In another world...

[snoopy1@pig.net]

         Superman stood in the memorial hall in the lunar headquarters of 
the Justice League of America, holding an object that was dusty and 
battered.  His body, impervious to all harm, was shaking slightly, though 
his voice echoed clearly through the hall.

         "Today we honor those who lost their lives in the attack on the 
United States, on another earth.  This is a firefighter's helmet, from New 
York City." He placed the broken helmet in a glass case, then stepped back 
to make room for Diana, Princess of Themyscria, known to the world as 
Wonder Woman.  She moved forward, wearing her formal robes of state, 
weeping openly.

         The Amazon princess held aloft a pitted box with a red cross on 
it. "This is a first aid kit from a paramedic who lost her life in the 
building collapse."  The box went in the case next to the helmet.

         Aquaman, known as King of the seven seas, brought forth small pile 
of carefully folded cloth.  "These were banners from the offices of the 
Pentagon of the US Armed Forces."

         Green Lantern walked slowly forward, carrying a handful of 
photographs.  "These people were on the plane in Pennsylvania, and thwarted 
one of the terrorist groups at the cost of their own lives."  Flags and 
photographs went into the case.

         J'onn J'onzz, the Martian Manhunter, walked forward with a handful 
of children's toys.  "I know what it is like to lose your children.  These 
were the toys of the children who perished.

         Then the Batman moved forward from the shadows.  "This is a 
policeman's shield. They died doing what they believed in."  Silently, he 
placed the shield in the case.

         Superman stepped forward once more, placing an American flag next 
to the case.  "For all of them, so they know we will never forget."

         The assembled Justice League stood at attention for a minute of 
silence, honoring those from an earth so like their own, in a universe they 
could not reach in time.

         These mightiest heroes of their world knew forever who the real 
heroes are in ours.