Like many of you, last weekend I was entranced by the media coverage of the 10th anniversary of the terrorists’ attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and the flight of United 93, which crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. As a farm newspaper editor, I am sensitive to use the valuable space I have for news specifically related to agriculture.

However, as an American, I recognize that there are some stories which transcend our niche. So I wanted to make mention of it here.

I’ve never been to New York, and I personally don’t know anyone who was killed or injured at the World Trade Center. Likewise, I have little-to-no connection with the people who suffered at the Pentagon or on the flight of United 93. Like most of us, the only link we share to those victims and their friends and families is that we are Americans. And that is enough.

Since that day, it isn’t difficult to imagine yourself in the passenger seat of a hijacked airplane. It isn’t difficult to imagine your office being rocked by unexpected explosion. It isn’t difficult to imagine the grief from so many innocent lives violently ended by an evil act. It isn’t difficult to imagine charging into a desperate situation with the hope of saving others.

Since that day, it is much easier to imagine what evil can do.

These thoughts challenge me to act more bravely in case of an emergency; to prepare more thoroughly; to enjoy the sunny days completely and to worry less about losing insignificant arguments.

The memorial fountains at Ground Zero, the benches honoring the victims at the Pentagon, and the monument in Shanksville, Penn. are thought-provoking. Personally, I didn’t want to watch the television coverage of everything, but I couldn’t turn away. The ceremonies helped me see that America has survived, but that Americans are continuing to grieve.

I suppose, in my own way, I wanted to grieve with them. Comfort them. Offer a prayer for them.

Ten years ago, I quoted Genesis 50:20 in a post-9/11 column; “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.”

There was no good in those attack on America, but how Americans bonded together to rebuild and respond was – and is – inspiring. America proved its mettle, yet again, through the fire of these attacks. This is where we should find hope in the future. This is why I’m proud to say I’m an American.