Editorial

Moments that changed us forever

Posted 9/9/21

(Reprinted from the Wallkill Valley Times and Mid Hudson Times, Sept. 19, 2001)

There’s really not much more that can be said in the aftermath of the past week. September 11, 2001 was a …

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Editorial

Moments that changed us forever

Posted

(Reprinted from the Wallkill Valley Times and Mid Hudson Times, Sept. 19, 2001)

There’s really not much more that can be said in the aftermath of the past week. September 11, 2001 was a day that changed us all forever.

In the pace of a few days we’ve seen the worst and then the best of human nature. An unspeakable act claimed countless lives, toppled two landmark buildings and forever erased a feeling of invulnerability.

And we’ve seen a nation come together in a manner that we had not seen since the outbreak of World War II.

Residents of the Wallkill Valley have responded to the calls for help. They’ve given blood, donated food, clothing, water and other essential items. They’ve sent their police officers and their volunteer firefighters down to the scene of the tragedy to run the rescue effort. They’ve given the entire world a reminder of just how compassionate and strong Americans can be.

The tragedy and the aftermath reminds us of the price we must pay for our freedom. That freedom allows us to attend school board meetings, celebrate Gardiner Day and Plattekill Day and enjoy a life that most of us take for granted.

Last Tuesday, we were awakened. We’ll never be quite as innocent as we work before last Tuesday and the anxious moments that changed us forever.

And almost as quickly, we began to rise again.

God bless America.