By Mary Malloy
Earlier this week, communities from around the area, actually from all around the nation -- held services to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center.
Looking at the faces in the crowd, I don't think anyone has forgotten, as we are sometimes accused of. We will never forget. Those who couldn't make the ceremony haven't forgotten, either. We also have not become complacent, especially in New York, because there are always reminders -- at the airport, when you go into an sports or music arena, when you walk out of Penn Station to see the National Guard stationed there. When you take the subway, go into a tunnel, there is just more vigilance that e ver before. No, we cannot forget, because we have to constantly on some kind of personal alert. Mine is set to "yellow."
Now back to the spiritual leaders. They spoke from the heart, they spoke to everyone, not just their congregation. They spoke of God, of guidance, of remembrance, of love and family and community. There were no boundaries, no Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, Baptist -- just a common sad story, and a fellowship among them.
There are always issues and problems with every town and village -- who is running for what position on the board, how the schools and villages spend funds, the gossipy stories, the teen vandals, property taxes, differences of opinion on many things, and yes, the reporting of these events by yours truly -- but to see these people, standing shoulder to shoulder, holding candles to honor those who were lost, to see Catholics nodding their heads at the wise words of the rabbi, to see the clergy seated side by side, to look at the crowd of faces, who are there for one purpose -- that is what fellowship is all about.
We need to remember Sept. 11, 2001. But we also need to remember to stand shoulder to shoulder, physically or philosophically, as one. That is how we can defeat anyone or anything.
Comments about this column? MMalloy@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 202.
