W. Howard Coop, 32°
111 Dogwood Drive, Lancaster, KY 40444–1034
hkcoop@aol.com

With minds numbed by the terrible tragedy of that fateful day, September 11, 2001, seems so far away—and so near at hand—that the passing of time has become almost meaningless. Brought into our homes so vividly and so relentlessly by means of television, the gruesome pictures of the suffering, death, and destruction of that day are indelibly etched upon our minds and will remain with us to haunt and trouble us as long as we live. Just as December 7, 1941, is remembered as a day of infamy, surely September 11, 2001, will be forever remembered as a day of heinous villainy perpetrated by the vilest of men who have absolutely no regard for human life.

There have been three significant responses to this day of great tragedy that reveal the very heart and spirit of this compassionate and great nation. Immediately and without regard for personal safety, countless persons rushed to the scenes of destruction and carnage to help with rescue and emergency efforts. Also, throughout the land, countless others joined in activities that demonstrate solidarity and support not only for those who suffered but also for our nation. As a result, it is clear that the spirit of brotherly love, mutual support, and patriotism is alive and well in the United States of America.

Then, in response to that terrible act, our nation, under the leadership of wise and good men, has launched a mission to seek out the perpetrators of this heinous villainy and bring them to accountability and justice.

At this critical juncture in our nation's history, we do not doubt that this will happen. Right will prevail.

W. Howard Coop is a retired United Methodist Minister and has been a Mason since 1952. He is a Past Master of Lancaster Lodge No. 104, currently serving as Chaplain and member of W. R. Selby, Sr., Chapter 4, Danville, Kentucky, and the Scottish Rite Bodies of Louisville, Kentucky.