Every American commemorated today’s anniversary in his or her own special way. I mounted an American flag into the back of my car top, in the same patriotic, makeshift fashion that we all did six months ago. I saw a few other flags here and there, even got a few honks and yells from passing cars. But generally speaking, today was a normal, calm day. And that’s good. It’s the way it should be. I was able to reflect quietly.
Country leaders signified the anniversary with special events in New York this morning. Two moments of silence during the early part of the day expressed respect for the moments in which hijacked planes struck the buildings. Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former mayor Rudolph Giuliani dedicated a temporary memorial, constructed from the recovered fountain of the trade center lobby. President Bush helped unveil a new 45-cent postage stamp, depicting our nation’s undying heroes. And the 12-year-old daughter of a victim from the attacks activated a massive light display that symbolizes the twin towers. You can read more about today’s events on MSNBC.com.