Patriots Never Forget

On the 911 anniversary, my brother will spend the day in the nation's capital. He is part of a group sponsoring World War 2 veterans on an Honor Flight from Phoenix to Washington DC to see the war memorials. What a great opportunity! Not only is Honor Flight a tribute to the vets of the Greatest Generation who sacrificed to make the world a better place, but its also an inspirational, life changing experience for everybody involved. And the fact that this Honor Flight will be in the nation's capital on the 911 anniversary makes it a once in a lifetime event. I'll be honest, I'm a little concerned about a family member being in potential harms way on the anniversary of one of our nation's darkest moments. I mean, if they're gonna hit us again, this would be a good time. Recent developments have made this years remembrance even more troubling but we must be vigilant. My brother is committed and that's enough for me. Our dad served in World War 2 and he would be proud. As for the 911 anniversary, once again tomorrow morning I'll do what I always do on that day---I will watch in disbelief the replay of the news coverage of that terrible day. And I will hang my head and pray. In 2001 I saw the events unfold as they happened with my older son as he prepared for classes at Conway Middle School. Again this year I will share my thoughts with my younger son as we watch and look back on where we were when those towers came down. Those awful memories will be forever imbedded in America's psyche. It reminds us of the fragility of humanity, of how the world is more intertwined and more complicated than ever. It speaks volumes about how critical it is for all of us to communicate with each, to understand each other and to look past all the propaganda and misguided agendas. We need the courage to seek the real truth---not the clouded vision of political and religious rhetoric. It's important not to dwell on the past, but look to the future. What can we do, in memory of those who gave their lives, to move forward? Better yet, what can we do to Pay It Forward? In the aftermath of Sept. 11, we came together as a country to show that we are there for each other. Service can be a healing experience, and it's an honor that so many Americans are dedicating this day through service with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the USO, the Red Cross, Pledge4Patriots and many more. Through volunteering, we can make a difference in the lives of families and transform communities, not just on the National Day of Service and Remembrance but every day. So my friends, what can you do today to Pay It Forward? There is so much good work we can do so in the famous words of Flight 93 hijack victim, Todd Beamer, "LET'S ROLL"!!! And God bless the United States of America!!!!! Want to volunteer? Get more info about Honor Flight at: http://honorflight.org/ Find out about Pledge4Patriots at: http://Pledge4Patriots.org http://mickdolansez.wordpress.com/ www.facebook.com/mickdolanorlando