Saturday, September 11, 2010

We will never forget...

Nine years ago today, I was holding our 12 day old baby girl and my mom was at my house (it was my parents' 30 year anniversary). Rob had officially became active duty the day before. The phone rang. It was Rob. "Are you watching tv?" "No," I said. He told me to turn it on. Every tv station was showing the horrible events that were unfolding. "I think we're under attack, Dena". Like so many that day, my world changed. I just wouldn't know how drastic until 7 years later. 19 months after the 9/11 attack, he left for his first tour in Iraq. A year later, he returned, only to go back to Iraq 9 months later. A few days before Rob left for Afghanistan, he looked at me and said "You know, people can argue over whether or not we should've went to war against Iraq but no one can argue our war with Afghanistan. Bin Laden is the reason for 9/11. We will hunt him down and we will find him." Nobody wants war. War is not pretty. But terrorists who want to take over OUR country do not care if they kill innocent people. In order to defend our country and to defend our citizens, we must find those who so cruely violated us and are trying to take away our freedom. "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the blood stream. Its must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."-Ronald Reagan. So, today I am remembering those who lost their lives on that terrible day September 11, 2001 and the service men and women who continue to fight so that we will never again have another terrorist attack on our land. God bless America and God bless our troops. Freedom isn't free.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful tribute, Dena--we will NEVER forget. God Bless you and yours.

The Bender's said...

FREEDOM is NOT FREE...God Bless You and Your family! See you soon and we will NEVER forget!
Love to all,
Karen, Craig, Logan, Zach, and Jacob

Anonymous said...

Dena,
Your words moved me to tears.
Thank you for continuing to keep
Rob's spirit alive through your
blog. Thank you for continuing
to let us have a glimpse of life
in your world as it is now.
Continue to stay strong for your
daughters, they are so precious.

Heather said...

Wow, Dena! Such poignant words from someone, who although you weren't on one of the planes, or in one of those buildings, were affected all the same. It is so hard to fathom the hatred those terrorists have for humanity. Thank goodness we have brave men and women, like your husband, out there fighted for our freedom so that we can continue to live in a secure country. Thank you for your sacrifice. God Bless the USA!

Heather in Helena, MT

Eve said...

Very well said, Dena. Thank you. I check in at times and am so pleased how well you and your girls are doing. You are truly Blessed, Eve

Unknown said...

I appreciate the sacrifice Rob made and you are making to defend our country. Thank you.

Kyle said...

Dena,

We do not know each other, but I remember Rob from ROTC at Nebraska. I think we also served as young enlisted guys in the 1-167th CAV at the same time. It's been over 10 years, but when I saw Rob's name on a wrist identification bracelet worn by SSG Joslin I immediately knew it was Rob. Your blog is touching and insightful. Thank you for sharing your life and Rob's legacy as a father and husband with us. Your example and dedication as a mother and surviving spouse touches my heart. THANK YOU Dena and Rob for your service and sacrifice to this country.
Respectfully,
CPT Kyle Lindholm