Libby Hires, Local Columnist.
Each year on September 11, I find myself doing what millions of others do: reflecting on where I was when the attacks on the Twin Towers occurred. I vividly remember watching a small television at work as the second plane struck. A deputy had just informed me that the first tower had been hit. In disbelief, I followed him to the TV and turned it on just in time to witness the second plane crash into the South Tower. We stood there stunned, struggling to comprehend what we were seeing.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of one of the most devastating terrorist attacks in American history. Many students in our schools today were not yet born when it happened. For them, September 11 exists only in history books and in the stories shared by those who lived through it.
In the years since, we have implemented countless safety measures and security protocols. While those changes have helped protect us, I sometimes wonder if we have forgotten one of the most important lessons that emerged from that tragic day: the importance of kindness and human connection. In the aftermath of 9/11, Americans checked on their neighbors, spent more time with family, and treated one another with greater compassion and understanding.
For a time, we seemed to focus less on our differences and more on our shared humanity.
As we remember that day this year, I encourage you to think about where you were “when the world stopped turning,” as Alan Jackson so memorably sang. Let us do more than simply place those memories in the pages of history. Let us honor them by striving to be the very best versions of ourselves. Being an American is about far more than politics. It is about community, respect, and the freedom to hold different opinions while treating one another with dignity. We may not always agree, but we can choose civility over hostility and understanding over division.
Real change begins with each of us.
That is why I am issuing a Great American Challenge to anyone proud to call this county, and this country, home: commit to performing at least one act of kindness every day. I challenge you. In fact, I double-dog dare you to be the best version of yourself and to make a positive difference in someone else’s life.
To help you get started, I’ve included a couple recipes below. Perhaps you’ll share one with a neighbor, a friend, or someone who could use an unexpected act of kindness. Small gestures can have a lasting impact.
On your mark, get set, GO!
Taiwan Candy
(This recipe was given to me by Mrs. Frances
Meeks back in the late 1980s. It’s a great treat for anyone and older children can even help make them.)
12 oz. can salted peanuts
1 5 oz. can Chow Mein noodles (crispy noodles) 2 cups butterscotch morsels*
3 TBSP creamy peanut butter
Directions: Prepare a large cookie sheet with parchment or waxed paper. Place peanuts and Chow Mein noodles in a large mixing bowl and set aside. Place butterscotch morsels and peanut butter in a medium sized glass microwave safe bowl.
Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring after every 30 minutes until smooth.
Pour the mixture into the peanut s and noodles and stir quickly until noodles and peanuts are coated evenly. Drop by tablespoonful onto prepared pan and allow to set at room temperature (about 5 minutes). Store in an air tight container. *Milk chocolate morsels can be substituted.
Mocha Fudge Pie
¼ cup margarine, softened
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs 1 12 oz. pkg package semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tsps. Instant coffee or espresso
1 tsp rum extract ¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 9” unbaked pie shell
1 ½ cup pecans, chopped and divided
Whipped cream, for garnish
Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, cream margarine and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg addition. Add melted chocolate chips. Instant coffee or espresso, and rum extract. Mix well. Fold in flour and 1 cup pecans.
Blend well. Pour into pie shell. Sprinkle remaining pecans on top. Bake in preheated oven until filling is set. Cool and serve with whipped cream.
Libby Hires is a columnist with the Bryan County News.