Our nation should never forget those we have lost, but the needs of the living must take precedence.

Mother Nature's power has devastated many regions across the world recently including southeast Asia, the Gulf Coast and parts of the Middle East, leaving millions of people in need of food, shelter and basic necessities of life. Giving spirits have risen to the challenge and the rebuilding has begun.

However, a spin-off effect of these disasters has been that groups raising funds to build Sept. 11, 2001, memorials at the World Trade Center site in New York City, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pa., have found a more difficult time raising the $500 million needed.

More than $100 million of the $500 million needed for the World Trade Center memorial has been generated. Approximately half of the $18 million needed for the Pentagon memorial has been collected and fund-raising for the Flight 93 memorial in Pennsylvania has only just begun.

Several events and campaigns have been delayed out of respect for Hurricane Katrina and Rita victims. Memorial organizers should be commended for their ability to look at the big picture and sacrifice their own cause for the greater good.

We appreciate this decency and hope that relief efforts can continue to focus on those living in the worst of conditions, or even, without anywhere to call home.

The tragedy of 9/11 must never be forgotten and the men and women who lost their lives must forever be remembered and honored. However, the living must become a higher priority for now.

Rebuilding the Gulf Coast will require tremendous amount of money, hard work and community spirit. We know that Americans will again rise to the occasion as they have so many times before.

The Red Cross has received $1.2 billion of the $2 billion it has sought for hurricane relief. Many other organizations have received millions of dollars in gifts as well as an outpouring of much-needed supplies.

Once our nation begins the journey toward recovery, then we must all rally together with that same focus and determination to ensure that those killed on 9/11 are honored for their sacrifices.

After all, they are making another sacrifice even after they are gone. Certainly, these heroes would again be proud to do so.