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Highlands Today > Raliegh Whiteman Columns

Sept. 7 Is Not Sept. 11

By Raleigh Whiteman | Highlands Today

Published: September 12, 2008

Last year at this time I wrote a short piece about the 9-11 Remembrance happening at the Heron's Garden. I did not say anything about that date but I will this year.

I realize a lot of planning by Suzanne Krueger and the Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce has gone into this coming Sunday's "9-11 Remembrance Salute to Freedom." And in all likelihood some consideration for why it is being held on Sept. 7, between 7 and 9 a.m. It will certainly allow a lot more people to participate and honor that very important date.

Certainly nothing can be done to change this year's occasion but I and many others whom I have talked to agree with my belief that it is a day that the date should not be changed. It is my opinion that it should not be considered a holiday as is the Fourth of July or Christmas and New Year's, but it should always be remembered by us on that date regardless of what day of the week it falls on.

9-11 On 9-11

The hours it is being held could be between 7-9 a.m. To allow those going to work to be allowed that chance to remember that date with the ceremonies being done.

That is the date on which all of America dedicated themselves to not ever allow terrorists to accomplish their goals through such evil and unforgivable acts as was done on 9-11-01. We are at war against those who wish to win in their quest for elimination of all other religions and should continue until we have changed their ways of showing their hatred and contempt for the United States and any religion that is not Islam.

I will attend this Salute to Freedom at Heron's Garden parking lot, and reflect with prayer and listening to those who will be speaking.

I and others do request that more consideration be given to holding it next year on 9-11-09.

Suzanne does suggest that everyone bring their own lawn chair.

It is free.

If you cannot attend this ceremony, then at least do as Joy Pollard of Lake Placid suggests:

Continue Our Patriotism

Next Thursday, Sept. 11, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office and store in the United States. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this seventh anniversary of one our country's worst tragedies. We do this to honor those who lost their lives on 9-11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms. In the days, weeks and months following 9-11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to- shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds

Action Plan

Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9-11 and let those sentiments guide you.

Fly an American flag of any size on 9-11. Honestly, Americans should fly the flag year-round, but if you don't, then at least make it a priority on this day.

Thank you for your participation. God bless you and God bless America!

Raleigh Whiteman, of Lake Placid, is a contributing writer to Highlands Today. You can reach him on the Internet at rwwhiteman@comcast

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