These definitions are from Webster’s New World Dictionary
Patriot: (n ) one who loves and zealously supports his country
Sacrifice: (n) 1. an offering, as of a life or object, to a deity. 2. a giving up of one thing for
the sake of another.
Hero: (n) a man of great courage, nobility, etc., or one admired for his exploits.
Victim: (n) someone or something killed, destroyed, sacrificed, etc.
The second anniversary of the September 11th attacks has come and gone. I avoided the news, for the most part, and didn’t participate in any of the various memorials,
rememberances or tributes in my area. I do remember what happened. I chose to reflect on the attacks on my own.
What I did hear was, for the most part, appropriate, if a little too sentimental for my taste. The exception to this was a speech by Secretary Rumsfeld. He spoke of those killed
in the World Trade Center as being great patriots, heroes who sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom. All due respect to Mr. Rumsfeld, but he’s talking out of his hat. Those killed in the World Trade Center were unfortunate victims of mass murder. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time is no proof of patriotism or heriosm. It’s just bad luck.
Trying to redefine these terms cheapens the actions of true heroes. It also takes something away from the victims of these murders. Those who ran toward the towers to help and willingly gave their lives in the service of others deserve that title. The majority that were killed that day were not and should not be remembered as such. When a hero dies it is a sad day for the world. He should be mourned. Most of us understand, however, that dying is part of the package that comes with heroism. Heroes risk their lives willingly,
otherwise they wouldn’t be heroes. When an innocent victim is killed in a vicious, premeditated attack there should be outrage, righteous indignation and a desire to avenge
them.
Let us not make the people killed in the World Trade Center or the Pentagon or Pennsylvania into something they weren’t. They may have been good people. I am sure that some did act bravely when the time came. The truth is many didn’t know what hit
them.
Patriotism is an act, not an accident. The victims and the heroes of the September 11th attacks should be remembered, they need to be mourned. The must be avenged.
