American Pride: My Thoughts on September Eleventh

"A man's country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle." -George William Curtis

It's true.  I admit it.  I love my country.

Today, you will hear this a lot.  Men and women from famous celebrities to our next door neighbor will be shouting praise to our country, its troops, and doting paraphernalia that would make one think it is still early July rather than early September.

Ten years ago today, I watched the single most important historical date of my generation come and go as our nation watched in terror.  Nineteen cowards, proclaiming a higher calling, boarded four airplanes that morning intending to destroy a nation's hope and will.  They failed.

Yes, you heard me.  They failed.  While the terrorists did,in fact, destroy the World Trade Center, part of the Pentagon and kill thousands of American citizens, their ultimate goal of spitting in the face our country and disrupting our way of life, was met with utter failure. 

America hit the pause button for a couple of days, but then came back louder, prouder, and with more gumption than ever.  Standing together, united as one.

That was ten years ago.

Ten years later, our country stands at a crossroads politically, economically, and, in my opinion, patriotically.  My humble desire for today is that Americans look past their opinions about our government and current political standing to rise together in another battle cry: "RE-UNITED WE STAND!"

As Americans, even those of us who experienced life pre- and post-9/11, we have lost something.  I wish I could point to something specific, but I can't. 

I had a conversation with my father this past Memorial Day about how I felt that Americans, including myself, are all too often selfish and forget what got them to where they are in the first place.  I am not talking about one's personal perseverance or hard work, but how they were allowed to pursue the life they have chosen.

I am blessed to have family and friends who have served and continue to serve in our country's armed forces, local police, fire and EMS departments.  These men and women are the real heroes that our country's freedom is founded on.  Courage is not something you can find, I believe, but something you either posses or do not. 

So, on this hallowed day, a day that will live on in history, I say thank you to our heroes of the past, present, and future.  I salute this nation and leave you with the following:

I don't always love my government, but I will ALWAYS love my country.  After all, there is nothing wrong with knowing you are the best. 

Regards,

Bear

p.s. If you wish to send a small gift to our men and women overseas, come by Pop's Safari Cigars & Fine Wines in Ft. Worth, Texas and donate some cigars.  All donations are matched and sent to Afghanistan and Iraq.  If you wish to thank our veterans with a donation, visit the Wounded Warrior Project and donate today.