Mom and Dad's memorial

In the military a spoiling attack is when a weakened defensive force unexpectedly attacks a superior force. The aim of the spoiling attack is to disrupt the superior force before they can launch a crushing attack on the defenders. In the first real battle of the war on Islamo-terror-fascists (ITF) on U.S. soil, Todd Beamer, Tom Burnett, Mark Bingham, Jeremy Glick and other passengers aboard United Airlines flight 93 ruined ITF plans to strike the White House or Capital Building with a spoiling attack.

The passengers via cell phone conversations with loved ones had gotten word of the World trade Center and Pentagon attacks. Beamer was trying to reach his wife but only got as far as an operator. After a short conversation and recitation of the 23rd Psalm with the operator, Beamer was heard to utter the now famous phrase “Let’s Roll.” The brave passengers rushed their captors and struggled for control of the doomed flight before crashing into a Pennsylvania field. This is heroic stuff by any standard.

So let’s build a memorial to the brave soles of United Flight 93. A statue would be nice. It could have a group of stern looking men of action, clenched fists, chests out, loosening ties and taking off their jackets while stepping forward - reminiscent of the WWII recruiting poster. Beneath the statue we could emblazon the words “LET’S ROLL.” Beneath that a list of the names of the innocent soles lost on Flight 93. On the back we could put the 23rd Psalm which brought them comfort in their last minutes. We’ll surround the whole thing with American flags and play “God Bless American” at the unveiling ceremony. Damn! That’s a memorial!

What? They’ve already got one! Great let’s see it. Huh? Where’s the statue commemorating the men who fought for control of the plane? Too corny? Who says? The artist! Why is this dopey thing is shaped like an Islamic Red Crescent? To provide for healing? For who?

Somewhere along the way American’s have forgotten how to build memorials. I think it started with that Vietnam thing. Mom and Dad knew how to build memorials. The Lincoln, Jefferson and Washington memorials all lift the spirit while recalling great deeds of great men. The Marine Corps War Memorial recalls a great moment in a great battle and is an inspiration to all. Since the creation of these great memorials we have been cursed with the unimaginative and sullen taking control and making memorials. They now design things to make us feel like crap instead of inspiring us to greater deeds by the sacrifices made by other. Hell, one cannot even tell what event these new age memorials are designed to commemorate. The Vietnam War Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the FDR “thing” in D.C. are all dark, grim and brooding. (The WWII memorial is good but Mom and Dad did design that in the person of Bob Dole.) The Oklahoma memorial is beautiful but nowhere can one find much of anything to lift the spirit.

Why do we let the artsy know nothings do this to us? These memorials should be inspiring not grim and gloomy. Memorials should be more than places of contemplation. Perhaps most importantly, memorials in some way ought to serve as a reminder of why it is a memorial site. We visited the American cemetery in Belgium. A cemetery is certainly a place where you’d expect a morose and gloomy atmosphere. But instead, along with beautiful white marble crosses there were beautiful towers that showed why the men died. There were plaques that described their struggle and what their deaths had accomplished.

This latest crescent “thing” is an abomination. It serves more to honor the ITF than the innocents aboard flight 93. Mom and Dad would not stand for this rubbish. Why should we? Voice your outrage by e-mailing FLNI_Superintendent@nps.gov

The Lord is my Shepherd;
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name' sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil:
For thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.