by Heather Niles

Created on: June 18, 2009

September 11, 2001. Who will ever forget that horrible day? But not only was it one of the wost days in American History, it was also a pivotal moment in all our lives and here's why. I know I'm not alone in the fact that I became more politically aware after 9/11. I also started to watch news reports more. I wanted to stay informed on current events. It was also that day that made me realize how lucky we are to have our freedom. But that freedom comes at a cost, people. For hundreds of years, soldiers have put their lives on the line so that we can have our freedom. Leaving their wives, husbands, sons, daughters, mothers and fathers behind to travel thousands of miles away to fight for this country. So that their families and ours can have a better life.

After 9/11, I made it my "mission" to make sure our soldiers know how much I appreciate their sacrifice for my freedom. Whenever I see a soldier walking down the street, in the supermarket, at the mall, I approach them. I politely shake their hand and say "Thank you for your service to our country." I know that it makes them feel good to know that their service and sacrifice does not go unappreciated or unnoticed.

Even though the events of 9/11 have stopped being headline news, we should never forget the lives that were lost that day. And we should never forget that we still have soldiers fighting overseas right now. Many of them will not return alive. All over the country, children, spouses and parents are tearfully saying goodbye to their loved ones who payed the ultimate price for our freedom. And these soldiers are paying that price willingly and proudly. They don't gripe about doing this. They know that this is their duty as an American soldier. They are doing what they feel they are called to do.

So, take the time to thank a soldier. Whether it's a young soldier who's only been serving for a few years or a vet who served his/her country years ago and managed to be one of the lucky ones who came home. Show these brave men and women that their sacrifice and service to our country is appreciated. Respect and Support our soldiers. And let's show the world that we will never forget the events of 9/11. Every year on the date, light a candle in your window. I held an outdoor candlelight vigil in my condo complex a couple of years ago complete with a CD of patriotic music that I made and songbooks so that everyone who took part could sing along. Organize your own if you are able. You'd be surprised how receptive people will be to taking part in this special commemoration. Circluate little newsletters to your neighbors letting them know what you are doing. If you have to get permission from your town hall, do it. We need to do our part to make sure that this day is not just pushed under the rug.

God Bless the USA!

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