Camaraderie, Joyousness and Democracy Pervade

We are average Americans. All sections of this country and many of its occupations are represented, as well as many political, economic, social, and religious backgrounds. We are people who normally would not mix. But there exists among us a fellowship, a friendliness, and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful. We are like the passengers of a great liner the moment after rescue from shipwreck when camaraderie, joyousness and democracy pervade the vessel from steerage to Captain's table. Unlike the feelings of the ship's passengers, however, our joy in escape from disaster does not subside as we go our individual ways. The feeling of having shared in a common peril is one element in the powerful cement which binds us. But that in itself would never have held us together as we are now joined. (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 17)

We are average Americans
of every state, of every bent,
from homeless to aristocrat,
from child to centenarian
who came together ten years ago,
resolute, united, affirming
and affirmed. We have learned
when people face fear head-on,
when duty, others, necessity
replaces our ego-centric norm,
we who are powerless
become powerful through the
process and love happens.

May God bless the victims, their family, the first responders, the laborers long afterward, and the armed services. God bless America.