Volunteers and students came together Thursday evening in Boston’s Public Garden to plant nearly 3,000 flags, each one a tribute to the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. Behind each flag is a name, a family, and a life representing the 2,977 people killed in the terrorist attacks. Twenty-five years later, the sea of red, white and blue stands on the Public Garden as a reminder to never forget. Among the flags, one is honoring Mark Bavis, who was aboard one of the two hijacked planes that took off from Boston’s Logan Airport that morning.
Teaming up with the Massachusetts 9/11 fund, his brother Patrick has now made it his mission to make sure younger generations understand what happened that day and always remember. “It seemed like yesterday,” said Patrick Bavis. “The young kids are the future of this country, they got to understand that life isn’t fair and people get taken from you. For us in Boston, 206 victims were taken that day.” Helping put the display together were the Navy Junior ROTC at John D. O’Bryant School and Scouting America who were learning while remembering.
“I want to give them my respects as well as honor them because that’s a really big moment in our history even though it wasn’t the best one, it’s something we all want to pay attention to,” said ROTC student Karissa Jean-Michel. The impact of 9/11 heightens our appreciation for our first responders and service members like retired Air Force Gen. Jonathan Treacy, who commanded Otis Air National Guard Base fighter jets to respond to the attacks. “It’s a little surreal, 25 years have gone so very fast,” said Treacy.
“Those lessons that we’ve learned from 9/11 aren’t something that get passed on unless every generation has a sense for what happened, why it happened, the incredible impact of what happened and the loss of life.” And as long as the flags stand, they also symbolize the resolve of our country after one of its darkest days. “Nineteen terrorists took us to our knees that day, yeah they beat us that day, but the next day America came back, and I want the students today to understand that we can be strong together,” said Bavis.
The 9/11 commemoration events start at the State House on Friday at 8:30 a.m. with a reading of the names of the 219 victims with ties to Massachusetts, a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., and the presentation of the Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery inside the House Chamber.
You were not only saved from something, you were saved for something. God didn’t just rescue your life; He designed it with purpose, shaping you to reflect His goodness and…
A boil water advisory continues until further notice in the Village of Romeo in Macomb County, Michigan, where a water main break occurred on Saturday. While the water main break…
There was a scramble in the skies Sunday tied to President Trump’s visit to the Chicago area. Fighter jets intercepted multiple planes that violated flight restrictions. Witnesses caught videos of…
The September nor’easter is leaving its mark across the state, with several reports of trees and wires down in multiple communities. A large tree completely uprooted on Lucy Street in…
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted Paul was reminding Timothy that following Christ does not guarantee an easy life. When we choose to…
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you…
“When truth becomes negotiable, faith becomes vulnerable so know the Gospel, stand on God’s Word, and seek His approval above the world’s applause.” “I am astonished that you are so…
Two giant pandas from China have arrived in the U.S. as part of an agreement between the Chinese and American governments, the Atlanta zoo confirmed on Sunday. The zoo said…
When taking the next step you are never alone. Bible Verse:And the Lord who is your leader, he himself will be with thee: he will not leave thee, nor forsake…
In a world that feels exhausting and uncertain, God calls His people not just to start strong, but to endure faithfully. If you need renewed strength, peace, or perseverance, come…
A third of young people are now using an AI companion, according to new research. The RELATE Project 2026, by Christian youth ministry Young Life, spoke to over 7,100 teenagers…
Endurance proves that your faith is real. Trials may test you, but they also refine you. When you remain faithful through hardship, you demonstrate love for God and trust in…
Special force police in Algeria raided a worship service at a humanitarian shelter on Sept. 4, arresting all 12 Christians present on suspicion of holding an unauthorized, non-Muslim religious service,…
A lot of times God does His greatest work where we see the least progress, quietly growing faith beneath the surface while we simply remain faithful. He said, “God’s Kingdom…
Tomorrow is the birthplace of many fears, yet it is also the place where God’s faithfulness is already waiting. Anxiety pulls tomorrow’s trouble into today. Jesus reminds us that today…
Three boaters were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office after their catamaran capsized on Lake Michigan. The Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan command center…
“I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, This verse reminds us…
Even the strongest believers grow tired. Faith does not remove exhaustion, it gives us strength to keep going when our strength is gone. God does some of His deepest work…
A recent video from Castle Rock shows a Colorado black bear escaping from a waste management truck. Last Wednesday, Castle Rock resident Evan Elmore says the bear had climbed inside…
When the path looks crooked and the way ahead unclear, remember the Lord goes before you. He will make the rough places smooth and keep your feet from slipping. “For…
A sea turtle has nested on a West Coast beach for what wildlife experts say is the first time in recorded history. Video captured last Wednesday in Seal Beach shows…
When your strength runs out and fear begins to rise, remember this truth: God does His greatest work in our weakest moments. Don’t you be afraid, for I am with…
A pelican in Florida came knocking for help, quite literally, using its beak. NOAA Fisheries Service The unusual encounter happened at the NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center in Panama City,…
Scientists have identified a new wild cat species in Bolivia’s cloud forests—and the strangest part is that it was hiding in plain sight. Called the tilcayo, this tiny spotted feline…
A police officer was shot and wounded near a synagogue in Ontario, Canada, on Sunday evening during an exchange of gunfire with an armed man as congregants gathered to mark…
A UTV rider in Colorado was hospitalized after losing control near a steep embankment and falling about 250 feet. Around 11:29 p.m., Grand County Search and Rescue says twelve members,…
The Pentagon on Friday released its sixth batch of files on unidentified anomalous phenomena, or UAP or UFOs, including dozens of documents detailing a military program that commissioned studies of…
An inmate and 10 Cook County Jail correctional officers were hospitalized Sunday afternoon after a mattress fire. The Cook County Sheriff’s office said around 3 p.m. Sunday, deputies were called…
God understands our weakness better than we understand it ourselves. “For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103:14 God does not expect endless output from…
The world is searching for answers as fear, confusion, wars, disasters, and moral darkness continue to increase. But long before today’s headlines, Jesus warned humanity that these things would come,…
The First Responder Memorial of Wayne County near the intersection of Hines Drive and Haggerty Road in Plymouth Township, Michigan, honors the fallen men and women who died in the line of duty. The last name on the memorial wall is Melvindale Police Department Corporal Mohamed Said. “This is not only remembering Corporal Mohammed, but this is remembering all the fallen officers that we lost throughout the world,” Melvindale Police Department Corporal Mohamed Hachem said. Dozens of motorcycle riders and representatives from various police departments lined up on the road Saturday ahead of the second annual memorial motorcycle ride. “It’s very nice to see these people coming just for them, for the family. And nothing is going to bring him back, but this movement, it’s great for us.
And I hope it’s going to be continued for every year,” Dave Said, uncle of Mohamed Said, said. Earlier this summer, the man convicted of Mohamed Said’s murder was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. “It’s a little bit of a closure, but for the family and the and his coworkers and our city, it’s never going to go away. So, honoring him does help that,” Melvindale Police Chief Chris Egan said. It was justice for the family, friends and supporters at the event. “We are relieved that he’s behind bars. He’s not going to be out roaming the streets. He should not have been roaming the streets. And it just, it makes us feel better,” Hachem said. The memorial ride is also a fundraiser for the Mohamed Said Foundation. “If we want to send two people to a police academy, this will help out with that. I’m going to the honor guard school; it’s going to assist with that and it’s going to help,” Hachem said. All for a good cause, just like Mohamed Said would have wanted. “We’re enjoying, and remembering and everybody’s getting together. This is what Said wants, everybody to get together, laugh, smile,” Hachem said.
You are not defined by the weight you carry. The One who bore the cross now offers His strength in exchange for your weariness. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and…
She spent her first 12 years in the wild, wandering through Arizona, but after being adopted by Kelsey Parisi last year, Wanda the donkey acclimated to life on the farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, quite…
President Trump said Friday he has struck a deal to give the United States “permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland,” following a push by the president to boost the U.S.’ influence…
You may have driven over the Yolo Causeway between West Sacramento and Davis countless times, but there is more than just traffic on the bridge. The NorCal Bat Association says underneath the causeway lives a…
A Maryland State Police intern found himself on an incredible, unexpected assignment this week. The department posted two photos on social media Friday, showing Centreville Barrack intern Jackson Roach holding a bald eagle. State police…
Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. This verse emphasizes that people who carefully watch what they say will protect themselves from serious trouble. “Guarding your mouth and tongue” means…
Talk less, listen more, because wisdom speaks after it understands, not before. If you want stronger relationships and real influence, master this: control your tongue, calm your anger, and lead with quiet strength. Let every…
A U.S. F-16 fighter jet pilot safely ejected before the aircraft crashed in northern Michigan on Thursday afternoon, officials said. The incident occurred in Grand Traverse County when the jet “experienced an incident” during a…
Real leadership isn’t about power, it’s about serving like Jesus, even when it costs your pride. If you want to live out authentic Christian faith, start by lowering yourself and lifting others. Bible Verse: “Now…
Jesus teaches us to trust God’s plan, even when it’s painful. Surrendering our will allows God to work in ways we cannot understand. Bible Verse:“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless,…
Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. In the verse David is praying in the morning while people who hate him are watching, hoping he…
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers were called to investigate a mountain lion that had decided to climb a tree in Westminster on Tuesday and hang out for a while. Westminster police said they received a…
A Pasadena family’s dog reunited with his rescuers, who pulled him out of a house fire that nearly killed him last week. Owner Fernando said he was out of the country when his wife and…
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating two bear attacks over the weekend that left a woman and a teen injured. The first incident happened at the Rio Grande National Forest Park Creek Campground on Friday.…
Bear-related calls are on the rise around the Lake Tahoe region, with South Lake Tahoe police reporting 174 calls so far this year, compared with 97 during the same period last year. But because Lake…
A man had a close encounter with a trio of bears that broke into his cabin in the San Bernardino County mountains. After hearing his little, old hard-of-hearing dogs barking, Thomas Vander Wende woke up…
A Mount Shasta climber was airlifted to a hospital after sliding about 500 feet down the mountain, injuring himself and then crawling through the night to reach shelter. The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office said the…
A growing number of residents in two Northern California counties have been allowed to return home as firefighters increased containment on the Lucas Fire burning near the Mendocino National Forest. As of Tuesday afternoon, the…
Three people were killed when an NBC Los Angeles helicopter crashed in the San Fernando Valley on Tuesday night near the scene of a deadly Metro bus crash in Chatsworth. The crash happened just before…
When taking the next step you are never alone. Bible Verse:And the Lord who is your leader, he himself will be with thee: he will not leave thee, nor forsake thee: fear not, neither be…
Special force police in Algeria raided a worship service at a humanitarian shelter on Sept. 4, arresting all 12 Christians present on suspicion of holding an unauthorized, non-Muslim religious service, sources said. The House of…
An Arizona mother is recovering after she was attacked by a coyote that initially went after her 4-year-old daughter, reports AZFamily. Brittany Cardinal of Surprise, Arizona, was left with puncture wounds and lacerations on her…
A married, 21-year-old Christian woman was shot dead inside her home in Rawalpindi last week by a Muslim neighbor whose advances she had rejected, reflecting an attitude among many Pakistan Muslims that crimes against Christians…
A 13-year-old Maryland boy is reported to be recovering from multiple surgeries and nerve damage after being attacked by a rabid beaver. The teen, Dominick Cebula, was swimming at a popular spot in Cunningham Falls…
A 17-year-old Christian man named Ikhlaq Masih was severely beaten by a mob in Nasrat Colony, a town in Ajnianwala, Sheikhupura, Pakistan, where many Christians reside. Masih works making pizzas at a restaurant, while his father,…
A nine-year-old boy was killed and a three-year-old girl was injured in two separate leopard attacks in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district, forest officials said on Tuesday. The officials said cases of wild animals entering populated…
You don’t have to carry this alone, He is your safe place and your help in every moment of need. Bible Verse:God is our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present…
You may feel like your past disqualifies you, but God specializes in rewriting broken stories. No failure is stronger than His mercy, and no sin is beyond His reach. “Though formerly I was a blasphemer,…
The God who created time is not controlled by time, He rules over it. Every prophecy fulfilled is proof that history is not random, but written by the hand of a sovereign God. Grandpa’s Wisdom…
Wisconsin congressman and Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany said he suffered minor injuries after a plane he was in made an emergency landing Saturday night on Lake Wausau in central Wisconsin. In a post on…
You must be logged in to post a comment.