Sept. 11 - Not Forgotten

Even though I wasn’t affected by Sept. 11, on the anniversary, I always think of those that were affected personally. I have to admit, though, that even though I wasn’t in Manhattan on that day seven years ago, I was frightened coming into work today – as I have been for the past three years. But I couldn't just stay home. I felt like it would be a dishonor to those who were here that day. The city is strong, though, and for me at least, it feels liek everyone who is walking around Manhattan right now, or going to work, or just living their life, is giving honor to those men and women who died. Because of that, this morning I was surprised to learn that two of the biggest papers in Manhattan didn’t have Sept. 11 stories or pictures on their front pages. For some reason, it made me a little sad. I thought of all those families that were hurt by those attacks, and wonder how they would feel about that. Do they fear that the city is forgetting them? I hope not. We will never forget.
In memory of the day, I have posted the prayer that Pope Benedict prayed at Ground Zero during his New York Visit.

"O God of love, compassion, and healing, look on us, people of many different faiths and traditions, who gather today at this site, the scene of incredible violence and pain.
We ask you in your goodness to give eternal light and peace to all who died here - the heroic first responders: our firefighters, police officers, emergency service workers, and Port Authority personnel, along with all the innocent men and women who were victims of this tragedy simply because their work or service brought them here on September 11, 2001.
We ask you, in your compassion to bring healing to those who, because of their presence here that day, suffer from injuries and illness.
Heal, too, the pain of still-grieving families and all who lost loved ones in this tragedy. Give them strength to continue their lives with courage and hope.
We are mindful as well of those who suffered death, injury, and loss on the same day at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Our hearts are one with theirs as our prayer embraces their pain and suffering.
God of peace, bring your peace to our violent world: peace in the hearts of all men and women and peace among the nations of the Earth.
Turn to your way of love those whose hearts and minds are consumed with hatred.
God of understanding, overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy, we seek your light and guidance as we confront such terrible events.
Grant that those whose lives were spared may live so that the lives lost here may not have been lost in vain. Comfort and console us, strengthen us in hope, and give us the wisdom and courage to work tirelessly for a world where true peace and love reign among nations and in the hearts of all."