MAKE SEPTEMBER 11 A NATIONAL HOLIDAY?

Do We Really Need More Crowded Malls?

It is easy at a tender time like the 5th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks to want to reach for an emotional analgesic. Unfortunately there is none. Nothing but time will even begin to numb the shock and pain of that awful day and the days that followed. As my then boss said at the time (our offices were three blocks away from the World Trade Center) "There is no such thing as a return to normal after this. The best we can do is try and return to routine."

Even "routine" has been altered dramatically, perhaps for our life times.

I fully understand those directly affected by September 11 -- families, friends, colleagues, etc. -- of those killed or seriously injured. And those who gave their all as volunteers or paid responders. And those who for whatever reason feel a pain that will not go away, or even an anger that won't, I can understand why they feel that September 11 should forever be kept as a day of reverence and reflection.

That is exactly why I don't believe September 11 should be a national holiday. Before you know it, it will become just another day off. Another "sale day." How long before the radio blares out, "September 11 shopping day values?" How long before lines at the suburban mall and city department stores stretch out the door? Will it be a "no tax day" as well?

And what about the other events? Ultimately they will take the 11th away and place it on say, the second Monday in September. That means one more summer three-day weekend getaway. A last shot at the Hamptons, the Vineyard, the Bahamas.

I remember when Martin Luther King's birthday became a national holiday. I am Black. I was against it. I wanted it to become "our day of absence." In King's honor, I wanted all Black people who believed in King's works and accomplishments, to take the day off from school, work, whatever. If you can't, to at least take a portion of your day and meet, think, develop plans for those things that will enhance the quality of life in your community, town/city, etc. If you don't want to be part of a group, improve the quality of your family life, home life -- or just your own life.

But did they listen to me? No!

This point was driven home during the first year King's birthday became a holiday. My then Assistant Vice President, Irish eyes smiling, came into my office and slammed down a newspaper ad on my desk. It was for -- you guessed it -- a Martin Luther King Day sale at a local store. As if that wasn't enough (it was plenty, believe me!) he plopped down a memo sent to Black employees in our company from the company's "Black Employees Organization," advertising a "Martin Luther King Ski Weekend!"

For those who wish to maintain the integrity of September 11, keep it in your hands. It is already pushing the line between tasteful event and media spectacle with news reporters in their dark suits and dresses milking every last lump in the throat out of the survivors and witnesses.

That horse is out of the barn. Keep the door closed before there are more people lining up to get to the stores before the crowds get there, than there are reflecting on the events of that day.

If September 11 becomes a national holiday, it will become just that -- another day off.