Frederick Kuo Jr « Journals of Journeys

11Sep/09Off

I Will Remember You: Project 2,996

Where's your flag? Is it out today? Have you thought about the thousands of Americans who died just eight years ago, today? The thousands more who've died, been maimed, are struggling as they fight in a war for justice and to preserve your freedom? Those left behind? Those who work tirelessly on home soil to protect and preserve our freedom? Don't let the memories slip away. Don't forget to thank those who have worked to give you your freedom. Don't. Forget.

A few years ago the kidlets and I took part in a special tribute to the 2,996 victims of September 11, 2001. Author D. C. Roe had spearheaded, Never Forget. He vowed to never forget the 2,996 lives that had been taken from this planet that fateful day, their contributions and the families and loved ones they left behind. The boys and I were given five names to research, learn about and join D. C. Roe in vowing to remember them.

We are thinking of Ernest Alikako, Francis J. Nazario, Frederick Kuo Jr., Jimmy Audiffred and Juan Salas who were victims of 9-11. We will be thinking of their families. Of their contributions to this world, to our country before their untimely demise. We will be lifting them up, their families up. We challenge you to do the same. For more information about the project, to participate or read the tributes other bloggers have put together to never forget the other 2,991 victims, visit Roe's new website at: http://project2996.wordpress.com/

Filed under: 2,996, 2009, 911, D. C. Roe, Ernest Alikako, Francis J Nazario, Frederick Kuo Jr, Jimmy Audiffred, Journals, Juan Salas, Kathie, Thanks, Thanksgiving, Thoughts, fire No Comments

11Sep/08Off

Remembering 9/11/01

I'm not going to recount the events of that day that changed Americans' lives forever. I'm not going to retell the emotional rolls that catapulted me through a day that I will never forget. I can't even begin to pay a tribute to the lives that were lost that day. Like with my relationship with God, this is something that I just have to have faith in - I simply won't forget.

9.11.01 Never Forget So in memory of Ernest Alikako, Jimmy Audiffred, Juan Salas, Francis J. Nazario and Frederick Kuo, Jr. and the other 2,991 souls lost that fateful day, the hundreds upon thousands of men and women we've lost in the war against terror and their families, I offer this:

My children are being raised with a more profound sense of pride, respect and responsibility because of what happened on September 11th, 2001. I have renewed my vestment in America, the country which has afforded me life, liberty and justice but most importantly freedom because of what happened on September 11, 2001. My husband's daily fight to preserve life and safety has not been forgotten as he drives the fire engine to calls with our American flag waving gloriously above the cab.

I stopped today to remember
and I remembered last week, too
In fact, I often remember since 9/11/01
and sometimes stop to do so.

As an American, I had forgotten
how precious my freedom is.
I have taken for granted
my inalienable rights.

But when life and liberty
was taken from my fellow Americans,
I remembered. It's a painful
memory to endure.

I support justice.
    I support liberty.
        I support life.
But most of all, I support freedom
And honor those who have
Reminded me to never stop.
                                       Never Forget 9/11/08
                                       by Kathie Leung (c) 2008