As I watched the news coverage of the September 11, 2001 anniversary, I was taken by the families of those who had lost loved ones in the attacks. In New York, Shanksville, and at the Pentagon, there were powerful and unique memorials to those who died. What struck me the most about seeing these memorials, was how important it was for families and friends to have a place to go , a place to remember and reflect, a place of memories. For many of these families, this was their cemetery, the only place they had to be able to go. These memorials give them a place to go and they serve as a lasting sign that their loved ones were here with us. So often today, people forget this important fact, that our loved ones were here with us, that they lived and loved with us, and that we need to remember them. The lives of those lost on September 11, indeed all those who we loved and were part of our lives and are now gone should be remembered and memorialized. We the living do this through giving them a place of permanence, whatever form this may take, to do this shows that they were here with us, and we remember them. Yes there will always be those who never feel the need to visit memorials, they have their memories in their heart and minds, and that's all they need. The comment I often hear is " I will never go to the cemetery- doesn't mean anything to me, they are not there anyway" But for some who knew them, this place of permanence does mean something, it gives them a place to go, a place of memory, love and comfort. I'm glad I watched the September 11 services, although sad and emotional, they reaffirmed my belief that every life does tell a story, and that it is important to remember those lives no longer with us, should always be with us in a permanent way. Just my thoughts......
Evan
