America Attacked:
When America Was Attacked We Pulled Together Like a Family

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September 2001

By Len Deo, President of the NJ Family Policy Council

An act of war was carried out by terrorists on thousands of American civilians…. fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, grandparents, neighbors and friends. In the wake of these horrific events, and as they unfolded, our hearts turned to God and to our families. Now, as almost a month has passed we have reflected on these extraordinary events as we have had time to think, to remember, to pray.

Like one nation under God, more than ever Americans are pulling together like a family. And like a family, when one family member is attacked the others come to their aid and defense. This kinship that awes our enemies and friends alike is evident in the brave and loving sacrifices of rescue workers and citizens, in the halls of our hallowed institutions, and in communities all across our country.

But, as we begin to rebuild and better defend our nation, we also need to recognize that our families are in crisis, and as our nation possibly goes to war to defend our country we on the home front ought to seek ways to better defend the family. The role of family is not only vital, but foundational to our culture. Strong families strengthen a nation at its core, and when families are strong they need less governmental aid and instead have a greater capacity to serve and to help others. The bottom line is that the best department of health, education and welfare is the family – undergirded by moral principle and supported by laws founded on such principle.

John Adams, our second President aptly stated the foundational importance of laws tempered by morality in our society. “It is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand.” Religion and virtue are the only foundations… of all free governments.” He further explained that “We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion…. This is why, since that terrible Tuesday morning, we Americans have returned to our foundational virtues, sought God’s presence and solace, reaffirmed our noble national ideals, and pulled together like a family.

As men and women of such virtue and valor risked their lives at Ground Zero, it seems that the greatest tragedy inflicted on our country by terrorists has turned from America’s darkest hour into America’s finest hour. Ordinary citizens became extraordinary heroes right down to those donating blood and giving food, clothing, medical supplies and donations. As our President praises these sacrificial actions and America unites in purpose to stamp out terrorism, the President has also taken the opportunity, by official proclamation, to unify us in remembering that “strong families make a strong America.”

As we continue the process of healing, our heartfelt prayers are with the victims of this most brutal attack and the families that were left behind. And, while we echo the words seen on many signs and bumper stickers “God Bless America,” we would also encourage the people of this great nation to keep the following thought foremost in our minds “let us seek ways to honor God in all that we do.”
Sept. 2001.

 

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