By: Dr. Jeff Fuller
President Franklin Roosevelt spoke to Congress in an appeal to issue a declaration of war and stated it was “A Date Which Will Live in Infamy.” His request was in reference to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. It was an attack which stunned virtually everyone in the United States military. Japan’s carrier-launched bombers found Pearl Harbor totally unprepared. It is interesting to note the President never mentioned Europe or the fact that Germany had not yet declared war on the United States, the Pearl Harbor attack allowed him to begin the larger intervention in the European war he had long wanted.
It has been eighteen years since an attack of terrorism was felt on American soil for the first time in history. A day we will always remember as we recall the devastation and death of that day which brought fear and sorrow to the American people.
On September 11, 2001, four planes were hijacked. The hijackers deliberately and with premediated malice flew three of the places into two important and vital buildings: the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York. The fourth crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The loss of life and damage that these hijackings caused not only an act of terrorism but caused the death of 2,977 people and an immensely huge economic impact. It was the beginning of an increased attention on national security in the United states, various implications which changed policies and political relationships with both national and international communities. This is particularly true for the relationships between the United States and Islamic counties in the Middle East.
It is vital we remember this day which a large number of people lost their lives. It is important we remember 6,000 people were injured on this day eighteen years ago. It is necessary we realize there are a number of individuals who still suffer from the effects of this day in history; it is every year we hear of individuals who have developed cancer from the buildings or through their heroic and painstaking efforts as they served as first responders, and still others who are experiencing the attacks anew every day through PTSD.
On the direction of the President, the flag of the United States of America are displayed on homes, the White House and all United States government buildings in the whole world. The flag is flown at half-staff as a mark of respect to those who dies on September 11, 2001. An additional remembrance is in the observant of a moment of silence at 8:46 AM, as individuals mark the time the first plane collided with the World Trade Center. Some communities hold special hold special services or prayer meetings and others may lay flowers or visit memorials.
Although the day is not a federal holiday, and most continue on a regular order for the day, in the back of our minds and in our hearts, we remember the attacks, the victims and the changes we have experienced because of this day in history.
I have been reminded of this verse, “[You] thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good…” (Genesis 50:20 KJV)
It was Paul who would later pen:
“We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 KJV)
We do not understand or comprehend all that transpires in life, but we know God is control. When the evil one desires to draw us away and destroy us, God is greater and has a much more awesome and overwhelming plan for us. He will win in the end.
Let us never forget!
Until next time…
