The first day of May, 2011, almost five months before the 10th year anniversary of the tragedy of September 11, brings forth the announcement of the capture of Usama Bin Laden – dead. As this news circles the globe, it will no doubt bring some measure of relief to the countless people whose lives were directly impacted and forever changed by the evil act of one primary individual leading his cohorts.
While many will celebrate, as they should, and while the countless hidden faces of the many brave men and women who continue to work tirelessly behind the scenes to protect us breathe a momentary sigh of relief, it is important to note a very important principle.
Evil never sleeps; evil never ceases; while evil hides and lurks in the dark waiting to prey on its next victim, it spreads its venom and multiplies. While Bin Laden is dead, the battle against evil continues. Those who lack respect for life and the very essence of human dignity do not surrender on a moment’s notice. As a nation unites much as we did almost ten years ago, we need to be ever vigilant and watch out for one another. And, yes, we owe a debt of gratitude – yet again – to our brave men and women in uniform, and to the many unknown faces who work alongside and in support of them.
