Remembering the Heroes on Patriot Day

The attacks on 9/11 instigated a definite turning point in U.S. history

Currently, the multiple attacks are recognized as the most successful surprise assault against America. These multiple attacks were synchronized, with military-like precision, and did not just aggressively and strategically target buildings, in mere moments there we so many thousands of human lives that were destroyed. The specter still haunts many Americans, and the attacks have left an internal scar upon the nation within the minds and hearts of the populace. Americans and people around the world were forced to grapple with their grief over the sudden massive destruction and widespread loss of life - worse than the death and destruction at Pearl Harbor in 1941. These horrible acts of destruction and murder on U.S. soil were incredibly dark days in U.S. history. The insidious assaults awakened the American public to develop a more substantial and comprehensive response to a perceived enemy. The attacks on 9/11 instigated a definite turning point in U.S. history. Yet, as horrendous and deadly as the infamous attacks upon the United States have been, the people of the nation have been stifled in their ability to completely rebound. In looking back over those 21 years, there have been good developments and bad developments within the nation. More recently, with COVID and the advent of government lockdowns, as well as internal terrorist attacks, very destructive rioting, and a sharp increase in criminal activities, there are several worrisome events that plague the nation. Are these developments only coincidences or a cycle the nation is going through? Many pundits conjecture that the nation is on the verge of civil war. Could there be a deeper, or more biblically-based reason for such a time as this?

It is understandable that confusion and unbridled criminal activity creates a chaotic and toxic environment It is a serious question, not based upon conspiracy theories, but based upon what is readily observable to the people who care to consider the proverbial “writing on the wall.” Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, in his 2011 novel The Harninger, expresses that those terrorist attacks on the nation actually represented a “Divine warning” to the people of the United States. He made a comparison between the attack upon ancient Israel in 732 B.C. to the attacks on 9/11. He believes that in both cases, there was a breach in God’s protection of the people due to the breaking of the covenant each nation once had with God. Rabbi Cahn believes the nation was warned that divine protection had worn thin on 9/11, and the nation needed to restore its covenant with God by returning to God via repentance and turning away from “wicked ways” that have been perpetrated by those who have little or no relationship with God. Such wickedness permeates this once great country at such a time as this. Certainly, a great many Americans are undeterred in their pursuit of unlimited personal pleasure, unrestricted sexual perversion, uncaring pursuit of wealth, or unrestrained political power. However, more and more Christians and people of faith are awakening to the perils perpetuated by those who care little for God or for His children. In such a time as this, prayers and genuine expressions of repentance provide a basis to “get real with God.” Yet, God would be deeply moved by those who “sin no more.” [756] It is understandable that confusion and unbridled criminal activity creates a chaotic and toxic environment. Clarity of purpose in heart and mind brings forth the ability to decide and act responsibly and in ways that individuals would hold themselves accountable to God and their fellow human beings. This is such a time of chaos and lawlessness. The events on 9/11 demonstrated the power of destructiveness and goodness side by side. The events on 9/11 demonstrated the power of evil and the power of good side by side. The reason we have created Patriot Day to commemorate this day is not to drudge up the memories of death, destruction, pain and suffering, but to remember and honor the brilliance of goodness that shone through so many selfless acts of bravery and heroism.

We need to remember that in such times of crisis and dire emergency, it is then that the heroes are born

Now Americans refer to this day as Patriot Day as a way to remember those brave men and women who put aside their confusion and fear to enter into chaos, to proceed into the danger zone, to help serve and save their fellow human beings caught up in harm’s way. Some of those people worked for the local or national government and some of those patriots were simply attempting to secure safety and well-being for their fellow citizens. In that moment there was little division; in that moment existed a people united. In this present darkness that has befallen America, people of faith, even all citizens of the world should remember 9/11 and the days since. We need to remember that in such times of crisis and dire emergency, it is then that the heroes are born. They arise amidst the danger, in the midst of chaos, division, or strife, the heroes appear and are set apart because they could conquer their fear and did run forward toward the danger to simply see what they could do to help. In that moment in history, there were people in dire need, in serious danger and few stopped their actions to serve because someone was black or Asian or Hispanic or Jewish or Muslim or seen as different in some way. The heroes on that day felt called to act responsibly and not cowardly or indifferently in the sight of God. The heroes on that day held themselves accountable to Him and their fellow human beings. Is not that what Jesus asked of us?

"TAKE NO PART IN THE UNFRUITFUL WORKS OF DARKNESS, BUT INSTEAD, EXPOSE THEM.” Ephesians 5:11

"Truth will ultimately prevail where there are pains to bring it to light." George Washington