Another 9/11 Story

More than art culture, or hippie or mountain or Flagstaff culture, we're all an innate part of American culture. And today it's hard to forget that. It seems only fitting, given that it's the 10 year anniversary of 9/11, to tell you the story of an American soldier.

I may or may not agree with the war, but I will support our soldiers until the last one comes home. A lot of men and women I know and love are fighting to keep us free right now, and their stories often get melted into the greater pot of war memoirs. Jeremiah, though- he has more integrity than anyone I know. And he deserves to have his story heard.

Jeremiah and I aren't best friends. In honesty, I haven't spoken with him since he enlisted. But a lot of my dearest late childhood memories are with him. Playing on the trampoline with my cousins -his nephews and nieces. Celebrating Birthdays and Easters as one massive family. Being young and confused while evacuated from our home town for two weeks. Vacationing at his uncle and aunt's home in Colorado, playing Uno, and watching him run away from the garden snakes. Learning flips and lifts in swing choir, or being the best alto and bari sax players in the WORLD. Double-dating to Proms and Co-eds (our little high school's version of Sadie Hawkins); we brought different dates to every dance, but always managed to group together.

Jeremiah isn't 21-years-old yet, but 10 days ago, he was promoted from Private First Class to Specialist in the United State's Army. He missed his celebratory barbecue, but received the Purple Heart last weekend, because the day after his promotion he was wounded in battle. After over a week in a German hospital, Jeremiah was moved to Fort Hood where most of his family was more than grateful to see him battered but breathing. In a miraculous and manly feat so characteristic of Jeremiah, he was released from the hospital the next day and is on his way to the other end of recovery.


There's this insane amount of support and love for him coming from every person in my small town community. His facebook page is flooded with get well messages and expressions of pride and thanks. The entire town banded together and offered a collective wish of comfort to his family and platoon. If he didn't know it before, he must know now how well loved he is.

Jeremiah's the type of man that gives hope to a hurting country. Through recession and difference of opinions and fighting and chaos, Jeremiah- you remind me that we're united as a people. I hope today brings you one step closer to healing, and the rest of us one step closer to peace.