The night the

U.S. started air strikes against Iraq, I was at a Boston Celtics game

with my father.

The television

consoles by the concession stands, which usually showed game highlights,

were tuned to the evening news. People stood and stared, transfixed by

the reality that we, as a nation, had gone to war. The National Anthem

was sung that night by everyone in the crowd. It was the proudest and

most passionate version of the song I had ever heard. I truly felt like

an American that night.

In the following

days and weeks, people put up American flags and tied yellow ribbons around

trees. The country stood united against its enemies and for a while the

petty problems of day to day life receded into the background. Somewhere

along the way, after the Gulf War had ended, the flags came down and people's

patriotism ebbed. It was gone for a long time, but it came back last week.

When America

found out that it had been attacked by terrorists, it came together again.

There was sadness and some anger, but most of all, pride in this great

nation. America has had to face its foes before and, every time, it has

stood up to those challenges and become a stronger and more perfect union.

In the past

several days, groups have united to pray for those lost in the tragedies.

They have worn their red, white and blue, conducted candlelight vigils,

observed moments of silence, raised money for the Red Cross and donated

blood. We have shown the world our strength and our compassion. I only

hope that we can remain so focused and determined. A country united can

be a beacon of hope to other nations. A country undivided by political

affiliation, religious affiliation, race or gender can achieve any goal

put before it.

After the bombing

of Pearl Harbor, this nation sent its young men and women to war. Their

duty was to fight for their country, to protect freedom and democracy

and to show our enemies that we did not fear them and that we would not

go down without a fight. That generation has recently been dubbed the

"greatest generation" for their accomplishments both in and

after the war. There is always room for improvement and we can become

the next "greatest generation" if we can stay united.

Never forget

the tragic events of last Tuesday. Years down the road when the country

has been safe for awhile and the economy is prosperous, don't take down

that flag. When you get an inkling to squabble with your neighbor, remember

that you came together this week and helped heal this nation's wounds.

When you feel lonely or scared, remember this week and know that there

is one giant community that loves you and wants to keep everyone inside

it safe.

Remember that

you are an American and nobody will ever be able to take that away from

you.

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