The terror attacks of Sept. 11 aroused the ire of nearly all Americans, and the desire for revenge undoubtedly dimmed the public's anxiety about the casualties we will surely incur.

As the immediate crisis recedes, the public ambivalence about the human cost of war is returning. This isn't because we, as a nation, are wimpier than our ancestors, or because we are more moral, but rather because of significant changes in our society's values over the past half-century.

We hope that everyone is not just using "God Bless America" as an empty cliché. Perhaps now more than ever before America needs God's blessing. America needs God's favor. America needs God's wisdom, protection, and courage. Whoever our God may be.

We owe it to ourselves and to our great country to find out how we can receive that blessing.

Everyone in the country came to the to the aid of those providing "disaster relief," but where does it end? The American Red Cross has reported that they have enough blood and money to help out all the victims.

With the holiday season approaching, how does America change gears from the Sept. 11 "disaster mode" to the holiday spirit of thanksgiving? Are we as American citizens too preoccupied with the terrorist attacks to move on to Thanksgiving?

This Thanksgiving we should try not to think about the events that have damaged our country, but to try to enjoy this time, taking care of our families.

What should we as Americans, and as students, be thankful for? We should be happy that we can come together with our families and friends to celebrate this holiday. We should remember that our time spent at Norwich produces some our fondest memories.

For those who lost members of their family in the terrible events, Thanksgiving won't be the same. The rest of us who are lucky should remember and appreciate our good fortune, and reach out to those who are grieving.

America is so strong as a country that good will prevail. Thanksgiving will be a time to celebrate the holiday season as part of the trend toward unity in this country. More families will gather to give thanks for that which we have so long taken for granted: life, liberty, and the freedom to pursue happiness.

It's time to focus on the things which give us our strength as individuals and families. Our moving on shows that we have won the war against the horrors committed against us.

We've already won through the great pride, strength, love, and caring we all have for one another and our wonderful country. It's time to win by taking care of ourselves.

We must rebuild. If we do not, then we are admitting defeat to the present and future terrorists of our world.

Go home to celebrate life, unity, and your family. Give thanks for strength and patriotism, and maybe go home with the gift of an American flag. Wave our stars and stripes higher then ever before.

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