9/11 – Lest we forget

My humor column appearing today in the Sept. 11, 2011, newspaper sticks to just that – humor. Memorials and tributes to the horrible events of 10 years ago, when terrorists attacked us on American soil, fill much of the rest of the newspaper. It is not the topic of this week’s “Burt’s Eye View.”

There is nothing funny about that day or the numbing pain, horror and sadness of the days and years that followed. Many of my cousins, uncles and both my brothers are or were firefighters. My father, son, nephews, cousins and brother-in-law are or were soldiers, sailors and Marines. They are heroes.

I wanted to write about 9/11, but a decade later, I still cannot find the words. I still cannot comprehend the full extent of events, actions and the hatred in men’s hearts.

Samuel Clemens – Mark Twain – once observed, “Humor is mankind’s greatest blessing.” He also noted “Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand.”

Read the stories on 9/11. Reflect. Cry. Steel your resolve. Then remember that despite all the changes in our lives inflicted by that one day, we still retain the wonderful freedom to laugh, love, play, believe and pray.

If you choose to read “Burt’s Eye View” or other such columns, I hope we allow a respite from the pain. In a day to commemorate tragedy, we offer up a break of silliness for silliness’ sake. Or perhaps humanity's sake.

But if you follow the link to the Facebook page, you will find this message, the only one I shall post today:

“Sept. 11, 2001 – Let us not forget. Let us not fail to salute heroes. Let us not bow in fear. Let us seek God's blessing for our nation.”

Excelsior,

Burt