Editor's Note: This editorial first appeared Saturday, Sept. 11, 2004. We reprint it today as part of our 10-year anniversary remembrances. The words then are still as pertinent as they are today.
We used to go sleep at night believing the world would be a better place tomorrow when we woke up than today.
We used to believe that good would overcome evil, that a smile could overturn a frown and the golden rule was more than a principle, but a way to lead our lives.
Three years ago today our life changed, as most of yours did as well, when we watched the horror of Sept. 11 unfold before us on the television screen.
Much has changed in the three years hence. Much has not.
We now have to head to airports hours early just to get through security lines. We appreciate that brave men and women are defending our freedom in various corners of the world, putting their lives on the line daily in the fight against terror.
Nothing in the world seems to surprise us much anymore. Terrorists think nothing of beheading a hostage as a demonstration of their will, or taking over a school and holding innocent children as leverage.
Pastor Jim Erickson, in his "Everyday Faith" column in today's C-Section, remembers the day after Sept. 11 three years ago, when people were searching for answers and turning to God for comfort.
Three years later that doesn't seem as important for many as it once was.
What a shame.
Today, let us pause to remember the men and women who perished three years ago. Let us remember the thousand-plus men and women who have given their lives in war since in the fight against terror. Let us remember the fact that the American spirit might be bruised at times, but it never can be broken. Let us remember that Old Glory might get battered, but always will fly proud.
And finally, let us never give up on dreams that are important.
For you see, for us, despite everything that has happened these past three years, it still is important for us to believe that good will overcome evil, that a smile still can overturn a frown and the golden rule is more than a principle, but a way to lead our lives.