Forever Changed: Remembering 9/11

Within the beginning hours
Of the lives of many, 
Unspeakable acts of evil unfolded.
Yet to the surprise of terrorists’ eyes
Came the unification and true strength
Of the American people.
Looking back at one of
The most indelible moments
In American history,
We witnessed an
Unbridled valor that
Gave new meaning to patriotism,
Courage, kindness and solidarity.
We remember the thousands
Of lives lost along with
Todd Beamer, the passengers
Of United Airlines flight 93 and
The first responders who while
Attempting to save as many
Lives as possible, sacrificed their own.
Which brings me to the one verse
That can best describe their actions
And that is John 15 13: which simply states
“Greater love hath no man than this,
That a man lay down his life for his friends.”

It was on this day 21 years ago
That the heart and soul of 
The American patriot
Had shown like never before.
This moment in time is
Forever scarred in our memories
And although a nation of hearts were broken,
Our spirits weren’t.
We’ll honor their memories with reflection
And as we continue on,
We must wipe away flowing tears
As pains begin to resurface
Embrace one another to
Reinforce the foundation of unity and
Strengthen our resolve as we
Continue to live as
The United States of America.
The land of the free and
The home of the brave.

Never Forget.

By Juanita J. Smalls ©9/11/22