by Dr. Al Larson *
On the evening of September 11, 2002, I had the privilege and honor
of attending a Celebration of Unity and American Spirit Candle Light Ceremony
held by the City of Arvada (Colorado, USA) Festivals Commission.
As a Vietnam veteran, I returned from a year of defending freedom to a
country where I felt like a red snowflake in a white blizzard.
Where had all the patriots gone? Had we lost the vision of freedom?
Now, over 34 year later, I see, hear, and feel a ground swell of patriotism
that made my heart swell with pride. The spirit of freedom is alive and well.
We celebrated that. Yes, we honored the dead of September 11, 2001.
But we celebrated what their deaths stand for-the right of all people to be free.
We Americans are privileged to live in a free country. We wish all people
would be free. The best way to do that is to spread what it feels like to be free.
So I have put together a simple snapshot of still photos and videos from that
special evening.
Let Freedom Ring! Enjoy!
* graduate of the Class of 1964, US Air Force Academy, combat veteran, father, engineer, programmer,
businessman, commodity trader, and a very proud American.