It is now 11 September in Africa. My father slipped into a coma 15 minutes before the first plane hit the World Trade Center, and he died hours later. It took me weeks to get into the US to bury him and, when I saw him in the refrigerator, he had deteriorated so badly that I only recognized his hands and wedding ring.
Dad was a WWII Army veteran. I and my son both served in the Army. He loved Ohio State football and basketball. He loved the University. He was a man of great principle, outstanding human decency, and determination to succeed despite his poor upbringing.
One of my favorite memories is taking my Dad to his last Ohio State game in the Shoe and watching this disabled man cling to every second of the game on a rainy day just like today.
This is a good win and a good time to remember the values and principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution, which so many have died defending.
Let us remember all of those who have gone before us and especially those who died on that day fifteen years ago or in serving the country in its aftermath. May God be with them all and with you. Good night.
