Letter to the Editor: 9-11 Observances: Bridging Significance

I had the privilege of attending two events organized around the 10th anniversary of 9-11.The first was Sunday morning (11th), at the Eastsound Firehall. With respectful devotion, we shared a tribute to the lives of the 9-11 firefighters and their families. Those who worked at Ground Zero on that fateful day, either died, or lived on with the traumatic consequences. It was an honor to be invited, emotionally and spiritually,  to recall where we were on that day ten years ago, bridging to what brought us together now.

It isn’t every day that we can look at a neighbor, or any other individual in our entire country, and ask, “where were you on the day we all shared this tragedy? And, how has this changed your life?” I hope that we really listen to each other. A collective healing emerges where people gather to remember this turning point of destiny.

The second event was Monday evening (12th), at the Oddfellows Hall. Barry Neville hosted the documentary 9/11: Explosive Evidence – Experts Speak Out. Developed by Architects & Engineers for 9-11 Truth, it was full of expert perspectives from high-rise architects, structural engineers, fire safety engineers, and demolitions specialists. About fifty locals were in attendance. Twenty-five or so followed the viewing with a group conversation, moderated by Fred Klein.

In future meetings, I’d like to explore deeper issues related to post-investigative accountability for the World Trade Centers Collapse. Ten years after the fact, official conclusions omit the vital eyewitness and first responder reports.

It takes courage to question our personal and collective world view of who we think we are as Americans. I hope we can heal where misinformation has prevailed, causing us to contract in fear or act out of integrity. We, The People of our Constitution, can require an independent investigation of the evidence, for an honest accountability.

The Statue of Liberty still stands in New York Harbor, a gift to remind us of our role to maintain the light of true freedom for all. A replica of Lady Liberty rests on my desk, reminding me I am a steward of this legacy, too.

Morgan L. Meadows