I know for those of us in the fire service, our families and friends, that today is our Pearl Harbor.
I feel strongly we need to reflect on what the fallout from that singular day has been and to consider acting to undo so much of the damage done since that day.
We all know thousands of people died horrifically and there is no mitigating the magnitude of that nor the years of pain and suffering that only time will put into a rearview mirror for most and only death and new generations for many.
When we reflect on this day do not forget that the USA extracted it's toll afterwards and hundreds of thousands of people died in addition to many military service members while many others continue to suffer from their service in the Middle East.
The master planner of that event lies at the bottom of the sea somewhere and many families and cities were, in large part, turned into rubble.
Since that day 15 years ago Americans have happily given up many civil liberties that, before that day, would have caused them outrage.
I feel we should still be outraged at the intrusions into privacy, travel and everyday life that we have willingly stood by and let occur.
The degree of intrusion and obstruction of personal freedom since then is remarkable and the money making machines that profit from it are extraordinary.
I am not certain that continuing grand public displays are the proper course for this day any longer..... to me, I feel it is a day for reflection.
I love events like the San Diego 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb because it is firefighter centric and not necessarily a huge public display but, rather, a family or service brethren event.
Yes, it is public, but the participants are in the field or affected by the workers in public safety, whether through marriage, family or friendship.
I know I live in and raise my family in Mexico and I know many have viewed that as an abandonment of my right to even contemplate politics or life in the USA.
However, I am and always will be a citizen of the USA and so will my family.
Immigration is the American story and I am only continuing it so I will continue to be interested, concerned and vocal about issues in the USA.
However, I am and always will be a citizen of the USA and so will my family.
Immigration is the American story and I am only continuing it so I will continue to be interested, concerned and vocal about issues in the USA.
Anyway, just some thoughts.
Have an excellent day and I will dedicate my run today with thoughts to all those that died and were wounded that day.
