DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – On the 11th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist
attacks, some memorials were different this year.
Only 300 people gathered at the site of the
World Trade Center in New York; politicians didn’t speak, either. And
ceremonies at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania were more subdued as well.
At the 8th annual Unity Day USA service in
Dallas, about 100 people gathered to celebrate one thing that united us that
terrible day: that Americans of all faiths and backgrounds are still Americans.
America Together Founder, and Master of
Ceremonies, Mike Ghouse explains the importance of tolerance. “9-11 is gone,
Osama is dead and I’m glad he is gone. It brought us a relief to the world and
that is the relief we need to celebrate that we—it’s time for us to heal.”
He is also lobbying for a federal law to honor
the date “Where we can proclaim this as a national day where Americans can come
together to celebrate unity and also rededicate our pledge for the safety and
security of all nations.”
The Unity Day USA service honored the Sikh faith
in the aftermath of massacre in Wisconsin this year; also honored, Ahmadiyya
Muslims, who are donating 11,000 pints of blood as a September 11th
remembrance.
Sam Madden, a Christian, explains why he brought
his 13-year-old daughter, Mary. “The theme of Unity Day, of bringing different
faiths together, and educating my daughter that we’re all God’s children,”
according to Madden, who adds, “Jesus would have love for all mankind and I try
to teach her that.” Daughter Mary is just 13 but has definite thoughts on 9-11.
“Back then we used to be far away; now it seems closer since it happened.”
“Always, anniversaries are very difficult” said
Peter Stewart of the Thanksgiving Square Foundation in Dallas, “because
peoples’ memories are fastened on the moment.” He adds, “I think the memory
needs to be kept fresh.”
At the newly-opened Veterans Resource Center in
Oak Cliff, the flame of remembrance still burns very brightly for the men and
women who served. “I think they’re very important because it keeps it on the
mind of the people,” said Kennard Bowlen, a retired U.S Air Force veteran.
“We cry about it.” Adds Delbert Ford, who was
among some 200 veterans and volunteers commemorating the day. His niece just
missed being aboard one of those fateful flights. Also a Christian, he
nonetheless believes vigilance is necessary. “I pray to our God in heaven
that nothing like that ever happens again but I also hope that we’ll be strong
and be able to stand up.” And to remember going forward, he says.
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