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9/11 should make us look toward the future

By Frederick R. Bedell Jr., Glen Oaks Village

I was in the laundromat this past Sunday in Little Neck. The TV was on and a news broadcast announced that on the anniversary of Sept. 11 the victims' names would be read again this year.

There was a woman there who said, “Enough is enough. It's seven years now and people ought to be getting on with their lives for you cannot continue to grieve forever.” Two other people agreed and one suggested the memorial needs to be built so people can go there on their own.

I like to listen to what others have to say. On my way back home, I pondered what those people said. It seems Sept. 11 is not just the date on which we were attacked and lost friends, families and co-workers. It was a day America's mettle and resolution were tested.

I feel we, as a nation, must never forget the brave acts of heroism from the police officers, firefighters and EMS workers who tried to help strangers to safety. Our offspring must remember the day that changed America, lest they be doomed to repeat another day of infamy.

We discovered our strengths and weaknesses that day. Our grief makes us know where we have been so we know where we are going.