Jim Darrup
Mount Carmel
Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, was a crystal-clear September day. I was at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds helping my parents, Jim and Cathy Darrup, set up our cookie stand for our 20th season at the fair. We had about half the stand built by 10 when two ladies, out for their morning exercise, paused and asked if we heard what was happening in New York City.
We were a bit skeptical when they told us two airplanes had just crashed into the World Trade Center. By the time we had the stand completed and went for lunch early that afternoon, the terrorism attacks were all over the news.
For the past several years, I have made it a priority to be part of the Northumberland County Tunnel to Towers team. We raise funds to travel to New York City each year to support the Stephen Siller Foundation, which sponsors a 5K run/walk event honoring the courage and dedication of the first responders on Sept. 11, 2001. More than 22,000 people took part last year, and we anticipate more than 25,000 this year.
Our local group sponsored a 5K run/walk and chicken dinner fundraiser Saturday.
Connie Faust
Shamokin
In the weeks following the World Trade Center terrorist attack, Americans were united in grief, in patriotism and in calling out to God. Throughout the USA, everyone, from politicians to paupers, prayed unashamedly and together sang "God Bless America." The signs of a united Christian nation soon faded into oblivion as things returned to normal. Now America seems to have lost her way, as God is often treated as a stranger in our land.
This is the poem I did not enjoy writing; the facts so many ignore.
God, please bless America, and restore our nation to You.
America, Bless God!
America, you lift your voice in song
and call in heartfelt prayer upon the Lord.
United now, you sing "God Bless America,"
forgetting that you've trampled on His Word.
Amidst the horrors wrought upon your land,
your tears flow for the carnage of the free,
forgetting the millions of your babies
who cry in pain, "Why do you slaughter me?"
While children by the thousands live in fear,
their homes bereft of any loving care;
Their Moms and Dads, bound by a Godless culture,
are left with only bitterness to share.
In the name of liberty, your entertainment
has ravaged every child's innocence
with blasphemy, depravity and death;
Oh, America, how long till you repent?
Your bodies, which were made to serve your God,
in lust and gross perversion are misused;
while the marriage vow, once cherished and respected,
is cast aside, belittled and abused.
America, awaken to your sin now --
it's time to hearken to His earnest plea --
while God extends His loving hand of mercy,
inviting you, "Return! Return to Me!"
Then He will hear your fervent cry for pardon;
deliver you from wicked ways you've trod.
America, it's time to heed His gracious call
and turn back to your God now -
He'll heal your land, America!
Oh, America - America, bless God!
Ted Rutkoskie
Woodbridge, Va.
(Brother of Connie Faust)
Hold in your heart
In Arlington, Virginia, at the Pentagon,
In New York City and Shanksville, PA,
September eleventh for years now
has become a historic, infamous day.
Why did the Saudi Muslims carry out the vicious killings,
mass murders, acts of terror on civilians at random,
was it living out the dictates of their so-called holy book
or just using such excuse while true faith was abandoned?
It is likely we will never know the real whole truth
about the horrid events of that day in September,
But it will be a long, long time into our future
that we honor those victims of hatred and remember.
The shocking deed of a small group of misguided
professors of a faithfulness to a God up above,
Acted in such a heinous and sinful way that day
displaying not a hint of our true God's endless love.
Pray for the lost and the foolish men hiding behind religion
who perpetrate all kinds of vicious, hateful crimes,
Many have been led astray throughout the ages, sadly
by pure hatred, and revenge, as well as illness of minds.
Pray for the continued healing of the families
Of the lost taken from us on that day those years ago,
Some may never really recover from the losses
as we who've lost loved ones so sadly know.
Hold in your heart no hatred, no revengeful hopes
find a way to find true forgiveness for the violent horde,
We ourselves suffer when we harbor grudgingly
those feelings that can distance us from our saving Lord.