So, unfortunately, it’s a prize no one wants to win, but people like I, did. I grew up in Morris County, New Jersey, had finished my Ph.D. and ironically moved back to the area as an assistant professor, and 9-11 happened.
In my childhood small town, the police marked the tires on the cars in the train parking lot — over 200 cars were left abandoned (well, for some, their bereaved spouses claimed the cars). At Mass that weekend, the Monsignor spent 20 minutes reading the list of the dead. I’ll refrain from mentioning my personal death toll. It leaves me speechless.

Equally sadly, the university students today, some of whom were not yet born, do not understand why some of us were so sad this week. They say that they “get it,” but without true, deep comprehension, well... they did not want to take a moment of silence, so, I just kept teaching. Whisky Tango Foxtrot.

Let’s just say this. Pearl Harbor was decimated more than 30 years before was I born, and I have immense respect and complete reverence for that day, all involved, maimed, and killed. All humans should, as we should for all atrocities, anywhere, anytime.

Only God knows how this past August 2021 will be viewed, perpetrated unnecessarily by insanity. So very, very sad. At least in this case, we know who called for it, and he, with “much experience,” yet least in ability and leadership.... well, he will pay. The bereaved families have already begun exacting that toll.

No true leader would ever say his predecessors were also to blame. That’s just demented.

All prayers for salvation to everyone, especially quickly to those who die because of another’s illicit actions/decisions.