My generation doesn’t have as many “do you remember where you were when” as my parents or grandparent’s generations do.  In fact, I was born only days after the first Moon Walk and years after JFK’s assassination.  My generation does have, however, two shuttle explosions…hurricane Katrina…and of course….September 11th.  (and others…)

This summer I visited New York City twice for work.  I had not visited the city since September 11th.  New York City is one of those cities you either love or hate…I LOVE it!  I liked it before, but going back this summer I experienced a “new and improved” New York.  Many of you have experienced that too and had shared your thoughts about it with me over the last eight years.  I believe that September 11th was one of those days, as terrible as it was, that helped remind us all that we share this planet and need to work harder to find ways to share it in peace.

I “Googled” peace quotes…to help remind me today (and everyday) the importance of letting peace be something that I CAN still hope and pray for…ultimately it starts in each one of our hearts.  Here is some of what I found:

How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding… Her [wisdom's] ways are pleasant ways, And all her paths are peace. (Proverbs 3:13, 17)

If man does find the solution for world peace it will be the most revolutionary reversal of his record we have ever known.
–George C. Marshall

If you want peace, stop fighting. If you want peace of mind, stop fighting with your thoughts.
–Peter McWilliams

Peace is not a relationship of nations. It is a condition of mind brought about by a serenity of soul. Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is also a state of mind. Lasting peace can come only to peaceful people.
–Jawaharlal Nehru

Peace has never come from dropping bombs. Real peace comes from enlightenment and educating people to behave more in a divine manner.
–Carlos Santana

September 11th changed us all…forever.  It changed me.  As I watched TV that morning and saw the 2nd plane hit the WTC I immediately knew we were under attack.  As a new mother, with a baby that was only four months old at the time, my heart just broke thinking about how different I knew our world was going to be from that point on.  This summer, when I visited Ground Zero twice, I was consumed with the thought, “what have I personally done to try to make a difference since this happened”.  We share this world…it is going to take each and everyone of us to make it better for our children.  Last night, at the Boys and Girls Club dinner, Joe McGlamery said a great quote but I don’t know the author…

"Children represent 20% of our population but 100% of our future” 

One last quote I love:  “You must be the change you want to see in the world”  Mahatma Gandhi