Today is Patriot Day and Day of Service and Remembrance. That is a long name for a special day to commemorate the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.

But today, we should all take a moment or two to think about what a great country we have in the United States of America and that others might want to take us down. It has been proven time and again that freedom is not free and all of us must work for it.

If you have a home or business U.S. flag, please fly it at half-staff in honor and remembrance of those who died on 9/11 whether first responder, or doctor/nurse or simply going about their normal daily routine by going to work or shopping or doing whatever. Also please think about the servicemen, first responders, and others such as doctors, nurses, paramedics, ambulance drivers, teachers, clergy and others who continually serve for all of us.

As Americans we should honor and respect each other regardless of race, religion, political party or other differences everyday, but particularly on this day when America did come together.

Please take a minute and do some reflection on the great things this great country has offered us and then do a little something to make our great country even better.