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Mike Joyner


Last Updated: 11/23/2009

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Gender: Male
Status: Married
Age: 49
Sign: Pisces

City: McGraw
State: New York
Country: US
Signup Date: 1/27/2006
Friday, September 11, 2009 

Category: Sports
9/11 - Why Do I Remember?
By:Mike Joyner
　
Another year has passed, and I find myself immersed in the ill fated day that many lives were shattered. Since that day, I have made it a point to remind all of my readers of their blessings, to thank those that serve us, to remember the ultimate sacrifice by those who perished that day, and in the resulting wars that followed. The fight continues, and the sacrifices continue.

Why as an outdoor writer do I focus one of my columns on this? It is easy enough answer. As an American sportsmen I enjoy the natural resources of this great land. I also prosper in many other aspects of my life and enjoy the great freedoms given to all Americans by the sacrifices of those that serve our great county. I have the freedom to pursue happiness, practice my faith, fail or succeed by my own efforts, and have a reasonable expectation that our military will do it's job in protecting our country. To date, I have not had a gun held to my head, or sword pressed against my neck forcing me to praise Allah. Not to offend peaceful Muslims, but the radical factions of Islam would just soon "cleanse" my status as an infidel. Let us not forget that a war wages in the name of religion, and ideology. It is more complicated than that, but it reduces down to that in it's simplest form.

As a post baby boomer, pre generation-x, I grew up during many significant events. 9-11 has had the most profound effect emotionally, and I recall all to well the coverage that day. Watching the small specs falling from the buildings to only realize those specs were people choosing to leap to their death rather than to face death by flame. The horrific images of the planes impacting, knowing that hundreds died instantly. Then as the towers collapsed, you knew you were watching hundreds more die at that moment. The images were post event for the Pentagon, and the remote field in Pennsylvania. Many more died in both places.

I grew up as a Navy brat. Dad was career man, and served on the USS Wisconsin, the Spiegel Grove, and other ships. I can recall when he spoke of the "Bay of Pigs," and notice the change in his mood and expressions when he spoke of it. It was a difficult time, as my mom was told that if he didn't come home that night, don't worry, he would be deployed. No further details. I had two uncles that served and survived Vietnam, and we were lucky they came home. I grew up understanding and appreciating what our military does. It is not easy for most military families.

Although I did not serve in the military, I can remember that drive to the post office, signing up for the draft within a short time of my eighteenth birthday. The cold war was still something to worry about, and the possibility to serve in conflict was not a remote idea. Watching the wall come down in Germany was significant event in my perspective for obvious reasons.

I find myself emotionally affected as each anniversary passes. This column is an exercise of thinking out loud as I searched for why I feel as I do. I suspect that many of you feel this way as well.
　
Each anniversary of 9/11, my thoughts returned to two fellow NWTF members Cynthia Giugliano & Walter Weaver that we lost that day. A memorial webpage can be found at http://www.turkey-talk.com/9_11_01_memorial.htm. Cynthia & Walter's lives were cut tragically short as thousands of others that day.

As you enjoy our great land, pursuing your hunting and fishing passions, I would ask of each of you that as you settle back in your thoughts that you give thought to those that serve us. In your travels I ask that you take the time to thank those that serve us, and continue to support what they do for their country.
　

© 2009 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
1:02 PM
 
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