Remembering 9/11 and Sandy Hook

Two days that will live in infamy

Thinking back on 9/11

As I watched history unfold before my eyes, I began thinking about our 21-year-old son.  He was an art major at New York University.  Because all phone lines were jammed, there was no way to find out where or how he was.  That’s when my father’s intuition kicked in.  “He’s alright,” I kept telling  myself and family.  Thankfully, that turned out to be true.  By the time we connected with him late that night, he and his neighbors had been evacuated from their apartments.

Three days after 9/11, I turned 53.  I was scheduled to fly to Seattle that day, but couldn’t because all the airports were closed.  Instead, my wife and I attended a candlelight vigil on Main Beach.  It was one of the best birthdays I can remember.  Not because we celebrated, but for the sense of community … of belonging to something far bigger than myself.

I remember thinking, “This is where I live and these are my friends.  I feel battered but proud to be an American.”

-DF

The heartbreak of 9/11

First, there was the eternal flame at President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery. Now it’s the endless cascade of water at the 9/11 Memorial pools in New York City. To this sixty-something father of three, both are heartbreaking; both are forever.

-DF

Remembering 9/11

My grandfather was 19 when the Civil War began. He never forgot it. My oldest brother was six when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He never has forgotten it. I was 15 when JFK was shot in Dallas. I never will forget that. Earlier this week, we honored those who were killed on 9/11. America never will forget this date.

-DF

Don’t forget Sandy Hook

As we approach Dec. 14, the fifth anniversary of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School, I want to remind everyone to keep the memories of the 20 youngsters and six adults who were gunned down alive.

I can’t begin to understand what the families of the innocents who died that terrible morning must still be feeling; nonetheless, I want them to know there hardly is a day that goes by that I don’t think about their loved ones.  Maybe it’s because I have three children or that I taught preschool at Anneliese’s in 1974-75.  No matter the reason, my hope is one day Congress will do the right thing and pass effective, responsible gun safety laws. Only then will the families and I feel a sense of closure to one of the most horrific events in modern American history. 

-DF

Remembering Sandy Hook

Two years ago today a deranged Adam Lanza massacred 20 children and 6 adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.  A lot has happened since then including beheadings by ISIS, rioting in Ferguson, Mo. and a GOP midterm sweep of both the House and Senate. 

There always are going to be world and national events that distract lawmakers' attention; however, don't the good people of Newtown deserve some relief?  I may live 3,000 miles away, but I haven't forgotten what happened that fateful morning.  Isn't it time Congress makes things right for the families and loved ones of those innocents who tragically lost their lives 730 days ago?

-DF