The Corner

Remembering

I’m in an extended trial in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In the lobby of my hotel this morning, I met a New York City fireman in full dress uniform. Not sure what he was doing here, but I was happy to have the vivid reminder of what today means. Like Kathryn, I remember my friend Barbara Olson today. She gave many of us one last, heartbreaking, gift in her death. It allowed those of us who were sad, angry, and numb a very personal outlet. Her memorial service was as moving and memorable an event as anything I have ever experienced. We mourned the loss of our friend, but we also mourned the loss to the Nation. We’ll never forget Barbara, the strength that her husband Ted showed in the difficult days ahead, and the remarkable courage of the everyday heroes like the NYFD firefighter whose hand I shook this morning.

Shannen W. Coffin, a contributing editor to National Review, practices appellate law in Washington, D.C.
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