It's impossible to forget that this is the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks. As I'm sure most Americans do, I remember that horrible day many times throughout the year; when I hear something related on the news or sometimes when the morning sky is crystal clear and bright the way it was that morning. But while the date is impossible to forget, we have a choice about how we spend today and all the September 11's still to come.

Continued...

Many fear the American people have forgotten too much about that day; that they have lost the fighting spirit we had in the immediate aftermath of the attacks. That may be true. But wallowing in sadness for one day a year and then returning to normal on September 12 will not reawaken that spirit. Taking an interest in what is going on in our world today; getting informed and involved all year round is what will keep that American spirit high and fully engaged.

Should we remember those who lost their lives on that morning in 2001? Of course. And we should say a prayer (or send a good thought if you aren't inclined to pray) for their loved ones on whatever days they cross our minds.

But I refuse to turn over 1/365th of the rest of my life to the cowards who slaughtered thousands of innocents. I will not plug into the tragic video scrapbook playing out in the media and online nor will I feel an obligation to listen to politicians attempt to use the date as some kind of rallying cry for whatever their individual cause may me.

The terrorists stole September 11, 2001. I won't let them have this one.