Thoughts on the 20th anniversary of 9/11

Submitted by James E. Staebler
Posted 9/21/21

Dear Editor:

Thank you for the Sept. 9 article on the 9/11 anniversary event and especially for those who made the move from the firehouse to Washington Park and the new time. I had arranged to …

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Thoughts on the 20th anniversary of 9/11

Posted

Dear Editor:

Thank you for the Sept. 9 article on the 9/11 anniversary event and especially for those who made the move from the firehouse to Washington Park and the new time. I had arranged to meet my family from Cody and was joined from those in Powell for the flag raising from the fire truck over Bent on Sept. 10. Grandchildren need to learn to be patriots and learn it from family.

That change in time allowed me to come over again on the afternoon of Sept. 11 for the event at Washington Park. It was superb and so well attended. I was especially inspired by the special cake remembering 9/11. The flag raising was even more inspiring and I had to thank some of those involved especially the one whose young son was there. We need more of that in America.

I was disappointed by the comment near the end of the article about the “War on Terror continues to be drawn to a close,” because the War on Terror is going to become so much greater in the future.

As to the Sept. 9 guest column, yes, we must learn from the war in Afghanistan. I agree we should not be in the business of nation building especially in a culture so diametrically opposed to what we have in America. The line “failed to be candid ... about the lack of progress” I took to mean our political leaders lied to us. That seems to be everyday these days. $2.3 trillion. What is Congress trying to pass this month? Something like $3.5 trillion that may end up costing over $5-plus trillion.

Realistically I see how the way this totally botched exit from Afghanistan for a photo op on 9/11 places the blame squarely on the Democrats. The guest columnist hopes this tale is not repeated in his lifetime. As a Vietnam veteran I have yet to see us fight a war in order to win the war like we did back in World War II, when I was born. Thank you for your service and “Welcome Home” even though your hope seems like it won’t come to pass.

I would also suggest that on 9/11/2022 during the Washington Park celebration the speaker thank all military veterans and not just those who have served since 9/11/2001.

James E. Staebler

Lovell

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