Remember September 11 2001

Black Tuesday

by Pete Panzeri

On the night of 11 September, stranded in San Antonio Texas, we made a pilgrimage to the Alamo, silent and deserted, yet screaming of the patriotism and sacrifice it represents. One sign there called it "The Price of Freedom," another simply says: "REMEMBER THE ALAMO!" (...and we remember the commitment to Liberty and the sacrifice made there.) We later visited the adjacent Menger Hotel and Bar where, after the US Battleship MAINE was blown up by terrorists in Cuba, Teddy Roosevelt recruited "The Rough Riders." We stood on the balcony where, 100 years ago, Roosevelt shouted "REMEMBER THE MAINE!" (...and we remember the patriotism, and resolve that carried them to victory.) Tomorrow, we resume our return trip by Military Airlift. We have a layover at Hickam Field/Pearl Harbor. ...and I cannot easily type or say those words for what it brings to mind. For now, I know the feelings felt by my father before me. I can also now comprehend how, in the face of a vicious and relentless enemy, and after unprecedented carnage, Americans resorted to nuclear weapons at the end of that war. (Could that weapon have averted Hitler, the Holocaust, and untold millions of WWII deaths?) Although some may have forgotten the Alamo and the Maine, I hope most Americans can still "REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR!" (...and remember the years of suffering and determination required to rise from that defeat) As of 11 September, 2001 -- a painful and black Tuesday -- we have something else to remember. "REMEMBER BLACK TUESDAY!" Remember the sacrifices and suffering endured. Remember the resolve now needed to rise above this atrocity. Remember the determination now required to defeat those associated with it. Remember the commitment and wisdom essential to preventing any recurrence. Remember the patriotism, and genuine unity required to see it though. And above all else: Remember the Motto of the United States of America: "IN GOD WE TRUST." Back to Veteran Campaigner September 2001 Table of Contents Back to Veteran Campaigner List of Issues Back to Master Magazine List © Copyright 2001 by Pete Panzeri. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com