A Community of Heroes.

By Benjamin Tateoka

Ordinary citizens became extraordinary heroes when our country needed them most.

September 11, 2001 changed our country’s future and made an impact in all of our lives.  After the towers fell, Dr. Richard Heaps of Provo, Utah, flew to New York City to offer his services as a volunteer psychologist.  He gave comfort to those in need and put his life in harm’s way.

His example of selfless service was honored Sunday Sept. 11, 2011, during Provo city’s commemoration of the 10^th anniversary of the terrorist attack in New York City.  The Red Cross and The Boy Scouts of America presented him with the Best of Our Community, Sept.11 Volunteer Service Award.

Keynote speaker Matt Holland, President of Utah Valley University spoke to a crowd of 250 at the Seventh-day Adventist church in Provo.  His tone was upbeat and he suggested that a little laughter should be allowed.  His remarks were geared towards how we should resolve to live better lives every day as we remember our fellow Americans who perished as result of the terrorist attacks.

“When anyone dies, we know the names of those who perish, and today we stop to remember their departure from this world,” Holland said.

“Nineteen individuals hijacked planes and dealt us a tragic blow, but they did not win,” he said.  “The way we travel has been changed, but this is still a land of freedom and America still stands, even though we may stand a little more nervous.” 

The heroics of brave individuals have been captured in books and movies, insuring that we will never forget their actions

“They were just doing their jobs, just like our police, fire, and EMT who are common citizens protecting human life,” he said.

Every passenger on United Airlines flight 93 was a common citizen.  They did not know they were destined to be heroes.  They did not know their nation was under attack, but before they acted they did something very American; they took a vote.

“There was a difference in what was happening in back of the plan, than what was happening at the front,” he said.  “People with weaknesses, who were determined to produce human respect, changed the outcome of Sept. 11.”

“Like true believers of the New Testament, we should remember Sept. 11 and try to live every day a little more generous, showing more kindness and friendship towards other,” he said.