UP  – To local churches.
Thank you for coming together to host a ceremony on the evening of Sept. 11 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of a day that lives in infamy. The church service at Grace Lutheran Church was cathartic for many people and a good gesture on behalf of the community as a whole in honor of those who died on 9/11 and who had loved ones perish that day.

UP – To first responders.
Time and time again in Albert Lea a scene is repeated. Police, firefighters and ambulance crews leave their posts to go where emergencies are happening. Their mission is to save lives, protect citizens and care for the public at-large. They don’t ask for thanks, but they deserve it. Be sure to thank a first responder this week.

UP – To CBS.
We aren’t one to praise television because so much of it is garbage, but of all the 9/11 coverage and specials on the TV set, the Columbia Broadcasting System stood head and shoulders above the rest. CBS covered the morning ceremonies with the least talking and let the images and participants tell the story, rather than reporters and pundits. And the special in the evening about firefighters on 9/11 was simply television at its best. The network’s coverage about 9/11 was commercial-free, to boot. If only all TV would aspire to treat its viewers with this much intelligence and respect.