September 11, 2001

A year has past, and the world is different. We cheer the end of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, and the disruption of the Al-Qaida terrorist network.

At the same time, we know all too well that grave dangers remain. Despite the recent calm, and despite the successes in Afghanistan, it's clear that a fresh attack or attacks could come at any time.

As a people, we need to maintain our strength and our vigilance, and remember the way we responded in the face of tragedy: We came together. We gave blood. We rushed to buy flags, valuing the sight of our flag in an intense new way. We saw politicians of different parties join as one and find an overdue common bond. We gathered in houses of worship to pray and reflect. We knew we could no longer take our basic freedoms and security for granted.

We were able to re-focus our priorities, and they became ever more clear: family, country, community, friends, faith.

Locally, we were reminded that even though as citizens of Klickitat County we may have disagreements on political issues, we remain one community; and it's a community that shares a deep love for our homeland.

Most of all, perhaps, we honored our American heroes -- many of whom were killed trying to help others to safety. In particular, we honored the sacrifices of the firefighters and the police officers, and the passengers on Flight 77 over Pennsylvania, who gave their lives to try to prevent an even more devastating tragedy.

We mourned then.

One year later, we mourn still.

JB