It is unfortunate that inspiration often comes hand in hand with tragedy. When I watched the horrific video of the stage collapse at the 2011 Indiana State fair, the immediate reaction I had after the initial feeling of shock was the joy of seeing so many people rush towards the scene instead of away from it. This is the same burst of emotion I feel when I hear the countless stories of people, professionals and civilians alike, running towards the WTC twin towers and the Pentagon to help save the lives of others.
Remembering 9/11 means something different to each and every one of us. Some remember the fear and the need for vigilance. Others remember that devastating evils exist even against the world’s superpowers. I remember the brave and strong.
With our history bloodied by war and violence, it’s easy to hold a pessimistic view against mankind, but even in battle, there are the tales of the wounded soldier risking his life to carry a fellow brother to safety. Just as in 9/11, there are accounts of parents rushing downtown in the mist of chaos to find their children, of co-workers slowing their pace down a stairwell to keep the injured company, and of emergency operators staying on the line until the very end.
The beautiful stories, such as those of Welles Crowther and numerous others, aren’t only reminders but also lessons, teaching and inspiring us to be better people. Although we have many faults, this is not an excuse to live life poorly. Remember the heroes, big and small. Learn from them. We have only one life, so live it right.
