For me, the anniversary of September 11 is symbolized by my neighbors faded and tattered American Flag that has lived thumbtacked against his condo wall for a year.

When it was new, this flag was bright and strong and hung as a proud symbol for all of us to admire. Now, after a year of life under the hot Southern California sun, my neighbor’s flag begs to be taken down, weary and wanting rest.

Much like my friends, family, and fellow countrymen I feel like we are all in need of a big rest from the events of the last 12 months.

Not to ignore the importance of what happened, or to forget the huge loss of innocent life, but to take a quiet pause from the circus of television specials, corporate branded sympathy, and government issued warnings about potential, future unknown, terrorist attacks.

I wonder how long it will take for 9/11, Ground Zero, and Osama Bin Laden to become a real part of our history instead of sound bytes, video clips, and LIVE programs. When will these things enter our daily lives in the same way that December 7, Pearl Harbor, and Imperial Japan entered the timeline of humanity and became part of the spirit that is the United States of America?

For I would rather mark Wednesday’s anniversary with honor and dignity than with another television special, best selling book, or hit single now available on CD.