America Needs a 9/12 Without a 9/11

September 11, 2001, was a day of unimaginable horror and loss. But those who lived through it also remember something remarkable about the next day.

On September 12, America felt different.

Flags appeared everywhere. Strangers spoke to one another. People donated blood, thanked firefighters and police officers, checked on neighbors and called family members just to say, “I love you.”

For a brief time, we were not primarily Republicans or Democrats, liberals or conservatives, or people of different races, religions and backgrounds.

Twenty five years later, we should ask a hopeful question:

Can we recreate the spirit of 9/12 without first experiencing another 9/11?

Can we rediscover unity without tragedy, patriotism without fear and friendship without crisis?

The America of September 12 was not united because everyone suddenly agreed. We were united because we remembered that what connected us was greater than what divided us.

We desperately need that reminder today.

Patriotism should be more than waving a flag. It should mean caring about the people who share this country with us.

Visit a lonely senior. Help a struggling family. Thank a veteran or first responder. Donate blood. Mentor a child. Introduce yourself to the neighbor whose name you somehow never........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)