Out of Tragedy, Triumph!

Ten years ago this morning I was working out at the gym.  It was about 6 AM in Long Beach and I remember walking by a TV and seeing smoke coming out of the North Tower of the World Trade Center.  I was watching that same TV when I saw the second plane hit the South Tower.  I rushed home, spoke with my team in New York, and left for work. That day of horror started a journey that brought out the best in people.  People all across the United States and the world.  Our immediate concern was for our employees in New York and Washington.  Sadly, we lost two employees that day.  A technician from WABC staffing the antenna on top of the North Towers.  And a Disney Store Cast Member from Boston who was on Flight 11 bound for vacation in Los Angeles.  In the days and months after, we worked to help the “nation heal.”  In conjunction with the NY Mayor’s office, we set up shop on a pier that was the nerve center for the families of those who perished.  We provided a small grant to each family as well as toys for the children.  Working with Points of Light, we sponsored the Unity in the Spirit of America program that was an act of Congress to encourage Americans to volunteer in memory of those who were lost with the purpose of strengthening our local communities.  The resiliency and spirit of the American public was amazing.  We now need to keep that spirit alive, especially through civic engagement.  Senators Kennedy and Hatch introduced the Serve America Act.  As a result, September 11 is now the National Day of Service and Remembrance.  Today, people of all ages and walks of life are volunteering.  They are spending time with family and friends. They are reflecting on the occurrences of 10 years ago.  Collectively, we are strengthening the fabric of our communities, a fabric when sewn together creates the beautiful patchwork quilt that is the United States of America.  While we have many challenges that face our country, and the world, people coming together with the purpose of bettering society will in the end triumph!  www.911day.org