Onward and Upward Like everyone, I've been dealing in my own personal way with the tragedy that gripped my nation this week. My emotions have run the gamut from wanting a new Middle Eastern parking lot to reminding myself and others that this was the act of a group of people whom no civilized nation on earth would lay claim to. I've seen many comments, images, and thoughts shared on this site and many others. Most of them I shared... a few I didn't, but all were from the hearts of those who posted. For myself, I can only say this to those who would think us weak and vulnerable... In my lifetime, I've seen several attacks on America. Our embassies have been attacked, our soldiers have been murdered in the most cowardly of ways, and we've even suffered terrible tragedies at our own hands. Without exception, the attackers always seem to fail to realize that America can never be defeated. You can attack our soldiers, our territories, our citizens, and even our hearts, but you can never defeat America. You see, America is a collective notion we all share. It's in our hearts, souls and the very fibers of our being. As long as one patriot stands tall, America can never be defeated. America isn't buildings and cities or warships and armies. America is our belief in our God given right to be what we can make of ourselves by our own efforts. America is our ability to succeed beyond our wildest dreams if we want it badly enough. America is our continued willingness to share these opportunities with those unfortunate enough to have not been born with them. America is our desire to stretch and grow and continue to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. America is our understanding that the world isn't a perfect place, just as America isn't perfect. America is our shouldering the responsibility to ensure that those freedoms and liberties we cherish so dearly are preserved and protected for those others who desire to share them. America is our willingness to put aside an all-consuming desire for blind vengeance when we are wronged, and focus our awful vengeance on those who deserve it. America is our ability to endure those most terrible of wrongs and continue to believe in ourselves and others... and to always continue Onward and Upward. Modeled in Rhino, background composited in Photoshop and latticed. Trees from my Collection. Terrain mat is Frankallen