ORMOND BEACH -- Americans place a high value on life. We have done this whenever we’ve gone to war which sounds quite odd, doesn’t it? After all, war is death and destruction on a grand scale. Americans are optimistic people. We tend to see the glass half full and think that everyone operates at the highest and best level. On Sept. 11, 2001, our country was attacked by mad men. It shook us up and made us reassess our whole lives through the glass of insanity.
Suddenly, as we drew together to mourn the nearly 3,000 people whose lives were ended when those planes crashed into the Trade Center towers, we were faced with an enemy that wanted us to shake in fear. Another plane loaded with people crashed into the Pentagon and a third was set to hit the White House or the Capitol Building before brave American passengers on board said, "Let's roll" and fought their armed hijackers with the plane slamming into a fireball instead in a Pennsylvania field.
Our enemies underestimated the rage of the American people. As one, we rose up to show our spirit. Flags flew on every corner and in every heart. The outpouring of sympathy to the families who lost loved ones astounded the world. Nearly every nation condemned the terrorist acts.
What has happened to the world in the eleven years since that date? There have been no further massive attacks, but that doesn’t mean all is well. The terrorists have managed to torment everyone who goes to an airport because of increased security, right down to taking off our shoes and submitting to pat downs by the TSA. We are in a war in Afghanistan that we seem to be unable to win. American troops are still in Iraq subject to daily threats and suicide bomb attacks.
Just as the troops in Viet Nam had to deal with an unpredictable and fierce enemy who knew no rules, America is fighting wars today with societies which place no value on human life and are willing to sacrifice non-combatants and children. We cannot forget the heinous acts of 9/11. Those terrorists will never defeat us no matter what they do. We are proud and thankful to our "all-volunteer military" at the ready to defend our shores.
Then-President George W. Bush said it best 11 years ago: "A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining. Today, our nation saw evil -- the very worst of human nature -- and we responded with the best of America."
Headline Surfer is Florida's first 24/7 Internet newspaper launched April 7, 2008, initially as NSBNews.net. It is based in New Smyrna Beach, covering Volusia County and throughout the Orlando Metropolitan Area via HeadlineSurfer.com, NSBNews.net and VolusiaNews.net. "Headline Surfer" is a registered trademark owned by NSB News LLC, for editorial, marketing and advertising purposes. All rights reserved.
