American calendars carry a new day of observance — Patriot Day, September 11th.

On the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America, millions of people are participating in ceremonies to remember those who died and the heroes who served so valiantly, many at the cost of their own lives.

Countless acts of compassion and numerous deeds of caring emerged from this travesty. We've read or heard of people who, with no regard for their own safety, rushed to the aid of others. Our hearts have been touched as we've learned of many charitable acts rendered by strangers, casual acquaintances or neighbors as they've comforted and encouraged others.

That such heinous acts as the attacks could be carried out paralyzes rational thought. Such things cannot happen, we tend to think. Then evil touches us. Or touches a neighbor, a friend, an ally.

The phenomenon of man's inhumanity to man isn't new to our generation. It goes back to the beginnings of recorded history, since Cain killed Abel. Some among us have experienced war or lived through such horrors as the holocaust. Still, we want to believe we are safe. Unfortunately, life's sojourn doesn't come with immunity against fomenters of evil.

Faith fortifies us. It strengthens and enables us to face life's issues and tragedies. It comforts and soothes us. Seldom far removed from the ills of the world, either through actual experience or coverage by the media, we need its balm in abundance.

When tragic events such as the attacks of September 11th occur, faith is sometimes all we have left.

During our mortal probationary state, we walk by faith. We lack a sure knowledge of what lies ahead but we have gospel assurance that a loving Father will direct our paths if we are attuned to His Spirit.

If everyone believed in God and kept His commandments, atrocities of every kind would evaporate. Evil could not exist. Everything ugly and destructive would be swept away, leaving the earth cleansed and beautiful. All our troubles would be over.

But not everyone believes. So what do we do?

We have little or no control over the actions of others, just our own. But what changes can be wrought one person at a time!

Jesus said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

"This is the first and great commandment.

"And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Matthew 22:37-39.)

Perhaps in no other season of earth's existence has been a greater need for love than at present.

This timeless truth was taught during the April 1962 general conference by Elder Howard W. Hunter, then of the Quorum of the Twelve: "To love one's neighbor is noble and inspiring, whether the neighbor is one who lives close by or, in a broader sense, a fellow being of the human race. It stimulates the desire to promote happiness, comfort, interest, and the welfare of others. It creates understanding. The ills of the world would be cured by understanding. Wars would cease and crime disappear. The scientific knowledge now being wasted in the world because of the distrust of men and nations could be diverted to bless mankind. Atomic energy will destroy unless used for peaceful purposes by understanding hearts. . . .

"Hatred tears down but understanding builds up."

During the past year, we've seen the worst and the best sides of human beings. We've witnessed destruction wrought by evil, yet we've seen people lifting others.

Because of countless loving deeds in the wake of hateful actions, America observes a new day.