September 11th is a bad day for me personally, because it is the day my sister died in 2000. This year, I decided to volunteer along with 30 others at a city event and help to read the names of the 9/11 victims at a ceremony in a local park.

That evening, our city hosted a spectacular performance by the Navy Southwest band. They were amazing. No it wasn’t all march music. Some was symphonic and almost movie-soundtrack like,  jazzy and  even a little bit country. There were a few stellar vocalists with enormous octave ranges singing patriotic and contemporary songs. Emotional, yet uplifting. Especially when one sailor got up and channeled Frank Sinatra, singing, “New York New York”. He brought the house down. Tears of joy ran down my face.

I am thankful for the emotions the gift of voice can evoke.

Freedom is critical to civilizations world-wide. Take more time to get to know your neighbors, and hug your loved ones.