Archive
Still Remembered… 9/11
Today marks the 19th anniversary of that terrible day. Some brave firefighters and police officers risked their lives to save as many as possible. I met many of them when I went to NYC in 2001 as a chaplain recovery worker. As the crowds ran to safety, officers and firefighters ran into unknown danger. America called them heroes, and rightly so.
Move ahead to 2020. By some standards law enforcement officers are seen as the enemy. They still risk their lives for strangers even though they have been villainized . Due to a number of police killings of black Americans they have now have become the target of hate with vial comments in their faces, dangerous projectiles thrown at them, among other things. Many have been injured, some severely. They’ve go to work even though their city leaders support those who would bring them harm. They have made their difficult jobs impossible jobs.
In 2001, hundreds of civilians held signs of appreciation as we headed to Ground Zero. Needles to say, the signs have changed. Somehow “Kill the Cops” isn’t the same as “We appreciate our heroes.” A broad brush has been used to paint a evil picture of law enforcement. Yes, some do make mistakes and some cause intentional harm, but that is the slimmest of the majority.
In the meantime, this false narrative pushed by the Black Lives Matter group started at the death of Michael Brown. He was a young thug who tried to kill Officer Darren Wilson and in the attempt to save his life, Wilson shot him. The lies began immediately when Michael’s friend said Brown had his hands up and said don’t shoot. Later the truth would come out and the evidence would support Officer Wilson. To this day, BLM members still raise hands and say, “Hands up, don’t shoot.” Many other false narratives would come out in other shootings.
Then George Floyd. The charge against this officer seems justifiable. It is very sad to watch Mr. Floyd die. But rioting doesn’t honor anybody. Ask Dr. Martin Luther King.
I worked over a quarter of a century with police and have never witnessed anything close to what is being claimed today. It doesn’t mean it didn’t happen, it just means they are rare occasions.
Tomorrow is Patriot Day. Let’s honor those who sacrificed since 9/11/2001. Let’s put aside the hatred and seek the necessary changes that will make America what has always been…a place for freedom to grow and develop and for Americans to come together in the midst of chaos.
See You at the Authors’ Fair
Meet the Writers at Beaverton City Library’s Northwest Local Authors Fair
NOTE: I am one of the featured authors. Please come by and say Hi at my booth!
BEAVERTON, Ore. – Join Beaverton City Library for a free book fair on Saturday, May 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 12375 SW Fifth St.
The fair will highlight the work of 28 talented local writers from Washington County and surrounding areas, who will share and promote their work. This year’s event will include the memoirs of a 9/11 chaplain and an Olympic swimming champion, travel writers, mystery, romance, political satire, and more. Come find a new favorite.
This event is free and open to the public. Works by participating authors will be raffled off to attendees.
Patriot Day
It is Patriot Day. As I do each year, I’ll be stopping by the 9/11 memorial in Veteran’s Park in Beaverton to lay some flowers there. Check out my new post: “Friendship From The Ashes.” Never Forget!
Read more at: http://relationshipsrock.org/. Let’s never forget!
Coffee Shop Booksale
My book, SENT TO SERVE…THE CHAPLAINS OF 9/11, are now available at Scott’s Original Coffee Brake in Aloha. If you need a copy head on over and while there enjoy a great cup of java.
Special 9/11 Appearence
I will be speaking at Cooper Mountain Presbyterian Church in Aloha on September 15, 2013, 10:00 AM. I will share a 9/11 message of hope. If you get a chance, join us that morning. I would love to see you.
Also, check out my new post: “Labor Day and the Work of Relationships.
Made the News
I made the news at Love, INC of Beaverton regarding my Love & Logic class Check out this link.
Another Published Article
My first article with Ezine.com has been published. You can access it at this link.
I hope you enjoy it and pass it along to your friends. If you have a Facebook account, you can go to my page and share it there at Foundations 4 Your Life.
Thanks,
Wally
Daughters of the American Revolution
Last night I was the speaker at the Beaverton Daughters of the American Revolution about my book and 9/11 experience. It was a great group of women. At the conclusion of my talk they presented me with this 9/11 flag that was designed by the national DAR.
Depicting the Twin Towers, Liberty Bell (for PA), and the Pentagon.
Book Signing on Saturday, July 28, 2012, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
I will be joining my friend Ray Pitz, who just published “Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue.” I will be signing my book, “Sent to Serve…The Chaplains of 9/11.” This will all be taking place at Jan’s Paperbacks, 18095 SW Tualatin Valley Highway, Aloha, OR 97007. Stop in and buy a couple of great books on public safety. If you already have a copy of my book, come by and say “hi” and take a look around. Hope to see you there! Check out Jan’s website: http://www.janspaperbacks.com/
Book Signing at Aloha Library on March 10, 2012
I will be selling and signing my book at the Aloha Community Library from 9:00 AM until noon at: 17683 SW Farmington Rd, Suite E
Aloha, OR 97007
I will donate $1.00 for each book sold to the library. To learn more about the library go to their website: http://alohalibrary.org.
Come and check out the other books for sale and help support this worthy cause!
Wally Johnston 