It is a mere 14 years since the nation was horrified and mesmerized by the televised aftermath of the death and destruction caused by suicidal radical Islamic hijackers seeking to bring the United States down.
The first thoughts of most on the morning of 9-11-2001 was it was a terrible accident when a large plane crashed into a tall building in New York City.
Any thought that the first building was hit accidentally by a plane out of control was gone immediately, when, before a nation watching on live television, a second plane hit the second of the Twin Towers. Both buildings eventually were brought down by the vicious attack, killing and injuring many people.
In that moment, a new meaning was given to the numbers 9/11.
Flights were grounded nationwide as a result of communication from the passengers on a third plane. Moments before that plane hit the Pentagon, the passengers revealed that suicidal radical Islamic hijackers were doing their worst.
When passengers on a fourth plane, Flight 93, discovered what was in their future via the dependable cell phone, they bravely rallied to the cry of "Let's Roll," and brought it down in a Pennsylvania field. That plane was apparently meant to target the U.S. Capitol or the White House.
It appears likely that a second wave of attacks was planned for the west coast, But those flights never got off the ground, due to the immediate Federal Aviation Administration "no fly" order given in the United States.
It was a time of both terrible tragedy and tremendous bravery as thousands died in the buildings and hundreds in the hijacked planes. For a time, the nation appeared to come together for a single cause.
Here in California, the following Saturday was the long set date for California's Ozark Ham and Turkey Festival. Some thought of canceling it, but the patriotic citizenry changed the theme to a patriotic display, with abundant American flags and patriotic banners on large trucks entered in the parade.
A special entry in the parade was a riderless horse representing those lost in the attack on the nation. But Moniteau County was not alone. Patriotism was observed nationwide.
Today, 14 years later, 9/11 still has the meaning of a vicious attack made without warning on innocent victims.
On Friday, Sept. 11, 2015, there were remembrances and the original attack videos were shown. In California, the American flag was on display all over the city.
We should remember that the enemies of this nation are still seeking its destruction and the death of its citizens.
"Remember 9/11."