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There are days you don't forget. Just as Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, when he stood before Congress on December 8, 1941, there are dates "which will live in infamy". When you experience one of those days, you remember where you were, or who you were with, or what you saw. Sometimes a song, or a smell, or a single image can stir up so many memories. Because, unfortunately, we all have lived through some of these kinds of days. On Memorial Day, it's important to remember those who fell on those infamous days.
In my memory, the world was introduced to acts of terrorism on September 5-6, 1972, in Munich, Germany, during the Summer Olympics. The group Black September kidnapped members of the Israeli Olympic team. The image I will always remember is a hooded member of that group looking over a balcony in the Olympic village.
Closer to home, acts of terrorism never really shook the United States until September 11, 2001. That day is seared into the minds of everyone who experienced it. It's absolutely insane to consider that this happened about twenty-two years ago, so in order to really recall it well, you probably have to be at least thirty years old! How is that possible? People who remember December 7, 1941, probably ask the same question.
In my memory, the world was introduced to acts of terrorism on September 5-6, 1972, in Munich, Germany, during the Summer Olympics. The group Black September kidnapped members of the Israeli Olympic team. The image I will always remember is a hooded member of that group looking over a balcony in the Olympic village.
Closer to home, acts of terrorism never really shook the United States until September 11, 2001. That day is seared into the minds of everyone who experienced it. It's absolutely insane to consider that this happened about twenty-two years ago, so in order to really recall it well, you probably have to be at least thirty years old! How is that possible? People who remember December 7, 1941, probably ask the same question.
This weekend, I learned of the Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial Park, established in 2005 and a mere twenty minutes from my home. It's the only memorial of its kind in the state, dedicated to those killed in the Global War on Terrorism since September 11, 2001. It was the proper weekend to make a visit to Sunbury, Ohio. As stated on their website, the "goal is to never let people forget the sacrifices made for our freedom and to take care of the families of our fallen heroes now and in the future."
For most of my visit, I was the only person present. It was humbling to walk among those who had given so much for my freedom. The park is thirteen acres with over 300 crosses and a few stars of David, but the number has been steadily growing each year. If you take the time, on the memorial website, you can also see the photographs of each of the fallen. Walking among the crosses was moving, but then adding faces to each of the names made their sacrifice so much more personal. There are no words to adequately thank these brave men and women, as well as their families and friends.
Okay, okay, I know this is all heavy reading. So, I'm going to end on a lighter note. You probably have never heard of Sunbury, Ohio. Why should you? For years and years, it was just a sleepy little village. Now it is an exploding bedroom community for Columbus. Still, why create such a memorial in Sunbury, of all places? Well, I have an answer for you. It is within ten miles of the geographic center of Ohio. So, that makes sweet little Sunbury convenient for everyone in the state. And, now you know.
Go forth and be thankful for your freedom. Freedom is never free.