Remembering 9/11

The above video contains words spoken by President Franklin D. Roosevelt that have become famous. The Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941 has forever become "a date which will live in infamy" to the American people. We were surprised that day by an enemy that hated us, what we stood for, and what we stood against. A nation rallied together like never in our history to defeat this and other combined foes. In fact, the people of that era have been dubbed "the greatest generation" for all they endured and accomplished.

Eight years ago today became another "date which will live in infamy". September 11, 2001 will forever stand beside December 7, 1941 as a pivotal date on which American soil was suddenly and deliberately attacked by enemies that hated us. They hated us for who we are, what we have, what we stand for and against. But most of all they simply hated.

The Japanese were utterly defeated by military might and perseverance. Their hate was squashed by thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines, millions of tons of firebombs, and 2 of the first 3 atomic weapons ever constructed. Hate gave way to shame and subservience. Eventually those who once hated us became our allies and trading partners.

The new enemies of 9/11 have yet to be defeated. They fight an unconventional type of warfare that cannot be fought against in fairness. It is political as well as military. It utilizes a civilian population as a base of operations as well as a pool of warriors. All-out battles are rare. The enemy must be routed out of homes and holes in the ground. His weapons explode along roadsides and fall on warriors and civilians alike. He is motivated by a hate driven by false hope in a non-existent god. There is no hatred like religious hatred.

As we remember the events of this day eight years ago, remember that like December 7, 1941, it is a monument to hatred. But also remember that just as in 1941, that hatred cannot and will not prevail. We witnessed the awful truth of Jesus words that day: "Greater love has no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends." Hundreds of rescue workers risked all to save others and paid the ultimate price. Love was shown to the suffering. Relief workers by the thousands converged on New York to assist in clean-up and rebuilding efforts. Love for others is what held us together on that day, and in the weeks and months that followed.

Love is the only thing that will conquer hate. We see that ultimately demonstrated in the cross of Jesus Christ. He too was hated and attacked, mocked and abused, and finally crucified by those who hated Him without just cause. Love allowed it to happen. God's love for mankind allowed the Son of God to die so that we could live. He became the substitute for our sins. Even when we hated, He loved. The answer to those who hate because of false religion is the love of the One True God. We must spread His story of love and truth or those who hate will never be changed.