If only we remembered

The pictures are everywhere today. Photoshopped images with super imposed phrases. 

Never forget. 

We will always remember. 

If only we remembered.

In the moment it was devastating. I will certainly remember forever where I was. I’ll remember as I heard the first airplanes go overhead. Fighter jets scrambled from the local airport. It’s not something I heard every day. 

The images that filled our television screens were horrific at best. Smoke and dust filled the air. People were crying, others gasping for air. 

Police and firefighters were transformed before our very eyes into the every day heroes they had always been. Politicians linked hands across the aisle. We no longer saw those who disagree with us over trivial matters as enemies. We had a real enemy. And we were more united than ever. If only we remembered. 

For several weeks, people across the country would gather, linking arms vowing to never stop until justice was served. Our resolve as a nation had never been stronger. They woke a sleeping giant we thought. We will make them pay was another phrase echoed from sea to shining sea. If only we remembered. 

But those weeks would turn to months, and months would turn to years. With every passing anniversary we would vow yet again to “never forget.” Perhaps I’m a pessimist but it sure looks like we don’t have as good a memory as we claim.

But what would happen if we actually remembered?

How would life be different if we remembered on October 1 or February 12 or May 7 or any day for that matter? What would be different if we actually remembered the gut punch we felt on September 11, 2001? What would be different if we as a people stood together the way we did on September 12, 2001?

The answer is simple.

We would be strong. We would be fearless. We would be a beacon of hope. We would be a refuge to the weary. We would be united. And there would be no doubt in anyone’s mind exactly who we were. If only we remembered. 

It’s ok to post your tower pic. It’s ok to reflect on where we’ve been. It’s ok to shed a tear but perhaps instead of any of these things we could actually remember. We could stand next to someone who doesn’t see eye to eye with us and realize that’s what made this nation great. A common ground for uncommon thoughts. A safe haven for the oppressed. A powerhouse renowned around the world.

Perhaps instead of saying we remember, we could actually remember. We could live the September 12th life again. Perhaps we can be the people our pictures reflect.

If only we remembered.