Reflections on 9-11
September 17, 2003

Reflecting on the ramifications of 9-11, I've been thinking how my life has been changed because of it. In fact, the way all of our lives have been changed and affected.

Yes, it's been two years since that horrific event. Last Thursday our base held a 9-11 Ceremony. Though brief by design, it was a powerful reminder of why we're here in Djibouti, a land few knew anything about prior to this War on Terrorism.

As I think about our nation and its role in eradicating terrorists, I realize that nineteen hateful men commandeered four airplanes and launched a war that has engulfed the peoples of the world. Our military with all its power and might has been marshaled to hunt down, destroy or at the very least capture terrorists in whatever hole they're hiding in.

I'm embarrassed to say that I only remember the name of one person killed on that fateful day: Todd Beamer, and that's because of his now famous line, "Let's Roll." To my knowledge I did not know anyone killed in the events of that day. But I know Americans, and I serve with some of the finest our country has raised. And we lost nearly a hundred foreigners along with the nearly three thousand Americans. I have forgotten the names and faces of those who were killed, but I have not forgotten the horrible images imprinted on my mind for the rest of my life. Like so many of you, I sat in stunned silence before the images flashed upon my television screen, screaming out in silent rage, "No!"

As a reservist, I immediately knew I would be called back to active duty. Many of my fellow reservists were called up within weeks. I was expecting the call. As things turned out, I was not brought onto active duty until fourteen months later. I remember telling my congregation, "It's not a question of 'if' I will be activated, but 'when.'"

I think about the many young men and women who put their plans and dreams on hold so as to chase after terrorist thugs in places around the globe that most of them never knew even existed. Some of our finest young people will never realize those plans and dreams, their lives being ended, their families reeling in shocked disbelief. I attended many of those memorial services and funerals while stationed back at Camp Pendleton earlier this year. At one and the same time I was proud of their sacrifice, yet grieved by their deaths. So young! Looking forward to coming home to family and friends. It was not to be.

The state of the world has changed, possibly forever. We are battling unseen enemies who pride themselves on attacking the innocent and defenseless. They have convinced themselves that they are heroic in their cause. But in truth, they are cowards of the worst order — not worthy to be mentioned with those brave men and women who place themselves in harm's way so that we in America can live in relative peace and tranquility.

Here in Djibouti our military, along with the Coalition forces, is engaged in disrupting terrorists throughout this region. They cannot rest because we are here, and that puts a smile on my face.

I do not want to see any more of our men and women in uniform die because of terrorists. Sadly, they will be called upon to do so, because we must recognize the truth in the statement by Thomas Jefferson two hundred years ago, "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance."

Thank God for the determined and courageous men and women of our military. If you haven't done so today, pray for them and their families. They are the reason you can still sleep soundly in the comfort of your beds a mere two short years after 9-11.

God bless America!