Whenever a memorial date marking a tragic global event comes around, it can be a very productive time for personal introspection and maybe even a chance for societal healing. Most of us will never forget where we were on September 11, 2001.
On that fateful morning, a series of well-coordinated terrorist attacks occurred on American soil which forever changed the global landscape and how we live our daily lives today. Those attacks killed approximately 2,996 and wounded over 6,000 people from 90 different countries. They caused at least $10 billion in infrastructure and property damages.
Let us not forget the others who died from related-cancers and respiratory diseases linked to the attacks, nor those killed in the subsequent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan or in operations conducted in Pakistan and Syria. Currently, these military actions have exceeded $6.4 trillion. That astronomical figure also includes the costs of medical care for our wounded veterans as well as the expensive repairs to military forces depleted by nearly two decades of armed conflict. The value of the human lives lost on all sides is incalculable.
Unfortunately, armed conflicts have been part of human existence since the beginning of recorded history. There are not many, if any, races, tribes, nationalities, or even countries that at one time or another have not felt the ravages of war. The reasons and opinions for these conflicts can be complex and debating them can cause even more hostility. Economic, political, social, and religious differences have played significant roles in the deadly struggles between us.
I am not writing to defend the rights or wrongs of armed conflict; however, I do believe every sovereign nation has a right to defend itself from those who would do it harm. This defense may even be a deterrent to more violence. Regardless of my position, my heart truly bleeds for the thousands of families who lost loved ones in the terrorists attacks, and for the tens of thousands of families everywhere who lost family members and friends in any of the subsequent armed conflicts. I remain sincerely appreciative and grateful for the men and women who deployed and the families who supported them. I will not forget the brave and dedicated people who continue to serve valiantly, protecting our interests around the world. There are no words to describe my indebtedness for their sacrifices, for without them, our opportunities, would not exist.
One thing is for sure, America will always be a Country with diverse backgrounds, religions, and cultures, and we will continue to have differences. My hope is that we can negotiate through our antagonism and divisions. History speaks for itself, wars will still be fought, but maybe, just maybe, there is a chance to change the way we handle these important issues. Perhaps, we might change direction by seeking alternatives to armed conflict.
We will never forget the lives that were lost on or after September 11, 2001. Let us continue to pray for them and to honor their sacrifices. Though a grievous time for so many, it is important to realize how the process of healing can be a time for all of us to renew our hope, faith, and optimism for a better future. As humans, we can still do great things if we set our minds to them. After all, we made fire, created cures for dreaded diseases, harnessed electricity, built automobiles, airplanes, and rockets, invented transistors, semiconductors, personal computers, smart phones, and even developed the internet. Think about it, with the right mindset and by having great plans, we could literally transform the human condition. What if we provoked each other with positive thoughts and actions instead of brandishing sabers?
Hug your loved ones and be safe today.
Respectfully,
John Krotec
Advocate for Humankind, Education, Healing and Commerce
Founder, Veteran