Remembering Those Who Served

This morning as I drove to work, I heard reports on the radio about all the activities happening today to help people remember those who were lost and those who served on September 11th. They reported which events President Obama will attend and where the First Lady will be to read the names of those who lost their lives. I heard the interview of a Montgomery County Firefighter who took a bus with 50 other firefighters to relieve those already fighting the fire at the Pentagon 18 hours after the attack had occurred. The roof was still full of flames.

I don’t think there is a single adult who lived through those attacks who won’t remember that horrible day. We were all stunned by news that came to us one attack after another. We wondered if they’d keep coming. Many lost loved ones. All Americans felt the events as an attack against our country. There was a feeling that we were vulnerable.

When I arrived at work I read my email. I noticed this ad from a yarn company.  The little boy trying to be strong. That soldier looking into those eyes and handing that kid the flag. It really got to me.

It reminded me of the numerous heroic stories about September 11, 2001. The fire fighters who entered the burning buildings even after the first tower crashed to the ground. The story of co-workers helping each other down hundreds of stairs. Or my favorite – the story of the passengers who fought back on the plane that landed in a field rather than its intended destructive destination. There was this wonder in each of us  “Would I have done the same thing or are these heroes just born to be braver than I could be?” I think that is what stays with me about that horrible day.

I had heard of the Fallen Patriots Foundation, but not the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. It doesn’t sound like much to donate $0.15 from every skein of yarn to this group, but every bit helps. And the money goes to college scholarships for children of military personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. That sounds like a great idea to me.

I think in those times when I feel helpless to do anything, it feels good to know there’s a good way to help someone who acted when they were called to do so.

So today, I thought I’d pass this around in case you are gearing up to knit or crochet a project for someone special. Maybe something for the holidays. Click the ad for more details. Or make a direct donation by clicking here.