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In the rush of the day to day, it’s often easy to forget a valuable truth. We all know it deep down, but the fact is that the most valuable things in life aren’t ‘things.’ They are our relationships, our family, our health, our faith, our freedom, and our devotion to others. A fire, a storm or other kinds of natural disasters can destroy our homes, wipe out all our material possessions, and no doubt, disrupt our lives. But in the end, ‘things’ can always be replaced. It’s in those times, when all our ‘things’ are being lost that we become fully aware of what truly gives our lives purpose and meaning.
As Americans, we know and hold dear certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. For us, these values are much more precious than ‘things.’ From the founding of the United States, our history has been marked with moments that have defined who we are as a people and that have reinforced our core values to the world. From the Civil War to the civil rights movement and more recently events like 9/11 and the pandemic, the common thread throughout is a uniquely American resiliency. In moments of uncertainty or when disaster strikes, we’ve always shown that we’re willing to answer the call.
And while these moments can disrupt our lives and even destroy some of the material things we love, what’s always paramount is our commitment to our family, our friends, and our communities. As Dr. Joseph Garbely, MD, a professor of psychiatry and internal medicine at Temple University states, "We're programmed innately to persevere. It is our innate survival instinct; that beacon that unconsciously drives us all. We want to leave our mark, leave our footprint on this earth. So, we keep marching on."
In the face of 9/11, what initially was shock, sadness, and anger felt by all Americans at the loss of the life and property transitioned into a rallying cry that united Americans of varied creeds and colors behind our ideals. Not only that, but it was also a formative moment that prepared us for some other difficult moments that would lie ahead like Hurricane Katrina and the financial crisis. There should be something said about faith here too as a motivator. When we put aside our differences and band together to help support one another in times of loss or tragedy, we’re sending a powerful message of hope that brighter days lie ahead or that we are not alone in these moments. It’s reminiscent of the phrase ‘love thy neighbor.’ In moments where there is trauma or suffering, it can weigh heavily on entire communities. That’s why when a tornado strikes a small town in Kansas, or a fire takes down a family summer home in Maine, how we respond, and support others is a statement about our sentiments towards our fellow man.
When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, a group of New Yorkers who had helped with the clean-up at the World Trade Center sprang into action to volunteer with materials and manpower to help get the city back on its feet. With the recent trauma of 9/11 still very real, the experience ultimately led this group of firefighters, EMT’s, construction workers, and more to connect with the pain their fellow Americans were feeling and lend a hand just as they’d gotten from others across the country.
How we treat each other, even strangers, in times of need, is an important indicator of our convictions and demonstration of our values. This is especially true as we go into this weekend to celebrate Memorial Day, to honor the lives of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country. Honoring these heroes, just as we support those in need during difficult times, is intrinsically American. Just as it is divinely human to transcend our attachment to ‘things’ and value what truly matters.
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