September 11 a time for singing out for peace

The unbelievable horror of it all. That’s what I remember about Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001.

As a member of the World War II generation I have seen, in person and on film, many reminders of what happens during wartime in other countries, to other people, and to us, who lost our own during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

But that horror, that terror, that destruction, seemed far removed because it did not take place on the soil of the continental United States.

It was, as our elders would say, “over there.”

Now, however, the reminders of modern-day war are here, forever engraved on our collective memory.

Like thousands of others, my husband and I made our pilgrimage to the World Trade Center, to pay respect to those who lost their lives there, and to remember those who died in the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field on what had been a beautiful September morning.

Visiting the site is not unlike visiting cities in Europe bombed during World War II.

What is remarkable, to me, is the structures, and the people, who survived similar attacks, both at home and abroad.

The resiliency of the human spirit is all around us and, for that, we are thankful.

Today, Sept. 11, 2002, is a day to remember lives lost, and lives forever changed.

It is a day to give thanks for those who came to the aid of others, and be grateful for the good that has come from that day.

I am aware of an increased concern for the needs of others, a resurgence of patriotism, and a more profound respect for those who serve and protect, both at home and abroad.

Fly our flag proudly today.

Remember those who died, those who were left behind and those, in all walks of life, who carry on the proud American tradition of duty, honor, country.

Hundreds will take part in the Community Rally sponsored by United Way of Eastern Maine at noon today at Bass Park in Bangor.

The event is not only a way of commemorating the events of Sept. 11, 2001, but kicks off the UWEM annual campaign to support 70 partner agencies serving residents of Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo and Washington counties.

The rally features national radio show host Dr. Linda Austin in a program of tribute and inspiration.

Anita McGarry reminds you that members of The Heart of Maine Chorus, the Maine-ly Music Chorus of SPEBQSA and Sweet Adelines International will participate in “Sing Out for Peace” at 5 p.m. today at Bangor City Hall, and at 6 p.m. at the Brewer Auditorium.

You are invited to join the choruses in singing songs of patriotism, peace and remembrance at either or both locations.

Sweet Adelines International includes choruses in most of the United States as well as Australia, Canada, Finland, England, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Scotland, Sweden, Wales and The Netherlands. All members have been invited to “Sing Out for Peace” wherever they are.

Julie Gillette of the Ellsworth Public Library and members of the Maine Humanities Council invite you to reflect and remember the events of Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, in the Riverview Room of the EPL at 20 State St.

The evening’s facilitator will be Ellsworth City Councilor Barbara Reeve, who will be joined by Deputy Fire Chief Jon Marshall and other local emergency service personnel, who will discuss how their lives and work have been affected by the tragedy.

One 9-11 press release I found particularly interesting is the idea of author and nature guide Charles Cook, who suggests allotting some time on or around Sept. 11 to commune with nature by doing something as simple as taking a walk or visiting park.

Cook accompanied New York City residents on one-day nature hikes for several weekends after 9-11, and discovered the experience helped relieve the stress, anxiety and anguish participants expressed at the start of the walk.

The author of “Awakening to Nature: Renewing Your Life by Connecting with the Natural World,” believes people can experience nature’s healing effects right in their own back yards, in small urban parks and other natural areas.

He suggests that just 15 minutes a day, in a natural surrounding, can have a positive impact on physical, psychological and spiritual well-being, and reminds you a shared outdoor activity is fun, costs little or nothing, and is a wonderful way to bring people closer together.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.