I have to confess...I was never very patriotic. I took this beautiful country for granted, but I have been enlightened. I have never felt so much pride for my country in my life, and never before would I have considered buying an American flag...but I have been looking for a flag since Wednesday to buy but many of the stores are sold out. I also have put a few flags on my car, and Graham wears his American flag bandana. I feel proud of America, and I hope we can make it through this without any more attacks on the US. I feel bad for not showing my American pride before this terrible trajity, but I am making up for it with my support and love for the country now. I feel a sence of union when I see people proudly displaying their American flags and I feel more connected to my brothers and sisters of this wonderful country. If nothing more, then this trajic event has had one positive effect on us Americans...I think it is giving us a deeper sence of union, brotherhood, pride and love for our country and our fellow Americans, a stronger urge to give, as well as all the wonderful countries who are mourning with us and lending us a helping hand.

Today I am taking an extended lunch to pay tribute to those victims and their family members lost on the 11th. Since today was created as a day to remember those lost. I urge you all to check with your employers and see if they, also, are extending lunch hours, or letting employees off early to attend their house of worship to be able to mourn and pray for the victims.

God bless you all,

Leslie