09/07/2026
25 years ago this Friday, my friend, Darlene, called to tell me to turn on the TV - something awful had happened. I turned on the TV and saw things I can't unsee. I watched skyscrapers fall in real time, knowing they were filled with people - many people. I cried, and cried, and cried. I prayed. I called my husband who was working in a skyscaper here in Des Moines and couldn't wait for him to get home. I cried and prayed some more. My four-year-old son, Ryan, gave me a big hug and his Pooh Bear, my two-year-old son, Josh, brought me his blankie and told me it would be okay. They didn't know what was happening, but they comforted me anyway.
Our church pews were filled that night at little Peace Lutheran Church in DSM. Packed - with little room to spare. We prayed. We sought the help of our mighty God as we often do when things seem beyond us. We prayed for all the heroes who would be working day in and day out to rescue all they could, for justice for those who attacked us, for the attacks to be over. We opened our doors the next morning to find full spread American flags in the The Des Moines Register. We hung those on our doors and put American flag stickers on our cars. Our country was united in the face of this evil.
And now....we tell the stories of the heroes, the survivors, and teach our children how to use their gifts to honor God and protect others. We pray for those who are still hurting over the lost, or paying the cost for serving others in those conditions. Join us to remember them at the March to the Capitol - Des Moines. YPC will be there to sing our hearts out for those who march in remembrance.
Bob Lyons, Michael Dunkin - I'm in awe of the work you've done and the marches you've led in our city. My young patriots are impacted every year, and so am I. Keep it up, friends. Let's never forget.
Remember how 9/12 felt? Walk with us to sample that again.
