The anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks evoke different emotions in people. Some get angry, justifiably so. Others mourn and ache for the lives taken too soon. Patriotism and pride for what our country stood, and still stands for, seems to soar, if only for the day. Myself, I can’t help but feel a bit thankful.
I’m thankful to live in a country where heroes still walk among us. I’m thankful for the police who removed miles of rubble from ground zero and are still a phone call away in case of emergency. I’m thankful for the firefighters who ran into burning towers in 2001 and those who continue to run into burning homes today. I’m thankful to live in a place where my biggest fear is breaking a wooden mast, and not a suicide bomber. A place where I can spend my weekends on the water surrounded by family and friends because our troops, many of who are younger than me, have sacrificed time with their friends and family to go fight overseas.
In closing, I would like to say thank you to those who put themselves in harms way to keep the rest of us safe. (In particular to my friends, John and John … thanks, gentlemen.)
Boy and a Boat 
Well said! Never forget.
I thank god for my life
And for the stars and stripes
May freedom forever fly, let it ring.
Salute the ones who died
The ones that give their lives
So we don’t have to sacrifice
All the things we love
Zac Brown