A 9/11 Reflection from my Uncle

My uncle had the chance to share his memories of 9/11 on NPR earlier this month. Here is the link. Listen to the audio at the bottom.

My uncle's stint at the Pentagon was extended several months. During that time, he took me to the Pentagon to see it up close. I went to New York less than month after the attacks and smelled the burning metal. I can remember the quiet of New York City on that visit, the trucks still hauling away debris from Ground Zero and the gaping hole in the sky.

This 10th anniversary has brought about the telling of many stories. Of victims and survivors. There have been some amazing movies (United 93, World Trade Center) in the past decade. But this anniversary there seems to be a need to hear and tell.

I wondered if this was the year to talk to my children but they have seemed oblivious to news clips and headlines. I will let them live in oblivion a little longer. But I will not tell them the world is safe. It is not. I can only hope to show them to the One in whom they will be safe. Always.