John,

Me, too.  Those feelings, I mean.  can't help it.  The year following 9 11 I
wanted to write something about how I felt.  I did and I believe I posted it
here.  For a long time, I could not figure out what made me feel the way I
did about the events of 9 11 but the Lord finally revealed it to me.  They
were Americans and I am an American.  that was the connection.  What
happened to them could happen to any American.  I am more petriotic now that
I ever was and what happen on 9 11, especially with all those who died,
jumping from hundreds of feet to their death, somehow makes me proud to be
an American.  I can't explain it but I do feel it.  Maybe it is because I
don't know if I would have as much courage as most of them had when facing
death because of those who hate us simply because we are free and we are
Americans.  Regardless, one thing I wish the President would have done back
then, or even now for that matter, is give all of them the Congressional
Metal Of Honor.  They surely deserve it.  Maybe I'll write the White House
and suggest it now.  As if my letter would be noticed.

Phil.