Patriot Day, 2007

36 U.S.C . § 144. Patriot Day

(a) Designation.— September 11 is Patriot Day.

(b) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on—

(1) State and local governments and the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate programs and activities;

(2) all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States and interested organizations and individuals to display the flag of the United States at halfstaff on Patriot Day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001; and

(3) the people of the United States to observe a moment of silence on Patriot Day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001.

I will always remember flying from Denver to Newark on Continental about 20 years ago, and looking out the window as we were coming in to see in the distance the twins towers, silver with a golden glimmer from the setting sun. Although the images of 6 years ago are seared into my mind, I chose to remember the view I saw with my eyes that summer day from a plane rather than the horrid nightmare that visited my country less than a decade ago.

While on this subject, i wanted to quote a column I read today, from Anna Quindlen:"Remember how we said we would never forget them? We forgot them. ...How American. ..."

Maybe I am a minority, so be it. I haven't forgotten. All i need to do is close my eyes, and visualize what I saw on TV- a low flying airliner plunge at nearly mach 1 into a tower as the other burns; people holding hands as they plunged 100 floors to avoid burning to death; the absolute feeling of unbearable sadness. Crying so much my eyes hurt. Being unable to sleep, and crying some more. The changes it brought.

Being met at work the next day by armed police, who wanted to search my bag, where previously the unarmed security guards had been. I have not forgotten. And I resent being told that...