TOPIC:September 11th
Today is a somber occasion. Unless you've been living under a rock, you know what 9/11 (or 9-11) means to Americans from ALL walks of life. It was the day that America was attacked by terrorists, on our own soil. We lost almost 3,000 lives that day -- fathers, sons, wives, daughters and children.
Many people died that Monday morning. More are sick and dying now -- from airborne related illnesses, infection, cancer and poisoning caused by the after-effects of the attacks.
One group chose to die rather than allowing their hijacked plane to become a missile headed for the White House or Capital. Firefighters, policemen and ordinary citizens ran into harm's way in order to save others. Hundreds of those folks lost their lives in a heroic effort to help people they didn't know.
It was a horrible moment in time. It was also a time that defined heroism and self-sacrifice.
I was supposed to be in New York City that day, for a business and pleasure trip. Thankfully, certain events changed my plans and I didn't have to go to New York that weekend. I thank God I wasn't there -- wasn't in one of those airplanes or on the ground in Manhattan.
Rather that further pontificate about the fifth anniversary of the al-Qaeda attacks, I'd like to offer a few pictures and links to sites commermorating this day in history. Here are a few noteworthy links:

• Netscape.com is hosting a thought-provoking blog entitled: "Where Were YOU On 9/11?" [At the time of this posting, there are 400+ answers to the question -- including mine.]
• LycosNews - Moments of Silence
• AP Ipsos - Poll on 9/11
• Wired News - Artist renderings of The Freedom Tower (and other planned buildings)
• AP Photos (hosted by LycosNews) - September 11th
• Pravada.ru - An excellent group of photos
• Cooperative Research - Extensive timeline of 9/11 events
• FoxNews - Lengthy article and linked photo essays