By The Rev’d. Dr. James B. Lemier
Sentinel Contributor
People do remember the day. People remember where they were at the time. People remember those who lost their lives and the beginning of a challenging era in the life of this country and the world. September 11, 2001… that was the day… a day of attack, loss of life, courage, sacrifice, and love.
Here we are at the time to commemorate that event, and we will. Commemorations will occur in varieties of ways and places. Here in Greenwich, there is a new memorial of dignity, beauty, and great power. Situated in Cos Cob and the result of generosity, vision, and hard work offered by so many people, this Greenwich September 11th Memorial will serve as a symbol of remembrance for us now and for generations to come.
The memorial is strong and evocative. It stands as a witness to those connected to this community who lost their lives and to the hope and conviction of our town and our nation. I recently saw a striking photograph that captured the sun pouring through the translucent monument. It was truly amazing visually and also spiritually, reminding me that the light of life and love does flow through even the darkest experiences of human life and tragedy. Light shines on and illuminates our hearts and our souls.
Eddie Maloney, the father of Teddy Maloney who lost his life on September 11th wrote these words, “The events of 9/11 never really leave you. There’s a sadness that remains but also a sense of strength and purpose…” What insight! Both things are so very true. There is remaining sadness and sorrow, and we need to offer those things to our Creator for continual healing. But… there is also a sense of strength and purpose, and this sense is part of the legacy and remembrance that infuses our walk forward as individuals, communities, a nation, and the world.
Our commemoration is necessary and significant. We remember those who lost their lives, family and friends who grieve, first responders who continue to offer faithful and courageous service, and so many who continue to suffer. Our sadness remains. So may our strength and our purpose. May we remember, and may we together strongly and purposefully walk forward in the light that illuminates all human life and heals the human soul.
The Rev’d Dr. James B. Lemler, Rector of Christ Church Greenwich, is a nationally known leader, educator, consultant, preacher and pastor.
Prior to his appointment at Christ Church Greenwich he served as the Director of Mission for the Episcopal Church, USA and was the Dean and President of Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, an internationally recognized institution of theological education and leadership. Additionally, his ministry has included service in a large and vital urban parish and Episcopal school, as a university chaplain and in two major cathedral churches.
He is widely called upon as a teacher, writer, conference leader, preacher, and consultant in areas of congregational development, leadership development, education, spirituality, and mission.
Dr. Lemler’s publications include: Serving Those In Need; 20/20: A Vision for the Church; God and Money; Groundwork: Resources for Congregational Growth and Transformation; Moving Ahead in Mission; and Groundwork II (Year B): Resources for Congregational Growth and Transformation.
