Remembering September 11, 2001; lessons in love

By JEFF JOBE
jobe@jobeinc.om

Seventeen years ago, hijackers carried out the worst terrorist attack in American history. For most adults at the time, it is a day indeed burned into our memories.

But 17 years is a long time for a busy, what can be done for me today-oriented society like ours, and the 9/11 anniversary is slowly taking on the faded aura of the historical past for most.

Memorial ceremonies are scattered throughout our country with perhaps the most beautiful ones being held in New York, Washington, and Shanksville, Pa.; beautiful but much smaller than just a few years earlier.

This is expected with the passing of decades even with actual losses from communities scattered across America on this day.

This day was vivid for all of us, not just individuals with families at ground zero. For me and many Americans it was the first time our generation had witnessed our country suffer. I am too young to remember Vietnam and I guess was too self consumed in the 1980’s and 1990’s to even realize the danger and struggles our military families were enduring for our country.

As I settle into my 50’s and find myself looking back, trying to enjoy today and looking harder at my plans for the future I find myself in a much calmer place. A place in which I smile more and worry less and honestly, I needed to get here long ago.

Looking back at my career I am proud of many accomplishments but few more than to have compiled a hometown team that was so moved and filled with personal confidence that we published an entire section in our newspaper the week following September 11, 2001.

I am comfortable there aren’t a dozen weekly newspapers in the world that can boast this as a fact. While Joe K. Morris, our design and layout guy at the paper lead the research and writing effort I hit the ground and found dozens of small business owners who trusted me enough to help pay for a special section. Back in 2001 the cost of running this special section was an additional $1,000 on top of our normal press run cost and without them it would not have been possible.

Whether it is documenting a world event or making space for 20 Little League pictures, partnerships between the local media and business is essential.

Over the years I’ve heard every reason for not advertising ones goods or services.
I’m comfortable our work back in September 2001 helped our community begin a long healing process and just perhaps our work today will prove the hurt may be gone but the lessons have been learned.

Thank you for reading, and helping me document our lives; if we don’t do it, it will not be done.

Jeff Jobe is founder and CEO of Jobe Publishing, Inc. His commentary reflects his personal views and does not reflect the views of personal or professional associations and affiliations. Reach him at jobe@jobeinc.com. Read his previously published commentary at www.jobeforkentucky.com