Remembering 9/11 – An Attack on Faith and Freedom

It’s a day forever etched in my mind and heart. A day that drives me in my work at the ACLJ to defend fundamental rights of faith and freedom. And a day that opened my eyes to the depths of the depravity and evil that exist in the world. It’s a day that I wish I could forget, but one I know I must remember.

As the 10th anniversary of the acts of war that we now simply call “9/11” approaches, I’ve found cause to more carefully reflect on how that day impacted my life, and why I feel compelled to make sure that others never forget that the evil of that day remains a threat today. I’m driven to reflect, because once we forget, it is bound to happen again.

On September 11, 2001, I was just one of a multitude of Capitol Hill staffers who reported to work as usual. I remember vividly the very few minutes that it took to move from a day of work, to watching news reports of an “accident” in New York, to fleeing frantically as police shouted that an unresponsive plane was within 60 seconds of the Capitol complex (a report that was later refuted, but likely stemmed from the loss of Flight 93 in Shanksville, PA). Somewhere in the course of these events, a plane slammed into the Pentagon just a few miles away.

As we fled, my mind and heart found rest in a very natural place – my faith in Jesus Christ. Looking back, it is fitting that the very faith targeted by the terrorists is what immediately bubbled to the surface for me and so many others. On that day, in that moment, it was a long-abiding faith that sustained so many of us. If we are to ultimately win this ongoing war against terrorism, it is crucial that we recognize that our faith – and the freedom to exercise that faith – is central to the task.

One of my most vivid memories of that day is arriving at our rally point a few blocks away and being greeted by the girl who would eventually become my wife. It’s humbling to realize that both of us were spared while more than 3,000 others were taken far too early. We’ve had the luxury of building a family in the decade since, while others had their families brutally ripped apart.

As I think back on that dark day, I think first of those who were killed in the attacks, and of the loved ones left behind. I think of the children who have grown up without a mother or a father, and of those who have pushed forward after losing a spouse. I think of those who have boldly taken the charge of combating this evil head-on to missions far from home. I think of those who have given their lives for this cause, and of those who continue the fight to this day.

And finally, I think of the next attack. I think of all of those who have forgotten. Or if they haven’t forgotten, those who have lost the resolve to stand up for American freedoms, and for the faith that makes us great. Instead, they pander to the enemy and allow fear to cause them to oppose expressions of faith.

I can assure you, in the midst of that day 10 years ago, it was vividly clear that this was not an evil to be appeased, but rather one to be opposed. I’ve not forgotten that realization, but many have. As a result, peaceful expressions of faith are viewed suspiciously, and overt acts of aggression are tolerated and even celebrated. By forgetting in this way, we are again vulnerable.

So as I reflect on the events of 9/11, I’m grateful for my life, my faith, my family and my country. And I’m grateful to work for an organization committed to the values of faith and freedom. I’m hopeful that this anniversary will serve as a somber reminder that the evil of 9/11 remains very real and very present. I’m hopeful we will throw off the bonds of political correctness and resolve to be vigilant in calling evil for what is – something to be defeated, not accommodated.

Because once we forget, it will happen again.