Today marks 16 years since that fateful day that would change the course of our history as we know it.  I struggle today with the words to say here.  I can recount numerous times where I was and what I was doing when terror struck our country.  Today I get to teach my precious little 5 year old boy all about this day, Patriot Day.  It's not a good thing to do but it's time he start learning.  I was a 17 year old girl in high school when this happened.  Neither one of my kids were even thought about at this time.  Their innocence is something to be admired, but today I live with grief in my heart. 

Many many years ago I chose to honor a first responder, a hero, every year on this very day.  I watched a documentary several months ago and when I saw his picture flash across the screen I exclaimed to my husband "that is the hero I honor every year."  It's not just about honoring him every year, but it's about honoring everyone that lost their lives to this tragic event. This year is no different.  He was an honorable man, who chose to go to the Twin Towers that morning because it was his duty. He lost his life that morning but no telling how many lives he really saved that day.  He will always remain in my heart. 

Today I honor him.  Everyday we honor those that lost their lives to this tragic event on US soil.  Today our hearts are filled with grief and sadness for those lives that were lost today.  May we remember them everyday and may we never forget.  I'm at a loss today with words, I've written the same story every year, a story about a courageous man, and yet I have no words today.  Here are a few links so you can learn more about this man I honor every year.

Here is a link to my blog post about Lt. Charles Joseph Margiotta.  Here is last years blog post.
If you would like to donate to the scholarship fund or read stories about Lt. Margiotta, you can do so here.

May we always remember the 2,996 people killed that day and all of those suffering from various illnesses brought on by this day.  You see the people killed that day weren't the only one's who had lives affected, many people are battling different illnesses and diseases from the many chemicals flying through the air that day.  Let us never forget this day.  God bless America!

Lt. Charles Margiotta, thank you for your unwavering service.  Every year I will continue to honor you and learn more about you.

Update: Today we talked to Stephen (5) about what happened on this day 16 years ago and showed him pictures.  We explained it in a way that he could understand.  Having to teach your kids about this is not fun, but we made a craft to honor this day with.  It tore his Daddy up having to tell him that the "tower building men" couldn't put the towers back together.  Ever year we will get to teach him more as this day is an important part of our history.  This is not something we keep quiet about in our household.  Today is about those lives lost, and by remembering this day we keep those people in our hearts.  This is for you Lt. Charles Margiotta, I will teach our son of your heroic acts, and about your life, you will be remembered for many generations to come.