I usually refrain from making political or patriotic posts on this blog, but in lieu of the date, I'd like to make an exception.

There are events in one's life that leave an indelible mark in one's memory, an impression forever engraven.  I've been contemplating this a bit lately with today marking the 5 year (5 years!) mark of the Sept 11th terrorist attacks in New York City.  I can, as I'm sure many of you also can also, remember where you were at the moment you found out.  I was in Redmond, working for Microsoft at the time, and was there for training.  I recall vividly seeing the news on MSNBC across the campus and the hotel.  My first thoughts were of my family (I promptly called home to tell of the incident) and the well being of my loved ones.  I also wondered if I'd be able to fly home later that week.  I felt deeply hurt by the attack, and while I don't personally know anyone who lives on the east coast my heart was with them.

In similar fashion, I distinctly remember when the Challenger Space Shuttle exploded.  I recall sitting with my classmates in grade school watching the launch on the TV at the front of the room.  Just a few years prior we had the privilege of having the Space Shuttle Columbia land at White Sands, just a short 45 drive from my house in New Mexico.  I had great dreams and aspiration of becoming an astronaut all through my childhood, even into my teen years.  When we saw the explosion and ensuring plumes of smoke, my heart sank.  I won't say that this discouraged me in any way from becoming an astronaut (because it didn't), but it left such a feeling of mourning and sadness in my soul for the astronauts and their families.  Particularly, I felt moved for Christa McAuliffe and her family.

I distinctly remember the assassination attempt on Reagan's life.  While I was only a child at the time I recall feeling anxiety for him to recover.  I remember watching it on the news at my grandparents' house in Las Cruces.  We were all gathered around the TV amazed at the horrible experience.  I did and to this day, deeply admire and respect President Reagan, for who he is and what he stood up for.

These are just a few of the many, many events, albeit tragic events, that have left deep impressions on my mind (there are many other moments of elation and happiness that are just as poignant).

Despite these and other events, as a people we continuously unite under pressure and stand up for what we believe in.  May we be constantly united and stand up for what's right, not just in times of turmoil, but at all times and in all places.