Remembering Today

Hurricane Irma

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in the path of Hurricane Irma. I have relatives in both Orlando and Tampa, Florida … and so far, they seem to be okay. I must say I have never seen such an outpouring of support and help being offered to victims of this Hurricane like what is being offered via Facebook. It is amazing to me.

I also think the communication between Federal, State and Local governments helped lessen the catrostophic impact of this hurricane. While certainly still bad, the planning pre-positioning of equipment and supplies was amazing to see and well thought out. President Trump, his administration, FEMA, Governors, State Police, Local Law Enforcement and First Responders, the U.S. Military and volunteers … all showing why America is such a great country. You are all owed an immense debt of gratitude!

September 11, 2001

September 11, 2001 … a day we, in America, must never forget. I remember hearing a description of the first jet hitting the twin towers on the way to work at the University of Tennessee that morning. I thought, at the time, it had to be a hoax. When I got to campus however, crowds were standing around TV screens in the University Center watching events unfold. I learned it was not a hoax. And, I watched the second plane hit the tower. There are not words to express the way I felt at that moment in time.

We must never forget and we must remain forever vigilant. Freedom is never free! I have had ancestors and family members fight in every American conflict since the American Revolution. To squander away what our ancestors purchased for us with their own blood would be unforgivable. Think about that as you rush to deprive another American of their God-given rights … whether it be the right to free speech, or to protect themselves from danger, to worship in the way they choose, or to pursue life in a land of equal opportunity.