Got this from a friend of mine who wrote it as part of a group invitation to a happy hour last night. Just thought I would share:

"On a more personal note....having been stranded for a while, I have not had
the opportunity to read any of the e-mail concerning the tragic events of
last Tuesday. In my isolation, I believed that everyone that I knew was OK.
I got my shock today - a friend of mine in the reserves was killed at the
Pentagon while he was on reserve duty. He leaves behind a wife and a 6-year
old daughter. As I continued to read the e-mail, I began to think of those
magnificent towers in New York - towers that I've visited maybe a dozen
times as a child and as an adult, and it's hard to fathom that they are
gone. I've had a chance to read words of support - and anger - from both
strangers and friends concerning these attacks. This is a terrible time in
our history, but I hope all of you are finding the strength to go forward.
I've spent nearly half my life associated with the Navy, either as a
midshipman, active duty officer, or as a reservist, and have never been more
proud to serve as now. I have no fear in giving my time, my abilities, or
my life to a country which has done so much for me. As each of you seek to
find your way forward over the coming days, weeks, and months - know that
your fellow citizens are doing their best to protect you and your freedoms
in the future. We slipped once - let's make sure it will never happen
again.

I'll grieve tonight, but I hope to see you tomorrow with a smile on my face
and a beer in my hand. Thanks for letting me ramble and thanks for being a
friend."

 

The strength of our country is right there.... well written

 

It's buttoned up real tight. Marines with M-16's and sandbags at the gates..