C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°
Sovereign Grand Commander

The terrorists of 9-11 failed to understand that America is not only a mighty power but also a country of great people who unite in the midst of disaster.

Ten months have passed. Sometimes, the events of 9-11 seem to have happened long ago. At other times, it is as if we can still see the twin towers of the World Trade Center crashing to the ground in gigantic clouds of fire and dust; the Pentagon in flames; the plane crashing in Pennsylvania. Like most Americans, I am trying to come to terms with all the changes that morning made in my life, but I know life will never again be the same.

For a person, as for a nation, there are times that redefine everything. For a man, it happens when he marries, when his first child is born, and when his father dies. The loss of his father forces him to realize, often for the first time, his own mortality. In these times, something of innocence is lost and something of a deeper, more permanent character is gained. Priorities shift. Values are redefined.

So it is for us as Americans. On September 11, we suddenly became aware of our national mortality. We could be attacked, even inside our own borders. We could be moved from being seekers of success to a people fearful of unknown terrorists. All priorities changed on September 11. The great majority of those changes have been positive. As a nation, we had been powerfully focused on the quantity of life. Now, we have learned to focus more on the quality of life.

Since 9-11, we have seen an outpouring of charity and an almost unprecedented willingness to get involved. The people of our nation dug deeply into their pockets to help the families of those whose loved ones were lost or injured in the terrorist attacks. Men, women, and children pitched in and helped, naturally and automatically, from the very heart of their humanity. In a spirit of true patriotism, people have responded with an outpouring of emotional capital, empathy, and compassion. There have been parades, speeches, and commemorative events. Men, women, and children now proudly display the flag more than any time since the end of WW II. It is an inspiring sight, and my heart beats with pride more than ever when I see "Old Glory" given its due respect.

We have rightly made heroes of those who ran again and again into the burning buildings in the hope of saving one more life. We honor those passengers on Flight 93 who heroically saved the country from further disaster. We cheer our young men and women of the military as they go to foreign lands to teach the marketers of terror that they cannot and will not succeed. We have committed ourselves to war against terrorism wherever it may strike.

The terrorists made a fundamental mistake. They knew we were a mighty power. They failed to understand that America is not only a mighty power but also a country of great people who unite in the midst of disaster with a greatness of mind, heart, and soul. Beyond the flags, slogans, speeches, and anthems, there is the dedication of a free people to the truths which make them free. These truths are the source of our greatness. America is as strong as ever!