Tuesday, September 11, 2018

To Remember and Honor: In My Own Unique Way by Margo Hoornstra



It's September 11th again. As I do here each year, I ask you to join me in remembering how fragile and precious our many freedoms are. And to acknowledge and honor those brave individuals who knowingly enter into harm's way to preserve those freedoms for us.




In addition to those who serve on our behalf in foreign lands who so deserve our gratitude, so too do the men and women of law enforcement here at home. As one who has spent many years, first as a spouse, then mother to members of the profession, police officer heroes have a special place in my heart.

In that spirit, I created the four book Brothers in Blue series. Four heroes who met at the police academy and became life long friends. The dropout, the straight arrow, the movie star and the maverick. All share a passion to serve and protect, each in their own unique way.


On The Surface, Book 1 - Is available now.

He sought vengeance only to discover love.









On The Force, Book 2 - Comes out October 29th.

Losing her job was nothing compared to the prospect of losing her life.





My days to blog here are the 11th and 23rd. For more about me and the stories I write, please visit my WEBSITE

24 comments:

Leah St. James said...

A lovely tribute, Margo. I lived just outside NYC at that time and vividly remember the images of the first responders heading into the danger. I also remember people lining the streets to cheer them in the days following as they searched for survivors. So many developed (and have died from) cancer from the toxic chemicals in the air in those weeks. (I can still smell it and I was 40-50 miles away). Thank you for the reminder to honor and thank those who serve in all capacities. ON THE SURFACE sounds fantastic; just ordered for Kindle and can't wait to read it!

Margo Hoornstra said...

Here's hoping we NEVER FORGET, Leah. I was far, far away from New York that day, but still remember the images on television. My son was playing college football during that time. At each game we went to after, nearby and in different states, American flags were flying and the opening National Anthem ceremony held sacred and special meaning. We flew a flag on the back window of our car. In many ways, it was a special time for our country as we all pulled together with one common bond -- as Americans -- period.

Jannine Gallant said...

First responders and a lot of regular people stepped up and preformed heroically that day. America has lost that cohesion. I hope it doesn't take another tragedy to get it back.

Margo Hoornstra said...

You and me both, Jannine. The cohesion and patriotism we experienced sure has gone by the wayside recently. We CAN DO THIS, we CAN COME TOGETHER, without the 'benefit' of another tragedy. We just have to take our 'me, me, me first' blinders off and TRY.

Rolynn Anderson said...

Thanks for the reminder, Margo. Our service men and women are peacekeepers; when chaos comes, they move in to organize, treat wounded, and restore civility. They are American treasures, for sure, even now, waiting in the wings for the thing they pray doesn't happen.

Andrea Downing said...

Thanks for the reminder Margo. I had family in NYC that day and although I was living in London it was pretty terrifying trying to get in touch and find out who was safe. Thanks for this.

Margo Hoornstra said...

American treasures for sure, Rolynn. As the wife and then mother to law enforcement, it breaks my heart when our military AND first responders are treated almost as if THEY are the enemy. We somehow need to restore respectful and dignified treatment for ALL of those who help keep us safe. I'd hate to have to live in a world without them.

Margo Hoornstra said...

It was a terrifying day for all of us, Andi. Every time my police officer son went to work for a long time after, I worried. Still do. But a belief in the general good will of MOST people helps keep me going.

Alison Henderson said...

It was one of those moments when we all remember with crystal clarity where we were, what we were doing, and how we felt. I don't imagine any American who was old enough to be aware will ever forget that day.

Sharon Buchbinder, Romance Author said...

This should be a national holiday. It is a day that will live on in the memories of generations and should be honored as such. My husband was in NYC and I couldn't reach him for half a day. Terrifying.

Margo Hoornstra said...

Especially how we felt, Alison. Here's hoping some of the decisiveness we're experiencing in the this country now can be put on hold for at least one day while we recall why we are all here in the same country in the first place.

Margo Hoornstra said...

Good idea, Sharon. Let's promote the national holiday thing. Can't imagine not being able to reach your husband that day. Terrifying indeed.

Sharon Buchbinder, Romance Author said...

It was and his hotel was near the Empire State Building. I was on the phone with him when they evacuated the hotel and the area, fearing it was next on the hit list.

Brenda Whiteside said...

Thanks, Margo. And your series is great so far!

Vonnie Davis said...

Thank you for a lovely tribute. We were all patriots and New Yorkers that day. Even now when I watch an old news clip of the planes flying into the towers, I can't believe it actually happened. But it did. Life is fragile. In some ways, so are our liberties. We need to honor those who protect them for us, not condemn as so many do.

Betsy Ashton said...

I had family in NYC that day. I was in a business meeting across the highway from the Pentagon. I'll never forget the horror we felt with the plane went in. By then, of course, we knew what had happened in NYC. We decided to wrap the meeting minutes before the crash. None of us left, except for three who had been EMTs. They ran across the highway and began helping with triage. We watched everything unfold in live action.

Margo Hoornstra said...

You're welcome, Brenda. And thank you. Love hearing that.

Margo Hoornstra said...

No one knew where to go, Sharon. No place seemed safe. I can imagine how difficult those first few hours were for you. Not knowing.

Margo Hoornstra said...

We were patriots and New Yorkers that day, Vonnie. Too bad we somehow lost that hard earned camaraderie. It simply breaks my heart when I hear those I consider to be heroes derided the way they sometimes are. I sometimes wish we would take a step back and rethink our words and actions before verbally, 'shooting from the hip'.

Margo Hoornstra said...

My goodness, Betsy. It must have been, in its own way, fascinating to watch. And, of course those EMTs headed into harm's way to help. Those who serve in EMT and first responder positions are never 'former'. IMHO anyway, it seems to be a way of life. So glad you got out of there okay.

Diane Burton said...

Lovely tribute, Margo. Never forget should be our slogan. Like you, I was far away from NYC, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania. But I watched the TV constantly, fearing more.

Best wishes on your upcoming release. I'll be happy to help you promote it. (same goes to all the Roses).

Lucy Naylor Kubash said...

9-11 will forever be engraved on our hearts and in our memories. If I go to the conference in NY next year, I for sure want to visit the memorial. The Brothers series is a nice way to pay tribute to those who serve. I'm looking forward to the next one. Love the cover!

Margo Hoornstra said...

I appreciate your kind thoughts, Diane. If we don’t learn from our history, we are destined to repeat it. Or something like that. I’d like to take you up on that offer to help promo. I’ll be in touch.

Margo Hoornstra said...

So true, Lucy. We will never forget. We toured the memorial in Oklahoma City. Very powerful. I agree about the cover. Thanks so much.