11 years ago today, I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when the Towers were hit. I was at home in my very first apartment, sleeping and snoozing my alarm, putting off rolling out of bed as long as possible before I had to get ready for work. My phone rang unexpectedly and it was my sister, urging me to turn the TV on. It didn't matter what channel. Begrudgingly following her instructions, I shot straight up when I saw the spectacle before me. It was shock and disbelief, then fear, and then so much sadness. I called my boyfriend (now husband) to wake him up because he, too, needed to see this. It was certainly a morning I will never forget.
Our nation was struck by a force so powerful and life-changing, that we didn't know it could happen. The tragedy awoke a personal pride in America...Everyone I know is proud to be an American, but the results of 9/11 spawned a new patriotism that I hadn't experienced in my lifetime. The Memorials are necessary for remembrance and reflection, for humbling ourselves and recognizing there are things bigger than our daily lives. Blood, sweat and tears were put into all of the 9/11 Memorials, and rightfully so.
Today, I drove my daughter to school, I saw my husband off to work, and my son fell asleep peacefully in my arms. I am thankful for the safety of my family and the many luxuries we are afforded: the ability to freely go about my day running errands, buying fresh produce, having utilities in my home to live comfortably and stay cool, and buying fuel to get us where we need to be. I can never take for granted the freedoms we as Americans have. Flying the friendly skies will never be the way it used to be. Entering
an airport or a government building has changed drastically as well. The nation has changed. Our awareness has changed. Is it for the better? Yes. We are a vigilant and watchful nation now. I believe we took it for granted before..."Invasion could never happen on our soil." That is the case no longer.
I will never forget those military men and women who have lost their lives in this war, nor the innocents who lost their lives when the planes crashed and when the towers fell. The brave rescue heroes who have suffered from injuries, emotionally and medically after toxic building meltdowns, even a decade later, are always remembered. I cannot forget the families and children of those lost who still struggle to recover and move on. My home prays for the soldiers and military families everyday. We pray for my husband as he works to protect his city and his family, and we pray for his safe return every day. Police officers, fire men and women, military soldiers and the countless volunteers who protect our great nation every day are to be applauded and thanked for their selfless service.
