one year anniversary of 9/11

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 17 Aug 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

emily2otters	17 Aug 2002
the eleventh of september is coming up. anyone have anything planned? memorial, prayer, ritual? there's a pagan discussion group starting up in my area, and 9/11 is to be the first gathering. i have mixed feelings about that... it would be nice to be in the company of people focusing on their spirituality, but i don't know any of them very well. i may need to be among friends/loved ones instead.

Umbrae	17 Aug 2002
I think I'm going to go into hiding. Channel 5 internviewed me last year when i got back, and they want to do a follow up... But I think not. I cannot see giving them ratings based on personal pain.

the hermit	18 Aug 2002
9/11 To use an over used phrase... it was a tragedy. I was lucky... I wasn't there.... I didn't lose anyone. I did lose my father the month before it happened... that was a tragedy for my mom. I lost friends in Vietnam. I brought my best friend Henry back to his parents and led the honor guard at his burial. I watched an officer and a gentleman hand his mother the flag from his casket and tell her what a great service he'd done for his country as Taps sounded over his grave. The fact that he died to support the corrupt political regime of a foreign country... that was a tragedy. I don't want to sound unfeeling, but life is full of tragedies and it's time for the country to move on. Our society and our government has a habit of locking on to "tragedies" and flogging them for the wrong reasons, claiming we are not “patriots” if we don’t agree. The folks killed on 9/11 were just trying to live. They didn’t get a chance to decide if they agreed or not and that was a tragedy. 9/11 was and is a tragedy, so was Vietnam, so are the hundreds of crack-babies born in this country, so are the hundreds who die on our highways because of drunk drivers, so are the children who are killed in gang violence each year, and the ones who are kidnapped, abused and murdered every year. So are the millions of people starving all over the world and right here in America. All tragedies. In my humble opinion, we give the perpetrators of the 9/11 tragedy greater victory daily by continuing to allow it and them to distract us from life. I'm not saying that there shouldn't be thoughts, concern, even memorials for 9/11 but the more we focus on it, the bigger they and their supporters will see their own victory against us. So what will I do? I will probably stop for a moment or two, reflect on the tragedy, and then get on with life… just as I do each Veteran’s Day when I think of my lost friends. Perhaps I’ll lift a glass that evening and drink a toast to them… as I often do on Veteran’s Day… and try not to think too much about why I’m here… and others are not. We’re all human and tragedy is part of human life.

Minderwiz	18 Aug 2002
'We’re all human and tragedy is part of human life.' Yes you are right but I also think that the we need to learn from tragedy as well as from happiness - we need to learn from life. I don't mean by this that we should strike out militarily or try and punish others who may be totally innocent or that we should be more defensive and paranoid I mean that we should learn spiritually and try to reflect on these things and ask what we can do to help those who suffer tragedy and to rebuild their lives in a loving community. Basically that we don't just accept it as fate and assume there is nothing we can do. How we face up to tragedy is perhaps one of our greatest tests of us as spiritual beings. I therefore feel that some commemoration needs to be made but that during that time of reflection and pause we should widen our thoughts to consider how we approach life. Minderwiz

jade	18 Aug 2002
i still feel the pain of that day, waking up to my husband telling me that something horrible was happening. it changed my life, it changed part of me that felt safe and untouchable. i am still learning from it. it's weird to think that it's been a year. :( jade

Kiama	18 Aug 2002
Being young, September 11th was the first real tragedy I was there to see, and be affected by. Feeling how I felt then, made me wonder how people in the less well-off countries get on, when they wake up daily to the horrors of their country. I will not be doing anything special ths year on the annversary of September the 11th- I have no personal wish to dreg it all up again, except for the wish that it never happened, as I wish often that all the oher tragedies never happened, or happen... Kiama

Diana	18 Aug 2002
Apart from all the wisdom that has been spoken in the above posts, I wish to add that it may be wise and timely to reflect on why this tragedy happened and ways in which to avoid any similar future ones. I think if there is any praying to be done, I will pray that the world leaders gain some enlightenment and some insight into the roots of the problem. And seek long-term solutions, instead of just putting some sticky plaster over the wounds. For those who lost members of their families, I grieve with them.

Liliana	18 Aug 2002
Nothing really planned as of yet, Im sure my community will do something and i will likely go to whatever that is. But I do say the emnergy of the upcoming anniversary has been affecting me since August 11. I couldnt figure it out for as weekl, why I felt angry/scared/depressed, but then it hit me. Of course it would be since I live in the center of all 3 crash sites. :THP

zorya	18 Aug 2002
my thoughts and my heart, will be focussed on those who have had to live with the after affects. i will light a candle and i have a crow feather ready to fly.

Bella	19 Aug 2002
I've already decided to take the day off of work--just can't spend the anniversary near the window that I saw it from. I'll see what kind of memorial ceremonies are going on in my area, and will go there. I'll spend the rest of my day at home with my family. I just can't just treat it like any other day. i don't think i'll be able to do that for a while. But i do wish that the media, in preparation for the anniversary, would stop showing the footage over and over. haven't we seen it enough? i have to keep turning my head away from the tv.

emily2otters	19 Aug 2002
bella, i'm glad to hear you're taking the day off. i took a few days the week after it happened... impossible for me to pretend life was still the same. i heard that there's a nationwide general strike happening on 9/11, as a day to mourn the innocents lost and protest for peace. i love this idea. i keep remembering the president, the governer, the boss, _everyone_ saying that we "can't let it stop us", "can't let it slow us down", "can't let it disrupt our lives". that was the biggest load of bull i'd ever heard. it did disrupt our lives. i look forward to an opportunity to acknowledge that on a large scale...

the hermit	19 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by emily2otters bella, i'm glad to hear you're taking the day off. i took a few days the week after it happened... impossible for me to pretend life was still the same. i heard that there's a nationwide general strike happening on 9/11, as a day to mourn the innocents lost and protest for peace. i love this idea. i keep remembering the president, the governer, the boss, _everyone_ saying that we "can't let it stop us", "can't let it slow us down", "can't let it disrupt our lives". that was the biggest load of bull i'd ever heard. it did disrupt our lives. no one should have been working on 9/11. i'll be glad to strike on that day this year. I do not wish to start an argument, but I'm sorry emily, I'm just not sure I understand what you want here. Strike? A strike is a work stoppage until certain demands are met. Who are you striking against? The government? The people of the USA? The terrorists??? And what demands would you like the government or the people to meet, because the terrorists certainly aren't going to listen? And what do you expect this strike to accomplish other than give yet another victory to those who caused the tragedies to begin with. Shall we shut down the nation again and cause more financial problems? I agree that a lot of political rhetoric was issued on and after 9/11, but some of it wasn't bull. There is a need to "move on" psychologically and to not allow further disruptions in our lives because of it. As I stated earlier, I'm tired of seeing the footage over and over again. I'm tired of politicians using it as a "rally cry" for more anger and prejudice as I think the government and others have and continue to do. If you want peace, as do I, then I should think that a quiet remembrance would be sufficient. I understand that those who were most directly effected may want more. But I think that is for them to choose, not me, not the government. Once again, I say all of this with sorrow and compassion for those who lost some or all on that terrible day.

Bella	20 Aug 2002
hermit- don't worry about starting an argument, we all can't agree all the time... that said, I have to agree with Emily. I don't know how a day- long strike is being defined, aside from a work stoppage. I do think that this should be a national day of remembrance, akin to memorial day and labor day, and so a "day off." How will one day cause further financial problems? Most people (no, not me...) get off for Columbus Day, Presidents' day, etc...days that few actually "celebrate" for what they actually are. I'd trade either of those "holidays" for a day of remembrance. I don't think this would be a further "disruption" of our lives. First, I do not think that a day "strike" will be another victory for the terrorists. After all, while the day was horribly tragic, what did they ultimately win? Our country became more patriotic and more united. They have seen that America, and Americans, have been able to go on, despite what happened, despite fear. We are "moving on", but that does not mean that we should forget. It has also taught America not to let it's guard down--we are more aware than ever. That brings me to my second point. My daughter, who was not yet 5 when this happened, will probably not remember that day as it was for her...perhaps she will remember the news footage of the planes and the fire, and maybe that mommy had to walk home from work and got hurt. i think future generations should have a day to think back on this, honor those lost, and realize why this wasn't a victory for the terrorists, after all. No, we shouldn't show the footage over and over...we don't have to relive the horror to get the message across. We will never be the same, and we should never forget.

the hermit	20 Aug 2002
Bella, I appreciate your views and understand the desire to commemorate the day. If an official holiday is declared, I will, of course, observe it. And I believe that those most directly involved and effected should be most involved in that decision. But part of my point was the “strike” idea. If an undeclared work stoppage on a national scale occurs it would be financially destructive. Just as the market closures were after 9/11. If companies expect employees to be at work to fulfill company commitments and they’re not, that will also be financially destructive. I’m sure that such disruption could be kept to a minimum, but still, financial losses would occur and that would give “the enemy” another victory as well as showing what they, and perhaps the world, would see as lack of governmental support on the part of our citizens. As to what victory was ultimately won? Our current economic woes are in part, and I believe it is a significant part, due to 9/11. Yes, the tech sector as well as other parts of the US economy were already slumping, but the huge financial losses, transportation disruptions and current significant air transportation woes, the market closures, not to mention the enormous rise in civilian and military security and defense expenditures were all either caused by or significantly multiplied by the attacks. And our economic problems have reverberated all over the world causing more financial distress throughout the global economy. That, I’m sorry to say, was a huge victory for the forces of terrorism. Not to mention the fact that our own huge vulnerability has been shown not only to ourselves, but also to the world. Also, along with the patriotism you mention, the attacks have also brought about further distrust and even racism against visitors and even our own citizens who are often wrongly perceived as being “one of THEM”. We look suspiciously now at fellow travelers. Every incident of violence, which is all too appalling already, now becomes a media circus of “terrorism”. Innocent followers of Islam, as well as those who are mistakenly believed to be followers, have been viciously attacked and several have been killed for being “one of THEM”. It has brought about changes in our lifestyles, our very thinking… and that is what they wanted. That, unfortunately, is exactly what they want, and that is victory for them.. I agree that we should commemorate the occurrence, either privately, as I intend to, or publicly if so desired. I just want the media and politically motivated misuse of this terrible event to stop. I also hope that long term this sad and terrible event can be turned into a victory for our nation, and for the world, against terrorism.

emily2otters	20 Aug 2002
please don't feel hesitant about speaking your mind, hermit. especially to me. :) Quote: Originally posted by the hermit A strike is a work stoppage until certain demands are met. And what demands would you like the government or the people to meet, because the terrorists certainly aren't going to listen? well, i don't know why someone originally termed it a strike. i guess "walkout" would be just as good, or even "national sick day". :) to me, though, the word "strike" works because it implies that it's something we're doing without permission from the big guys -- bosses, presidents -- and that we're not ashamed to inconvenience anyone to do it. that would be the main weakness of "national sick day", i suppose; it implies that we can't be truthful about the real reason we're staying home. as for demands... well, i have lots of those, but i don't plan to stay out of work (or hold my breath) until they're met. for me, this particular strike is less about getting what i want and more about expressing the desire. i expect different people will have different goals for the day. Quote: I agree that a lot of political rhetoric was issued on and after 9/11, but some of it wasn't bull. There is a need to "move on" psychologically and to not allow further disruptions in our lives because of it. i definitely agree that there is a need to move on. what i was angry about, though, was that we were being told to move on while the fire was still blazing and our loved ones were still missing. to me, that pushes the envelope on the concept of "moving on". taking a day to grieve when our lives were already disrupted would not have been a weak or shameful thing to do. anniversaries, also, can be very powerful things that disrupt our lives just by being and passing. i will never look at the september page of the calendar the same again. i think taking a day off on the anniversary is the least we can do to make up for having to work the day it happened, and the wisest thing to do for ourselves. Quote: If you want peace, as do I, then I should think that a quiet remembrance would be sufficient. i may spend my day, not just a few moments, doing exactly that. if i work, though, i'll be running around helping people with research projects and computer problems and asking them not to talk on their cell phones in the library, please. i love my job, but on 9/11 i'd rather be with my friends. if you feel better working, hermit, by all means do so. no one's going to call you a scab for crossing this particular picket line. :) for me, and for bella, and for lots of others, the appropriate thing is to stay home, that's all.

emily2otters	20 Aug 2002
i just got this is my email. what a neat idea! --------- The BAINBRIDGE CHORALE & other local singers and instrumentalists will be performing the MOZART REQUIEM. 8 PM, WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 11, at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, Bainbridge Island. Stephanie Harris writes, "The performance is in commemoration of the events of last Sept. 11, and we are inviting all interested, experienced choral singers to participate. We are especially looking for those who have already sung the Requiem, as there are only 4 rehearsals scheduled before the performance." For event information, please go to: <www.bainbridgechorale.com>.

Diana	20 Aug 2002
Dreams, dreams: perhaps on an 11th September one day, the Palestinians and the Israelis will sign an agreement under the auspices of the American government, to end the conflict there, so that the excuse that OBL and his kind use to perpetrate their deeds, will cease to exist, and support from the Arab world for him and his kind will then hopefully decrease. I still think governments should be getting to the root of the problem, and stop patting people on the head. The whole world was affected by 9/11. Not just America. May there be no doubts on that.

Umbrae	20 Aug 2002
There are those who do not want to remember the Holocost. “Get over it! It’s past!” But we should never forget. Or is it that it was only 6 million Jews…Who cares about them. There are folks that do not want to remember the Hutu’s and the Tutsi’s “Get over it! It’s past!” But we should never forget. Or was it that they were African, and who care’s about them. There are those who do not want to remember September 11, 2001. “Get over it! It’s in the past!” But we should never forget. After all, they were New Yorkers and Washington DC’ers…who cares about them. When they come for you…what will you cry? And will there be anyone to care? We should never forget.

the hermit	20 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Diana Dreams, dreams: perhaps on an 11th September one day, the Palestinians and the Israelis will sign an agreement under the auspices of the American government, to end the conflict there, so that the excuse that OBL and his kind use to perpetrate their deeds, will cease to exist, and support from the Arab world for him and his kind will then hopefully decrease. I still think governments should be getting to the root of the problem, and stop patting people on the head. The whole world was affected by 9/11. Not just America. May there be no doubts on that. I'll hope for that day too, Diana! And I do want you to know, Emily and Bella (and others), that I though I may not agree with your choices for commemoration, I very much respect your desires and wishes and yes, your right to those choices. And I also appreciate the willingness you have both shown for discussion as apposed to argument. This forum needs members such as yourselves and I thank you and our forum founder and moderators for the oppurtunity for such discussions. And no Umbrae, I will never forget.

Starfish	20 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by the hermit And no Umbrae, I will never forget. Neither will I. Starfish

Kismet	20 Aug 2002
Umbrae, Very well said! I recall it happening and being at work and the boss on the line next door telling the people keep building computers, that we couldn't do anything anyway. I got to our break room in time to see the 2nd tower collapsing. I'd love to take the day off work but that's not an option for me. I'm not sure what I'll do that day, but I will, as Umbrae said, never forget.

RedWood	20 Aug 2002
I will never Forget!...I would not like it ..If the goverment made this a national holiday..I think it should be a persons choice..Some people do not get holiday pay..another day that they do not get paid..Some people like my S.O. works in garbage...he gets labor day off..but then he has to make it up on saturday..He needs 2 days off in a row..It is a hard job..12-13 hour days..I am sure all who work jobs like that know...It is more of a inconvience then anything...Not an extra day...Most postal people I know do not like holidays either...They get the day off and get paid..but the next day they are working 14-15 hour days...I am not trying to be callus..Just a bit realistic on what this can do to people.. I think the community can do things on weekends and on the day..To accomodate everyone...Without having to make them pay even more then what we already have..

The one year anniversary of 9/11 thread was originally posted on 17 Aug 2002 in the Spirituality board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Spirituality, or read more archived threads.