THEN PRESIDENT George Bush said it was a day Americans must never forget. He was correct in regards to Sept. 11, 2001.

On that day nine years ago tomorrow, terrorists struck our land and shattered our feeling that we were free from outside aggression. Many people lost their lives and many others were injured.

Three days later, President Bush declared a “National Day of Prayer and Remembrance.” Once again it has taken a tragedy of major proportions to reawaken in us a feeling of patriotism – to remind us that we need God for strength and comfort in difficult times.

Our churches were filled as we came together to pray. There was a feeling of national pride and unity. People from all walks of life came together to offer assistance. Blood drives were held everywhere and supplies and donations were sent to the affected areas. Volunteers responded in record numbers.

As time went on and things got better, we more or less forgot about the tragedy. Oh yes, we remember it when the anniversary comes around. All kinds of thoughts run through our minds like will it ever happen again and are we better prepared if it should happen. And again in a few days, many will forget about that tragedy and wait for another anniversary to recall it.

Our nation is engaged in a battle against terrorism and it is not an easy one. It will also be costly.

Sept. 11, 2001 is a day that Americans must never forget. Too many of us have already forgotten what happened on Feb. 26, 1993 when the first World Trade Center attack took place.

It is a comforting thought to believe that a nation at prayer will be a nation at peace. These are truly difficult times for our country. Our economy is in poor condition, unemployment is running rampant and there are feelings of fear and anxiety everywhere. We are hopeful that conditions will improve soon.

It is time once again for the people of our nation to get back on our knees and pray that peace will come to our world. Wake up, silent majority and let our voices be heard throughout the land. Let us never forget Sept. 11, the attack on the World Trade Center or Pearl Harbor.

Let the feeling of patriotism continue to burn brightly in our hearts. Let us ask God to protect the members of our armed forces and bring them home safe and soon. May He continue to bless our country, keep us safe and strong and forever at peace.

And let us never forget Sept. 11, 2001.