United We Stand!
'Karen and Jay share thoughts on the opportunity for Americans to unite – and come together'
A most positive opportunity lies before us! It has been a long, and sometimes divisive campaign season. As we approach election day, we have the opportunity to transcend all this, resolve to come together as a nation – no matter the outcome of November 5th – and move forward with unity and a positive spirit – helping achieve the full potential of our great nation. When we come together as Americans, we truly are unstoppable.
The power of America lies in our remarkable ability to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. As we approach the pivotal moment of the election, it is essential to recognize that regardless of which candidate emerges victorious, our true strength comes from our collective spirit as American citizens. This spirit transcends political affiliations and encourages us to come together in the name of shared values and aspirations. In uniting, we can navigate the challenges ahead and foster a stronger, more resilient nation.
Campaigns can often be hard-fought, leading to division and contention. Emotions run high, and opinions can clash; however, it is vital to remember that the political sphere is just one aspect of our lives. Beyond the ballot box, we are bound by our connections to family, community, and the values that define us as individuals. These foundational elements of our society are what give us the resilience to overcome differences and focus on what truly matters: the well-being of our loved ones and our communities.
America is a beacon of freedom, prosperity, and generosity. Our nation's history is a testament to the indomitable spirit of its people, who have built a society where dreams can flourish and opportunities abound. As the most prosperous and generous nation in history, we have a unique role in leading with compassion and understanding. By cherishing our country and the privileges it affords us, we are called to honor that legacy through unity and mutual respect, irrespective of our political differences.
Let us approach the days following the election with a spirit of gratitude and love for one another. In the face of divisiveness, an unwavering commitment to kindness can become the powerful thread that binds us together. By focusing on our shared humanity, we can cultivate an atmosphere where positive values take prominence over conflict, and the human spirit can flourish. This will not only strengthen our communities but also inspire future generations who will inherit the spirit of unity and cooperation we foster today.
As we look to the future, let us resolve to be unstoppable as a nation, propelled by the strength of our unity. Together, we can address the challenges we face and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. In solidarity, we can unleash the best of what America has to offer—an inclusive society where every voice is heard and valued. By embracing the principles of gratitude and community, we can transcend political divides and create a brighter, more harmonious future for all.
How Unity Was Born Out of Tragedy: Remembering 9/11
I remember very clearly where I was the morning of September 11, 2001, when I heard the news. Downstairs in my home office, I turned on the TV and, along with rest of the world watched in horror as terrorists carried out an unprecedented attack on American soil. The collapse of the Twin Towers, the impact on the Pentagon, and the heroic efforts of passengers on United Flight 93 marked one of the darkest days in modern history. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost in just a few hours, and in that moment, it felt as though time had stopped. People worldwide were glued to their screens, shocked and grieving, as they witnessed scenes of unimaginable destruction. For a time, our differences faded as we collectively mourned the lives lost and prayed for the families left behind.
Yet, as the dust settled, a remarkable wave of unity began to emerge. Strangers comforted one another on street corners, communities organized candlelight vigils, and churches and places of worship opened their doors to people of all beliefs. Faith leaders of all denominations led prayers for peace and comfort, filling sanctuaries with thousands who came together in their shared sorrow and hope. In parks and public squares across the globe, people gathered, holding candles as symbols of light in the darkness. The world’s major cities, from London to Sydney, held similar events, offering their solidarity with America. These gestures showed that, despite differences in race, nationality, or creed, we could unite when faced with profound loss.
The unity born from 9/11 revealed our collective resilience and strength. Flags flew proudly on homes and businesses, while bumper stickers bore messages like “United We Stand.” In workplaces, schools, and households, conversations centered on how to support the nation and one another. People volunteered to give blood, donate to relief efforts, and provide support to first responders. In a climate of uncertainty and fear, the spirit of service and empathy reminded us that we were bound by something greater than our individual identities—our shared humanity.
This sense of unity was a powerful testament to what we can achieve when we focus on the positive forces that bind us. The darkness of that day did not divide us; it united us in ways that transcended political, cultural, and social barriers. It proved that we could rise above the bad and the negative by coming together in compassion, understanding, and hope. When we choose to focus on our shared values and our mutual desire for peace, we are capable of overcoming even the most daunting challenges.
In a world that often feels divided, the unity that followed 9/11 serves as a lasting reminder of our potential for solidarity. When we come together in positivity and mutual respect, we become stronger than any force that might try to tear us apart. This anniversary reminds us not only of those we lost but also of the strength we found in one another. And if we choose to channel that same spirit in today’s challenges, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome. Let us remember that when we unite, we can indeed rise above the darkness.
A Nation United: The Response to Pearl Harbor
The day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, the United States rallied as a nation, unified in a way few had seen before. The news of the surprise attack, which killed over 2,400 Americans, spread rapidly, leaving the country in shock, anger, and sorrow. Yet, almost immediately, a strong sense of unity and patriotism emerged across the nation, as Americans from all backgrounds, races, and religions came together to support the country’s war effort and the families affected by the tragedy.
On December 8, as President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed Congress, calling December 7 “a date which will live in infamy,” millions of Americans listened by radio. His speech was a call to arms, not only for soldiers but for every American citizen. Within hours, enlistment offices were crowded with young men volunteering to join the military. Many had never before considered a military career, but the attack on Pearl Harbor galvanized a generation to serve. Women, too, played an important role by volunteering within the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), the Red Cross, and other support organizations.
Communities across the country mobilized quickly, supporting the war effort in numerous ways. Local businesses and factories shifted to war production, manufacturing weapons, vehicles, and supplies needed for the military. Neighborhood organizations and community centers held drives to collect metal, rubber, and other materials essential for building military equipment. Children and families even organized scrap metal drives, gathering whatever they could contribute. Community gardens, known as “victory gardens,” sprang up nationwide as citizens grew their own food to reduce the strain on agricultural resources needed by the military.
Additionally, community events and fundraising campaigns were organized to support the families of those killed or injured at Pearl Harbor. Civic organizations, churches, and schools held events to raise funds for relief efforts, often supporting the Red Cross and other agencies aiding servicemen and their families. Letters and care packages were sent to soldiers and sailors stationed abroad, providing them with reminders of home and a sense of solidarity.
The attack on Pearl Harbor ultimately forged a profound sense of unity, mobilizing Americans to support the war effort and one another. The collective response demonstrated the resilience and patriotism of the American people, setting the tone for the nation’s role in World War II and leaving an enduring legacy of community spirit.
And interestingly, some of what was started back during the war has survived i.e., Elliot Perry and the Perry Foundation just recently partnered with Harbor Care to fund a victory garden for the veterans who live at BAE Independence Hall in Manchester, NH. Looking back at history we can re-remember things that helped bring us together back then and can do so yet again today!
Positive Profile of the Week: Remembering Todd Beamer: A Legacy of Unity and Courage
This week we are delighted to highlight a true American hero – whose selfless spirit and courage – was a driving force in helping to unite the country in the aftermath of 9/11.
In just a few short weeks, on Sunday, November 24th, let’s take a moment to remember Todd Beamer on what would have been his 56th birthday. You may not know his name, considering he passed away 23 years ago, but I want to make sure he is not soon forgotten.
Raised with his two sisters in a house "with a strong biblical value system and work ethic," Todd was an account manager for a computer company, following in his father’s footsteps. On the fateful morning of September 11, 2001, he was aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which had been hijacked by terrorists. Flight Attendant Sandra Bradshaw, on the phone with her husband, said, "Everyone is running up to first class. I've got to go. Bye." Beamer told GTE phone operator Lisa Jefferson that he and a few passengers were planning to "jump" the hijacker with the bomb. He then recited the Lord's Prayer and the 23rd Psalm with Jefferson, prompting others to join in. Beamer requested of Jefferson, "If I don't make it, please call my family and let them know how much I love them." After this, Jefferson heard muffled voices and Beamer answering, "Are you ready? Okay. Let's roll." These were Beamer's last words to Jefferson.
The group of passengers overtook the terrorists, preventing them from reaching their target, the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. All passengers perished in the crash in Pennsylvania. Inspired by Beamer, Neil Young later released a song called "Let’s Roll." There were three other songs inspired by the event, and President George W. Bush used the phrase “Let’s roll” several times in speeches. Though Beamer’s words and heroism have been widely shared, not everyone knows who Todd Beamer was, or how pivotal he was, not just on that plane, but in the bigger picture.
In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, in which 2,977 victims immediately lost their lives, the world was stunned. The attacks were widely condemned by world governments, even those traditionally considered hostile to the United States, such as Cuba, Iran, Syria, Libya, North Korea, and Afghanistan. The image of heroism—led by Todd—of a group coming together in a common cause was like a rock hitting a pond, creating a ripple effect that spread across the world. There were tributes and acknowledgments throughout Europe, Africa, China, India…every corner of the globe knew what had happened, and the internet was still in its infancy. In Berlin, 200,000 Germans marched in solidarity with America. Three days after the attacks, the crew of the German destroyer Lütjens manned the rails as they approached the American destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill, displaying an American flag and a banner reading "We Stand By You."
For a period of time, differences of race, gender, age, nationality, and religion were forgotten by most. We were all simply human—except, of course, for the terrorists. Today, in the United States, we find ourselves in a very different place. Divisions exist around race, gender, age, nationality, religion, and especially politics.
We can come together for the common cause of freedom, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We can find ways to work toward common ground and shared causes. We can find our way back from divided states to the United States. And we can be inspired by the leadership and courage of Todd Beamer - Let’s roll!
Quote of the Week: Uniting as Americans
"United there is little we cannot do; divided there is little we can do. We meet the challenge rather by joining together in a common purpose than by indulging in bickering and self-pity."
-John F. Kennedy
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