Pingoneando.me

This is going to be my one and only post on 9/11

What happened 10 years ago was a tragedy. Innocent people died. Whatever else happened, whoever was responsible, whatever their motivations, reasons, causes, none of it changes the fact that the event was a tragedy in every sense.

Today marks an anniversary, and it’s a good time to reflect on this terrible event. But there is a difference between honoring and remembering the dead, and simply wallowing in tragedy. Don’t lose yourself in it. Remember, respect, honor, and above all else, learn from the mistakes and horrors of the past. Honor the dead by living your life in a way that will encourage love and peace, and help ensure that tragedies like 9/11 don’t happen again.

Today is not about you. Don’t make it about you. It’s not a competition over who can ‘never forget’ the most. It’s not about who can make the most patriotic tweets, or post the most pictures of the Twin Towers, or watch the most coverage online and on TV. Bow your head. Remember the dead, but most of all remember that you, your friends, your family, and those you love, are still here, and they need you far more than those who have died. Step away from the overwhelming barrage of grief, and honor the fallen with life: love, laugh, play, and enjoy the world around you and the people you’re connected to, and the ties that bind us to one another. They are the only true thing any of us ever gets.

Be excellent to one another.