Editorials

On Sept. 11, remember that we overcome fear and doubt

The lives lost 21 years ago, the images of the World Trade Center collapsing and of smoke pouring from the Pentagon disturbed Americans' sense of safety. It is understandable that for many, it disturbed even their faith in our country -- whether our country could continue its grand experiment in the pursuit of liberty, equality and prosperity.

But, as they grieved, Americans also began the hard work of overcoming fear and doubt. Of rededicating our nation to those principles.

Americans, in a reflection of the diversity and individuality that had made the pursuit of liberty, equality and prosperity as successful as it has been, found many ways to overcome this obstacle.

You could see it 21 years ago, as firefighters and first responders selflessly worked in the rubble to save lives and bring closure to families. As people from sea to shining sea donated blood and drove to Manhattan and searched for any way they could help the United States cope with the aftermath of that infamous day.

You could see it our families, our neighbors and coworkers, our children returned to school and to work and to churches and synagogues. We continued to live our diverse lives, to be blessed by our God-given freedoms tragically hated by so many, to build our lives and our communities.

And, here in Lycoming County, you could see it every year, as we solemnly mark the occasion of the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks with the 9-11 Memorial Ride.

Many will ride the route. Many more will watch, American flags and posters and banners in hand, as the riders pass.

"The emotional response, signs and flags along the route tend to restore your faith in America," Casey Parker, one of the members of the coalition that organizes the ride, told the Williamsport Sun-Gazette.

We hope today that we can all come together, to remember the lives lost, the grief of their families and the shock of our nation, each in our own way. And we hope we can find faith again in the American pursuit of liberty, equality and better lives for those who will follow us.