Yesterday...I celebrated my 17th anniversary. Safe in my bed, safe in my home, safe in my state, safe in the United States of America.

Today...I listened to the names of 165 Alabaman soldiers who have lost their lives from 9-11-01 until today. The most recent lost his life in August.

Today...I attended a memorial service for Maj. Dwayne Williams and all who have given their lives since September 11, 2001. The event was held in the small town of Jacksonville, AL and was attended by community members, military personnel, commissioners and Gold Star Wives of America.

Today...we remembered Major Williams who died at the Pentagon on 9-11. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery but his hometown proudly remembers him here. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Today...I read Roy Williams' column in the Birmingham News. Roy recalled the events of 9-11 and shared his past and current emotions. Roy, Maj. Williams' brother, said that the greatest gift we can make in memory of Dwayne and the nearly 3,000 other heroes who gave their lives that day is to "heed the lessons of Sept. 11 and return to the spirit of unity and kindness for our fellow Americans that was exhibited in the middle of our sorrows. Let's put aside the Democrats vs. Republicans, black/white/Hispanic distrust, Birmingham vs. the suburbs divisiveness that separates us today."

Today...I saw women in yellow jackets honoring the sons and daughters (Gold Star Wives) of families they did not know. I was not familiar with these women and their honorable mission.

Today...I saw bikers and flag bearers, color guard and family members, girl scouts and politicians honoring soldiers.

Tonight...I go to sleep still wondering how this all happened and when it will end.

Tomorrow…I will wake up and be thankful for our soldiers. Tomorrow I will be thankful that I live in the United States of America.