Who knew that Americans had such a bond? That we would come together rich and poor, black and white, old and young?

Who knew that the American family was so strong? That families still loved each other as much as ever?

Who knew that ordinary citizens would face up to terrorists? That a young man would say,"Let's Roll" and face death to save others?

Who knew that the greatest generation had produced grandchildren who fit in their shoes? Who would do them proud? Who knew that our Wall Street tycoons and CEOs would be just like the rest of us? That they'd not be ashamed to cry for loss of their people, not their loss of their money?

Who knew that our heroes weren't a thing of the past? That fire firefighters and police officers were willing to sacrifice themselves for their neighbors?

Who knew that volunteers would appear from all over the country? That they would be honored to do the worst job in the world?

Who knew that our politicians could stop bickering in an instant and unite? That they could well up and sing God Bless America spontaneously?

Who knew that our stars would perform without billing? That they wouldn't wait to be asked?

Who knew that New Yorkers would all hold the golden torch? That they would do us proud?

Who knew that our soft underbelly was hiding such a backbone? That we would stand our ground?

Who knew that patriotism was alive and well? That we could be stronger than ever?

Our enemies wouldn't know. They couldn't know.

So, who knew?

We, the People, knew.

Jean Loxley-Barnard has been a writer all her life and studied both sociology and psychology at George Washington University where she earned a B.A. Her company, The Shopper, Inc., encompasses all the Loxley-Barnard family publications - The Shopper Magazines and Doctor to Doctor Magazine. She has been in the advertising, consulting and publishing business for 39 years.