September 9, 2002 -- It's going to be a long week.

Wednesday is September 11, the anniversary of the most shocking and unconscionable attack ever to take place on North American soil. If you were awake and aware on that day in 2001, you will have your own memories of the horrific events that took place, just as I have mine.

(Regular readers of World of Beer will recall that I flew into New York City's LaGuardia Airport at 9:15 in the morning on September 11, just moments before the airport was closed, and so began the saddest, strangest week of my life.)

I have no objection to the commemoration of the events of September 11, 2001. I believe that the day should be marked with solemn ceremonies of remembrance - that's part of the grieving process and important to long-term healing. What does disturb me, however, is the way the media have been obsessing over the anniversary, wallowing in an orgy of misery and perverse voyeurism that will no doubt reach epic proportions this week. Reflection and analysis is one thing, wonton indulgence in our collective pain and memory is quite another.

Which is why I encourage all World of Beer readers to join me in my media withdrawal this week, and on Wednesday in general. Turn your backs on the gratuitous mass media commemorations and light your own candle - figuratively or literally - to bear remembrance with quiet dignity. Pour yourself a beer, raise your glass to the legacy of the fallen and in sympathy with those they left behind, and drink to the hope of reason, understanding and peace in our time.

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