A Letter to the Past: September 2, 2001

September 2, 2006

Friend,

If this letter has reached you then you can be sure that I have reached the destination that we discussed previously. Having made it thus far I can tell you that your journey may not be easy, as we once thought. And, what is worse, you may have to tread it alone. I will, however, attempt to give you hints as to what awaits you.

Several days travel for you, from now, lies a place where a great battle commenced. Many people died, and many heros were proven on that ground. Though you may think it best to not journey there, I would beg of you, for all of our sakes, that you go. Who knows but that you may prove to be one of those hero's. Or, if not, we cannot say whether your words will be the last that another hears. We must not rob those, lost to us now, of such a moment. One day yours may be our cause to fight on another field. For all that may occur, it is best that you go forward. For, as has been eloquently said by another, "they purpose not their deaths when they propose their services."(Henry V, 4.1.147)¹

It was not long after that some did first question the motives of those who stood to protect that ground, but it is my hope that your voice will not add to that company. If it had been an inside job, it would have to be one that was planned long before. Not months, as has been said.

Who can say how many were involved in such a dastardly plot to take so many lives. Is it thousands? We still don't know. More plans have been made to harm us by others. Which is why we continue the battle even today. May you, one day, make it here to battle with us. Not against us as is wont to happen in war.

Whatever may happen there for you, it is my hope that we will meet, again, soon. Remember the words that bore us on, through difficult times, in past battles.

Far-called, our navies melt away;

On dune and headland sinks the fire:

Lo, all our pomp of yesterday

Is one with Nineveh and Tyre!

Judge of the Nations, spare us yet.

Lest we forget - lest we forget!²

Sincerly,

Your Friend