If you were old enough to understand what was happening on September 11, 2001, you will never forget the day the World Trade Towers in New York City were destroyed by terrorists. You will also never forget the plane that was hijacked and went down in Pennsylvania or the strike on the Pentagon. We lost nearly 3000 people that day, and some have died since from health complications. Patriot Day was established to give tribute to those lives. A few years later the title of National Day of Service and Remembrance was added so the first responders and good Samaritans that helped in the rescue would also be recognized. 

If you are old enough to remember any war, especially Viet Nam, you have heard the words, Never Forget, in regards to the hundreds still missing in action and unaccounted for. It also applies to the sacrifice made by any military member and their family. If you know anyone in the military, you know once a person ends their enlistment, what they have experienced in the military doesn’t leave them. They can’t forget.

Now in 2017 we are listening to the news for details of what Hurricane Irma is doing to Florida and states to the north. We are still sore from what Hurricane Harvey did to Texas and surrounding states just two weeks ago. So many lives affected by Mother Nature. So many lives aided by first responders and other human beings. People helping people is a well used slogan.

On this day two years ago I lost a very dear friend to pancreatic cancer. I will never forget his infectious smile, love for his family, and how many patches I sewed onto his motorcycle vests. I miss him a lot.

On the other hand, it is also my nephews birthday today. My husband and I took him to lunch Saturday and I gave him a patriotic quilt in remembrance of his military service during Dessert Storm. He doesn’t forget that, and we like to talk about it.

I’m sure on any day of any year there are things you can’t forget and things you want to remember and celebrate. I hope you will take a moment today to remember and reflect on all of those things.