Editorial

The images, the death, the destruction, the evil are almost too

horrific to comprehend.

Landmark skyscrapers that once graced the New York City horizon

toppled and demolished by an unthinkable terrorist act. The nation’s

military headquarters attacked in similar fashion.

But through it all, America’s people stand proud, and here in

Huntington Beach it’s no different.

Our patriotism stirred like never before, we are flying flags,

donating blood, money and time, and promising that no matter how many

shameful acts of cowardice, we will never crumble.

We’ve seen a lot of horrible images in our collective lifetimes here

in Huntington Beach:

World wars; nuclear bombs; assassination of our president and other

national and world leaders; cities ablaze from rioting; one of our own

countrymen demolishing an Oklahoma City building filled with hundreds of

people, including innocent children; high school kids turning guns and

ammunition on their classmates; and closer to home the years of riots

during the city’s Fourth of July celebrations from 1994 to 1996.

Through it all, though, we go on. And we’ll go on again now.

Yes, there have been closures of airports and cancellations of major

events such as college and prep football to honor those who have died.

We applaud those who made those decisions, as tough as they were. In

this time of mourning, it was the right thing to do.

But the message shouldn’t be that we are backing down in the face of

terrorism. We are merely showing our respect, something those who

committed these horrendous acts cannot comprehend.

Here in Huntington Beach, rising to the occasion is nothing new. When

there’s a need in the community, our residents are legendary for their

compassion and generosity.

It’s no different now. Our community is lining up to give even more,

to be even stronger.

While the true pain and agony is 3,000 miles across the nation, we

stand tall in solidarity with our brothers and sisters.

And we know, like our fellow countrymen and women do as well, that we

will never be toppled.