Today is the anniversary of what is debatably the single saddest day in my lifetime.
Two years ago today, 19 nut-cases hijacked 4 airliners full of people and fuel. They destroyed the World Trade Center, damaged the Pentagon, killed about 3000 people — an astonishingly low number considering the time and place — and took away our innate sense of security.
The occasion was commemorated in New York City as well as other places with moments of silence.
Around the world wreathes were laid, prayers were said, names of the dead were spoken, commemorative gardens and art exhibits were opened, blood drives were conducted, parades were marched, school children sang patriotic songs, heads of state gave speeches denouncing terrorism. In addition, nations were put on alert, and there were calls for curtailing civil liberties in the name of the War on Terror.
Closer to home, a local mini-mart chain was giving away free deluxe car washes.
Clearly that’s what it’s all about. Moments of silence and car washes.