn't like our country and they flew some airplanes into some really tall buildings in NYC and into an important building in Washington, D.C. (which is not to say that the Twin Towers were less important). I explained that lots of people were killed. I explained in the easiest way I could in order for her to understand as much as it is possible for an 8 year old to understand.

That conversation? Was very difficult. It was hard for me not to cry. I had to pause between sentences to sort of compose myself. She did ask me if it could happen again. I told her yes, it could, but its very unlikely. I feel it's my responsibility to be honest with her about it.

So, today, I am remembering the victims and heroes of September 11th, 2001. In some way, every citizen is a victim, but those that died paid the ultimate price for the freedom that we are so lucky to have. I would also like to thank each and every service member out there. Whether they are overseas on active duty or here at home. They volunteered to be a soldier so they are heroes to me.