Remembering 9/11

On Sept. 11, 2001, I was beginning to write a column for the Scott County Signal when the events of the day began. This is the column I published 14 years ago.

"As I write this column, it has been three hours since the hijacked airliners struck the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The death toll from these attacks has not been determined, but it may be in the thousands.

"The twisted individuals responsible for these attacks have declared war on our nation and its people. As we recover from the shock of today's events, we must be prepared for whatever horrors they may undertake next. At times such as this, we turn to our military to prevent future attacks and to retaliate against those responsible. Those men and women who serve in our Armed Forces may soon find their skills, training and courage tested in combat operations. Further, our friends and neighbors who serve in the National Guard may be called upon to provide security and assistance here at home or in concert with the regular forces.

"Those who wear the uniforms of our military know at any time they may be placed 'in harm's way.' Their job is to defend our nation, our people, and our way of life, and they must know that they have our prayers and support. Let us also pray that our military and civilian leaders' decisions are wise and effective.

"We have lost many brave men defending freedom in the course of our history. Today, we must be sure that any actions taken to protect the country do not infringe on those hard-won freedoms. Let us remember that if we begin to restrict the rights of our citizens in the name of national security, those who wish to destroy us will have won.

"We must show the world that we will not tolerate attacks on our people or our way of life. In the words of Dwight Eisenhower, "History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or timid.'"