An oft-ask question is, "How will you be commemorating September 11th?"
I commemorate September 11th with my life. You see, on September 11, 1948, my parents were married. While others commemorate the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and on Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the people lost, the first responders--I celebrate the wedding of my parents in 1948--63 years ago.
I commemorate September 11th--with the pursuit of peace and understanding among people--each day. How? A cliche? No.
Among people is not a nebulous term. I pursue peace and understanding with each individual I meet, know, and love each day. I am not a Pollyanna. Not everyone shares my views and preferences on issues and matters large and small.
I do not claim myself to be a proud American. I wave no flags. I wear no pins. I parade no routes. I do get choked up on Election Day--on- and off-year elections just the same. I do get choked up on Inauguration Day. Party matters not to me. I am not a proud American. I am a committed world citizen.
By definition, I am no patriot--I am not patriotic. I devote my energies in search of peace and toward understanding, rather than in defense of America, and seeking vengeance, or being vigilant against acts of terror. I prefer to be vigilant for acts of peace.
I seek peace each day with each individual I meet that day. I seek not complete agreement. I seek understanding. Different views, different preferences--different perspectives--invite me to deeper understanding.
Seeking peace--seeking understanding--is not grandiose. Peace and understanding are my daily aspirations--one person, one day at a time.
I commemorate the peace and understanding that was married on September 11, 1948. Happy 63rd anniversary, Mom and Dad. Thank you for your example of love--your commitment to peace.
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