Today marks the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Today stirs up so many emotions in Americans and others around the world. I've been in awe this week with all of the footage shown in the news, personal videos, tribute programs, sport stories, and specials. The days and weeks following 9/11 were full of national unity from flags, bumper stickers, conversations, religious discussions, prayers, all the way to songs (thank you country music). It is still very inspirational to see this throughout the US today.
I remember when it happened. It was my second class of the day around 9 am. I was sitting in the second row of Mr. Dzuik's English class my junior year of high school, when another teacher rushed in, and turned on our television. You didn't even have to turn it to the news channel- it was on every channel. A few minutes afterwards, we all stared in horror as a second plane hit the other WTC tower. Shock. That feeling of seeing that happen was so surreal. We were glued to the tv as the towers fell. Disbelief. I don't really remember much after that, but we were no longer the same. School was put on the backburner (at least my teachers didn't really continue teaching- people were on their phones- the office intercom told us we could call home).
My dad, who worked at
Selfridge (Air National Guard Base) in the Army, came within the hour to pick me up as our school went into a lockdown (being down the road from a joint military base). Usually a drive to school took around 10-15 minutes, but it took my dad and I over an hour to get back home. Everyone was asked to park and get out of their vehicles, while they opened and searched the cars. My backpack was searched. They even used long mirrors to look under the cars for bombs. We were on the highest security level as every other military base in the country was too. Our base's
Air Force flew out to help
escort other planes safely to Canada. The Coast Guard was constantly patrolling the waters of Lake St. Clair.
We didn't have school the next day. I remember sitting at a picnic table near our home with several of my friends discussing what was going to happen. We couldn't believe what was going on. For the next few weeks, we always had Hummers driving around with a gun on top and soldiers walking around with M16s. There was the fear and talk of being attacked again and where it would be. I will always remember the feeling of helplessness and sadness.
As George Bush said, "We will not tire, We will not falter, and We will not fail".
So as I reflect on that day, I believe that today we stand united still as Americans. We remember those who lost their lives on September 11th and stand by their families and the survivors. We honor the Heroes who saved lives that day and our Armed Forces, Firefighters, Police, Volunteers, Donors, Construction workers and Contractors, and all those who were first to respond. Your service and sacrifice continues to protect the freedoms we enjoy. The service to fight this war on terrorism is never forgotten. I am very thankful for the Red, White, & Blue. God Bless America- land that I love.
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and
saves those who are crushed in spirit"
Psalm 34:18
