THANKS TO HEROES

Tonight, we gather to remember a defining moment that transformed our nation and our world. It brought tragedy and unthinkable evil, but in defiance, there arose a distinctly American response.

Without fear of hiding, in the midst of adversity and attack, we witnessed a Revival of the American Spirit, the Spirit of Freedom and Strength. And that Spirit arose in you.

No matter who you were or where you were from, you came to our rescue.
Marked by Grace, you offered Hope that we would recover.

On this historic evening we honor every man, woman and child who gave sacrificially. To every person whose life was taken prematurely in the hijacked planes, the Twin Towers, and the Pentagon. To every Uniformed Officer: the Finest of the NYPD, the Bravest of the FDNY, the Port Authority Police, every EMT. To every 9-1-1 operator, relief worker, airline employee, blood donor, public official, union worker, volunteer, counselor, clergy, doctor, nurse, and ordinary Citizen. To every person who didn't know what to do, but gave your prayers, finances and encouragement. To every military person fighting for our freedom. We pause today, and together we say, "THANK YOU."

Thank you for your courage in crisis, your strength of character, and your unwavering love. Thank You for being our Heroes.

Although few of you will ever become household names, we will never forget you. And we will Always Honor You.

Please join me in welcoming one of these Heroes. A man who survived both Tower collapses and was one of the last lives saved by Fire Chief Peter Ganci. Ladies and gentlemen, one of New York's Bravest . . . Fireman John Picarello.

- Delivered by Jeremy Del Rio at "A Tribute to Grace and Hope," September 11, 2002, Madison Square Garden

- Written by Xcel Advisor Chris Fredericks and Jeremy Del Rio

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For more on Xcel's response to 9/11, go here.

Additional articles by Jeremy available online:

Things We Don't Talk About (February 2005)
X Factor: Redefining a Generation for Xmas (December 2004)
An Embarrassment of Riches: Economic Injustice and the Church (November 2004)
Wake Up from Slumber: Civic Hypocrisy and Voter Dysfunction (October 2004)
A Letter to My Son on Father's Day (June 2004)
Fight of the Fatherless (May 2004)
Let's Talk about Sex (April 2004)
Beyond Passion: Living a Crucified Life (March 2004)
Crisis of Zeroes: Engaging NYC Public Schools (September 2003)
WWJD (What Would Jay-Z Do): Engaging Youth Culture (August 2003)
The Joshua Paradox: Establishing a Meaningful Mentorship Model (July 2003)
Young People are NOT the Future: Embracing the YW8? (Why Wait?)™ Generation (June 2003)
A View from Ground Zero (September 2001)
By Any Means Necessary: Free Hot Dogs and Youth Evangelism (July 2001)
Ground Zero Photos (Photography)

Visit HERE for more Xcel Original Writings.