A week ago I read the local paper in which the editor reflected on 9/11 and it’s meaning. Although I’ve since misplaced the article I recall that it opened and closed with the statement that she {the editor} was struggling to find what it all meant. I don't wish to downplay the information presented within the body of the editorial, it was factual and straightforward, a clear and true accounting of that horrible, fateful day. However I would like to offer my humble thoughts as to what meaning might be found and where to look.
   First it drove home the fact that we must have faith. Faith in our God, faith in our country, faith in each other, faith in our families. Without such faith events of this nature would simply demolish the will to carry on, to allow life as we know it to continue. But we, as a people, and as a country, do have faith, illustrated even as the towers were ablaze by actions of the firefighters and police; faith that aiding others was more important than even their own lives. Illustrated by the donations, prayer, and actions of millions of our countrymen in the insuing months. Illustrated by the bravery and determination of our military in their efforts to prevent this from occuring again. And illustrated by our President by steadfastly following the principle that 'All people are created equal', not just those residing between the North American coastlines. Read the Declaration of Independence; twice.
   Secondly it drives home the need to celebrate and honor that we do live in the United States. Read a book on American history, and then read more. Understand that we are a nation based upon principles, not upon the whims of the elite. Take time to study and 'see the forest' in all it's beauty instead of always looking for 'some ugly' tree that stands in the middle. Realize that the founders risked all they owned, risked their very lives to provide this gem to us. Realize that your having religion doesn't make you a criminal; nor does it make you neighbor one if their's is different from your own. Celebrate that you have the privilege to go to work, to change jobs if you want, to study anything you wish to. Celebrate being an American, the best country on earth. Read the Constitution; Read it again.
   It forced humility. While we enjoy our daily lives in a truly great nation we must not turn a blind eye to the rest on the world. We cannot solve all the world's issue's, nor should we attempt to do so. But we can select to help where we can, to help other's to find their way. The humilty to understand that, while we'd all like to set back in the lounge chair, forgetting the rest of the world, the world may not be forgetting us. This doesn't mean non-action, rather encourages action. If you don't care about someone then why would you bother to take action to guide and encourage when needed. Find a way to be involved.
  Lastly it forces us to question. Do we have the courage of our forefathers? Do we have the willpower to assure that evil is halted in it's tracks? Evil, like goodness, is transferable from one to another, one group to another, from one nation to another. If left alone it will spread and grow, fester and choke, it will kill innocents whom never dreamed it could happen to them. What if you were on flight 93? (if this answer is difficult read paragraphs two and three again).
  Yes there's lot's of meaning to 9/11. But sometimes it's very difficult to find them through the tears.

Commoner