Memories are important. It doesn’t matter what we remember but the fact we can remember adds quality to our lives.

Some of us can remember specific events from our childhoods but can’t recall what we had for supper last night.

As we get older and busier, people’s names, doctor’s appointments, and items on grocery lists sometimes are forgotten.

Certain events are easily remembered including where we were and what we were doing when they occurred.

We’re approaching the anniversary of Sept. 11, when life in the U.S. changed, possibly forever.

I remember the day. I was working for the City of Marion and was on the phone with a business owner, when she said, “A plane just hit the World Trade Center in New York.”

At that time, the city offices were where Marion Chamber of Commerce is now located, in the northeast part of the city building.

A television was turned on in the office that sunny, fall day, and we watched the events unfold — numb with disbelief.

When the Murrow Building was bombed in Oklahoma City in April 1995, I was working at the courthouse in the register of deeds office. When I went home for lunch and watched the coverage on television, I couldn’t believe anyone could do that. Finding out the bombers were men who had lived in Marion County for a time made the event even more unbelievable.

It was that point in time that we began to realize anything could happen — even in the Midwest.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, this country has focused on war and getting even. Regardless of a person’s opinion of the war, one thing is certain — we are grateful to those men and women — many from this county — who are serving in the military.

Let’s take a minute Friday to reflect, remember, and offer a prayer of thanks for those who are fighting for our freedom.

God speed to all.

— susan berg