It has happened to all of us now in one form or another. We are all victims. Now we all know a little bit about what it is like to feel violated and helpless. We all go about our business these days just a little bit more cautiously then we used too, do we not? We look over our shoulders a little bit more. Some of us have cancelled plane trips and vacations. Some of us are a little hesitant about going to that big football stadium. When a plane flies by now do we not look to the sky just to make sure that "it is one of ours" and to kind of check what direction it is flying in? Some of us have been directly affected with the loss of a family member or close friend and the loss and shock of that, even weeks later, still has barely registered. We ask how and why us? What would possess someone who doesn't even know us, someone so evil, to kill thousands of innocent, defenseless people?
Now we all can relate a little bit about how victim's families here locally live every day. The wondering why, the questions never answered the waiting for news. The terror and horror of what just cannot be happening to them. Yes, now it has happened to us all.

In all of the turmoil and trouble though, we have also seen the heroes. The policemen and firemen risking their lives to save others. The workers digging and working, endlessly looking for survivors. Our brave military people securing our security and preparing for yet who knows what lies before us and them. We turn homeward and think of our local heroes in our own families or friends and neighbors on our own streets. One neighbor shares with another a flag to hang outside, another one offering to take an elderly neighbor to the store. We need to bond together as families as friends in our own individual streets and roads. We need more than ever to get out and meet those people who live around us. Just to say hi, exchange phone numbers, or even just to say "I'm here if you ever need me for anything." More than ever we need to be a part of our Neighborhood Watch Programs and from there help join in Community Watch. We build strength from our base, our family, our friends, and our neighbors. For united we will stand. We may live in fear and apprehension, but we can also live in the security of knowing we are not alone. We are all victims now, but we can all be heroes as well. We can hang a flag up. We can pray a little bit more. We can throw our hands up and ask why? We can make a fist and shake it towards the Middle East, or we can join hands and come together. For united we will stand with peace, liberty and justice for all.