REMEMBER

There is something important about remembering the past. Take for example the Jews. They celebrate the Shabbat – a weekly ceremony – recalling the act of creation, the moving forth from Egypt, the double blessing in the desert, and the practical act of blessing one’s family. This weekly ritual has perhaps been the most unifying act that the Jews have done for centuries keeping their eyes on God and their families – always remembering their roots. In a like manner historical anamnesis is an important phenomenon in nations. Take for example the “remember” phrases in our nation:

Remember the Alamo

Remember the Maine

Remember the Lusitania

Remember Pearl Harbor

They bring about the collective remembrance of a provocation and of an injustice embarking a nation in a forward moral thrust to win victories such as Texas independence, the Spanish American war, ending Europe’s disaster during World War I, and finally defeating the Japanese and German foes in World War II – moving to rebuild Europe twice in one century, as well as providing Japan with a new constitution and form of government that has made it a formidable economic powerhouse and friend in Asia.

But memories have collectively shrunk, and Americans no longer remember as they used to. Korea is forgotten, the Cold War is a non-event to most Americans, Vietnam is but a festering sore to the aging baby boomers… and yet there are events that will shape history none-the-less and we will remember forever… Although the historical lens is too close – there is one prescient event that might foreshadow others to come if victory is not achieved. Only history will tell.

Remember 911