Patriot Day, 2009

My flag is out, fluttering in the faint breeze this cool September morning, just as it was eight years ago today.

It is out in remembrance of the innocent lives lost in the space of a few terrifying hours on September 11, 2001; it is out in honor of the bravery of so many rescue personnel, both the day of the tragedies and the days, weeks, and months immediately following; it is out to mark the decision so many Americans made in the first few days after the attack to live life fully - to not let terror define us, but to embrace the freedoms and gifts that we as Americans own.

It is out because eight years ago I was home with my two year old daughter, my son growing in my womb, and the only thing I could think to do to stand in the face of the unknown was to put out our flag and pray.

It is out to say I stand for America.

It is out to say terror will not win.

It is out to say remember - remember the lives taken, remember the lives dedicated to keep us safe, remember the lives currently on the line to protect us.

My flag is out to say hope will always be stronger than fear.

My flag is out, and it will wave proudly, bravely, beautifully in the breeze, because we are still standing strong.