OPINION:
C.S. Lewis once said, “Since it is so likely that [children] will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage.”
On September 11th, we come together to remember the date and the lives intertwined with it — police officers, firefighters, and the passengers of Flight 93 and Flight 77. People like Flight 93 passenger Todd Beamer, lawyer and conservative commentator Barbara Olson, and Orio Palmer, Battalion Chief of the New York City Fire Department, whose stories are etched into the fabric of this day.
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The day is a solemn reminder of our nation’s resilience and unity in adversity. It’s a day when we come together to reflect on the profound significance of freedom and the sacrifices made by individuals who displayed unwavering courage.
Now more than ever, passing on these stories to our children and grandchildren is crucial to help them understand their duties as American citizens and the sacrifices many made in response to the call of duty during that time. Ronald Reagan aptly framed our obligations in his final remarks in office, “Because that’s what free people do. We come together; we solve problems; we win, they lose.”
The lessons of sacrifice and resilience, the narratives of heroes, continue to inspire and guide us. They underscore the power of symbolism, reminding us to pause and celebrate the gift of life, allowing us to recalibrate and persevere.
One of the most valuable gifts we can give future generations is the hope that today’s challenges will pass and that we will continue to defeat our enemies through a commitment to defend the American dream.
Just a few weeks before his passing, my father, Dr. A. Pierre Guillermin, co-founder and president emeritus of Liberty University, gave the charge at the Liberty University 2019 graduation. His remarks deeply struck a chord, guiding me as I grapple with the challenges confronting our nation and the world.
He reminded those gathered that anniversaries are reminders of a tapestry of experiences and a kaleidoscope of events. Their meaning may become more apparent in hindsight, but their actual impact is felt when we learn from them and continue forward progress. In the broader context of eternity, he believed that God orchestrates the intricate threads of our life’s story, even when we may not grasp the significance of each small step we take.
He encouraged us to think critically, leveraging our knowledge, freedom, and the responsibilities that come with it to fulfill our missions.
His words also emphasized embracing freedom with a sense of responsibility: “[Your life] is a testimony of conduct and purpose…of rights and privileges.” He urged us not to find satisfaction in the commonplace but to elevate society’s intellectual and moral tone. Time and eternity, he believed, would ultimately reveal the impact of our lives, our integrity, and our respect for fellow humans.
As we prepare to witness the ceremonies honoring those who died 22 years ago, let’s reflect on my father’s wisdom. Let’s commit to responsibly celebrating our freedom by reaching across the aisle and moving forward on common ground to defend our great nation.
Let’s celebrate and appreciate those who have supported us on life’s journey. Let’s approach our work with discipline and diplomacy, filling our conversations with care and empathy. When faced with difficult discussions, let’s strive to acknowledge the other person’s point of view and the pain points they have suffered. Let’s manage our dialogue in a way that makes sense to others, allowing us to articulate a path forward.
God sees our entire timeline and sometimes bestows us unique opportunities to make a difference or impact. Be ready when He calls and be thankful for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
As we commemorate this day, let our message be one of hope and determination, where good prevails over evil.
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Lisa Gable is a CEO, former US Ambassador, UN Delegate, and author of Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestseller “Turnaround – How to Change Course When Things Are Going South.” Lisa is recognized worldwide as a turnaround mastermind and innovative businesswoman and started her career in the Reagan administration.
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