9/11 and its aftermath - wars in Iraq and Afghanistan - have increased my appreciation for men and women in the military. We may disagree with our leaders, but our soldiers are responsibly following orders, and doing so with the belief that they are protecting American citizens.

As we recall the events of 9/11 we must ask ourselves how do we demonstrate our respect for and carry out our responsibility to those who lost their lives that day. The answer lies in the actions of those who helped their brother in need, who risked and even laid down their lives for our fellow man. Their prime concern was clear, "what can I do for my neighbor?" These were acts of love, spontaneous acts of self donation. We saw on 9/11 the Gospel of Christ played out, the Beatitudes taken to the streets in the midst of an act so evil as to be incomprehensibl e. So our course is clear. We must make peace building a way of life. Start at home by showing respect to those we've been given to love. Encourage our children to always do their best. Contribute to the common good via community service. Root out of ourselves the source of anger and prejudice that brokers the hate and evil deployed on 9/11. Focus on that which is good. We will then promote a power of peace that can move the world.