Rabbi Arnold E. Resnicoff
Chaplain, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Washington, DC
Date of Prayer: 09/10/2021
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Almighty God, 20 years ago today, an era ended: pre–9/11 world.
Twin Towers stood. No deadly Pentagon attack. No civilian airline passengers, crew had sacrificed their lives to protect the Capitol from attack.
Next day, our world forever changed.
High holy days now challenge Jews worldwide: assess, atone, improve.
But regardless of religion, Americans now share holy days, blessed by memories of the righteous who kept faith alive.
Terrorists did their worst. We responded with our best: heroes sacrificed, rescued, healed, then we united to rebuild, as we must unite today.
Where the Pentagon was struck, we built a chapel, interfaith. Our beliefs attacked, we celebrated unity, diversity, hope.
Day's end, leaders gathered on Capitol steps, Democrat, Republican, side–by–side. Silent prayer. Then "God Bless America,'' they sang.
May unity then inspire us now, heeding America's "Liberty Song": "Join hand–in–hand, brave Americans all, by uniting we stand, by dividing we fall.''
And may we say: Amen.
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