There were many memorial services and tributes during the past weekend in observance of the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

The more meaningful of such observances took place at New York, Washington, D.C., and a field near Shanksville, Pa.

Thanks to Second Baptist Church in Washington, area residents were able to participate in a just-as-meaningful tribute to the victims and heroes of 9/11. On Saturday and Sunday evening, the church’s Adult Choir, with assistance from church youth and others, presented “Stars and Stripes Forever,” a patriotic musical that captures the spirit and resolve of Americans in the days after the 9/11 attacks.

The musical lets it be known that Americans, whatever the differences, will unite when their freedom and liberties are threatened. The musical lets it be known that Americans resolve to fight tyranny and terrorism, injustice and inhumanity on their shores or around the world.

The musical reaffirms the traits that make Americans and America great. The musical honors those killed in the attacks. The musical pays tributes to those who protect America and Americans each day — military personnel, law-enforcement personnel, firefighters, EMTs and other first responders.

If the musical accomplished nothing else but to remind those who attended one, or both, of the performances about the 9/11 attacks and the victims and heroes, it served a great purpose. We think it served more than just a reminder.

The musical helps people reaffirm their faith in the American way of life, that Americans will always fight evil and that God will heal our land if we have the faith to trust His plan.

That’s a message all Americans, and the world, need to hear.