Newport-Mesa came together on Sept. 11

A year ago, the darkness and despair that we all felt after the

hideous attacks on New York and the Pentagon was pervasive.

Many in this community had personal ties to the tragedies and, in

truth, we all wondered how we would survive this, how would we react?

We all had a personal stake of some sort in how united we would

become, how resolute we would be in fighting terrorism and all that

is connected to it.

And one year later, the test of just how the nation has rebounded

and recovered from the hideous events of last September could be

clearly seen on the pages of this newspaper last week.

On Sept. 11, 2002, Americans everywhere observed the anniversary

of the attacks, the worst acts of terrorism in the nation’s history,

and Newport-Mesa was no different as residents here paid their

respect with class, dignity and compassion.

From the Tall Ships in Newport Harbor to the salute to officers at

the Orange County Fairgrounds, we showed just how touched we were by

these tragedies that occurred on the other side of the continent.

We heard from the clergy, from firefighters, from a teacher, from

a congressman, from a flight attendant and from a flight school

instructor about how life has changed and how life always goes on.

We learned how deeply the events have shaken us, how our sense of

security is weakened and how we must take stronger steps to guard

against hostile enemies.

We learned that our firefighters and police officers would be just

as brave and selfless if called to protect or save us.

So one year later, the darkness and despair has lessened and we,

like the rest of the United States, were able to take the time to

celebrate our unity, our resolve and our place as the shining example

to the world.

One year later, Sept. 11 seems an eternity away, and it’s thanks

to the good people of Newport-Mesa who helped to make it so.