NEVER FORGET

            This’s a departure from the usual post, but if not today…when?

            St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church serves the community of Belle Harbor, NY; it’s located along the beach in the borough of Queens, in the southernmost part of New York City.  Though I live on the West Coast, I’m an East Coast native and it’s a neighborhood I’ve remained closely aligned with for a very long time.

            The Islamo-terrorist attack that took place 25 years ago today stole the lives of 75 residents – firefighters, police, other first responders, financial workers and just plain folks who were guilty of nothing more than going to work on a Tuesday morning.  I knew quite a few of them.

            This week, the church grounds – which are extensive – were planted with small flags representing each of the 2,977 who were murdered.  The tallest one appears somewhat washed out.  That’s because it has every name inscribed where the red and white stripes would ordinarily be found.

            I could go on about what that implies: Love, respect, strength, resilience.  It would be meaningless.

            Instead, give it a moment’s thought…and say a prayer if you’re so inclined.