Rising from the ashes still smoldering in the blush of an October sunset, an intangible sense strong and true that speaks of all that is good in the human spirit. It is heard in the voice rather than the words when they sing their National Anthem. It is felt in earnest hugs that used to be cursory handshakes. It is seen in the eyes of our fellow man; once a faceless stranger of no consequence or consideration. It drifts in the sulfuric essence of the damp night air amidst those gathered in candlelight tribute to fallen heroes. It is savored around the table at family dinner, no longer silenced by the exhausting routine of daily life. It is precious, once lost, now found again.
Some would call what has emerged from the ashes, Patriotism; I would call it the best part of the human spirit that gave birth to this great Nation. Such human spirit will not be silenced by threat or intimidation, nor will it turn a blind eye to injustice and inequality. It is compassionate, courageous, and vigilant; the best of us, required of us if we are to sustain a free Country. It took the courage of our forefathers to speak out against injustice and inequality to achieve and maintain a free Nation. Compassion has long been the driving force behind legislation that will lift our people up to a common ground that unites. We have been a vigilant people; watching that a government of, for and by the people does not deviate from that premise so that we may preserve our freedoms for future generations. The human spirit of courage, compassion and vigilance is Patriotism. Somewhere along the way of passionate politics and private agendas, we lost the true meaning of Patriotism. We began to separate our Nation under social, economic and political labels. It has been the kind of separation that has distorted compassion and called it socialism, distorted courage and called it anarchy, distorted vigilance and called it treachery.
Our Nation will be put to a critical test in the trying times ahead. I hope that what we have rediscovered within our human spirit will not be lost or fall prey to propaganda and fear. I hope that we will have the fortitude to maintain the courage that allows us to speak out against injustice; the compassion to help those less fortunate, and the vigilance that will keep watch over our government. Let no American fall back into an apathy that distorts such courage, compassion and vigilance, blinding us to what drives true Patriotism. Patriotism should never be blind. Patriotism must come from the soul, heart and mind.
Jacqueline Mercurio
October 15, 2001
A month has passed since this Nation bore witness to the most depraved acts of mankind. I still find myself struggling to regain perspective and understanding to a degree that will restore the faith and hope which have always sustained me in times of heartache and peril. Understanding is difficult, as finding answers to how human beings can be led by religious faith to a path of monstrous hatred and depravity acknowledges the question that diminishes my faith in humankind. I have done much better with regaining some perspective, however. Ultimately I have been left with a renewed and profound gratitude for my family. In this suffocating darkness I find the one bright light that I'm confident will see me through; I am supremely fortunate to have in my life, my family. There is no greater gift, and I will honor it every day.
Mom's painting (a collage of images depicting the heroes and heroic efforts performed by so many who rushed to the aid of the innocent victims of September 11th) was used at Barrington's candlelight ceremony. Those who attended the ceremony signed the painting with messages of heartfelt gratitude and condolences. The painting is being taken to Rescue Co.#1 in New York. Below are some photographs of the painting and signing.
