Sure, you can call today the seventh anniversary of 9/11. Like Bloomberg News, The Washington Post, and The Los Angeles Times have. I’m not sure I like to use the word anniversary for such a serious, solemn, and meaningful occasion. Seven years is not a long time. Memories are still fresh.

My anger has faded, but I can still remember those feelings of disbelief, uncertainty, and yes, terror. I’m not what most people would consider a right-winger, but becasue of the uncertainty of that day I was checking my guns and ammo, just to be sure, in case. In case what I didn’t know. I was thinking about my life, home, and family as I sat stunned watching the television that whole day. I hope to never see another day like it. 

According to dictionary.com the first definition of the word anniversary means the yearly occurance of a date or event. Sure that describes 9/11, but it’s a little cold. The second definition is the celebration or commemoration of such a date.

I would perfer to use the word commemoration to describe today’s date. Today is the seventh commemoration of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. I’ll reserve the word anniversary for joyous events like weddings, engagements, friendships, graduations, etc. Today I’ll solemnly and with respect remember all the victims, living and dead, of that terrible day. Today I’ll commemorate 9/11.

I heard a second extremely loud crash . . . the scene was unimaginable. The World Trade Center building had collapsed into itself, shooting a large black cloud of smoke into the sky. I watched while bodies fell from the windows, as the building came down in a giant plume of smoke.

Then someone yelled to look out the front window — and a sight met my eyes that put the first thought in my mind that I might die. Smoke was slowly moving down the street toward us as people ran screaming away from it.

The account is absolutely terrifying.

It was written by a 13 year old child.

What struck me last night, watching the president’s speech, was the call to war. At no time did the president say when the war would end. The first thing I thought was: Are we forgetting the other war without end, Vietnam?”

I’m foursquare behind the president in his call for military action. However, a war whose only goal is to “win” leaves out a key component. What do we mean by “win”? When will the war be over?

One phrase often repeated during the Gulf War was, “We have learned the lessons of Vietnam.” Meaning we set a distinct goal and timetable for the war, we fight it, we achieve the goal, then we go home. That’s how the Gulf war was prosecuted. Some complain about not removing Saddam Hussein, but that was not part of the UN resolution.

I’m afraid we will call an end to the war on terrorism and then get a false sense of security or the war on terrorism will still have to be waged 100 years from now.

I’m normally a peaceful guy, but this war has to be fought. If not, the next terrorist attack will be with nuclear weapons.

Moreover, while I’m at it, I’ve never warmed to Jeff Greenfield. His attitude and delivery prevents me from figuring out if he’s being serious or sarcastic. I expect a punchline to come at the end of his every sentence.

Will we ever find out what happened to Chandra Levy now?