September 10, 2005

"All Americans Can and Should Be Patriots"

Good morning. On this special and even sacred morning, we pause as a community and as a Nation to remember.

First, we remember the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have left the comfort of family and home to travel to distant lands in defense of freedom. We are especially mindful of those who have made the ultimate patriotic gift. May God bless their souls.

This morning, we pause to remember the thousands of typically working Americans who lost their lives that dark September 11th day in New York, Washington D. C. and in a Pennsylvania field. We acknowledge the fact that their sacrifice served to promote a greater feeling of "Patriotism" and "Love of Country" than any other act in the last 50 years. Those who died that morning are sorely missed.

This morning we are very aware of the thousands who lost their lives as a result of the impact of Hurricane Katrina. We are inspired by the many who have opened their hearts, their wallets, and even their homes to help a fellow American in need. We pray for appropriate and prompt action on the part of government officials and hope that those who are now willing to go to work to rebuild their own lives will have every appropriate vestige of support from a caring sympathetic Nation.

As we have watched emergency responders deal with the aftermath of Katrina, we are reminded of the important work performed on our own city by the men and women of our Police, Fire, and other city departments. We are greatly blessed as a result of their hard work and dedication.

The dictionary defines Patriot as "One who loves his country and who zealously supports its authority and interests." In recent years, we have truly witnessed numerous acts of selfless service, courage, and a host of other actions that qualify many as true American Patriots. As Americans, we all can and should be Patriots!

Perhaps our Patriot’s label won’t be won on a battle field, but in a classroom, or in a Scout Troop, at City Hall, or some other similar important place. On this day that is special among days, we need to open our hearts and our minds and ponder the great privilege we have as Americans and to consider what we can do to be more effective Patriots.

Now finally, with deep gratitude, we must always remember and be grateful to all of our military veterans. No matter the conflict in which you served, no matter the role you played, no one is more deserving and worthy of the title "Patriot" than the men and women who have served the people of this Nation in the Armed Forces and to their families.

May God speak peace to the souls of those who mourn great losses this day. May God continue to bless this great Nation, even a nation of Patriots.