For the last six years, when the anniversary of September 11th would arrive – every network sent their top anchors – like Matt Lauer and Meredith Viera from the Today Show to cover the ceremony. The world as we know it would stop to pause and reflect on the tragedy that every single American endured on that fateful Tuesday morning – and nothing about life would be normal…

…but this year – it may as well have been September 11, 2000 – because no one seemed to care.

I started my new job as a contractor for the Army on January 2nd – and I knew from that date that I would be taking a personal day off on September 11th – because I had to take that day to not only reflect on what our country endured – but to mourn my best friend who had his life stolen by soulless monsters. In fact, when I asked my supervisors for that day off – they gave it to me without question based on my history of that event – something I am greatly appreciative of. But my question is – why has the world forgotten?

As I watched the ceremony just two days ago – why were there no “big name” anchors covering the event as they did last year? Why were other stories the top stories of the newscast – and most importantly – why did the world go about it’s business without even recognizing the day – or even giving a damn?

Sure, they had the ceremony – at Zuccotti Park – because construction of the new World Trade Center could not be interrupted. And sure, families were allowed to read the names of their loved ones – and lay flowers at the site – knowing full well that this year will be the last time they can do that…

…because construction of the new Tower will get in the way next year – and that is what they call “progress.”

I remember turning my television on that fateful day – and seeing nothing but the events of the day. But this Thursday, I saw Judge Judy, Star Trek Voyager – and even Playboy – hello? What about devoting an entire day to those we lost – and those we should remember?

I realize that 9/11 is not a National Holiday – and I know damn well why – it is because corporations do not want to pay for another day off for their employees. I also know that the Government does not want to lose another day to mourn a tragedy that – last time I checked – touched every single one of us.

It does not matter whether I would vote for Barack Obama or John McCain this year – but if either one of them promised to make 9/11 a National Day of Remembrance – they would have my vote in a heartbeat. I think it is crucial to the healing and the show of strength to this Nation to make such a tragic and unforgettable day a National Day of Remembrance. A day we pause to remember the over 3,000 lives that were lost in four planes, two towers, one federal building – and one field in Pennsylvania. One day the world literally stood still and realized that the United States of America can no longer cling to the phrase, “It Can’t Happen Here.” The one day that life as we know it was literally taken away from us…

…and the one day that the life of Douglas Jon Farnum and over 3,000 other innocent people were stolen simply because we embrace freedom – and others do not.

I was honored to be a New York City First Responder when 9/11 happened. But now, seven years later – I work for the Army and I am helping our Warfighters try and end the Global War On Terror each and every day – and if you don’t want to remember what happened on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 – at least have the decency to thank them…

…and know, thanks to them – that you get to go to work each and every morning – and come home.

I remember you Doug – and I always will – even if no one else does.