Ten Years Ago Today…

As I am sure many other bloggers are devoting this day to remembering 9/11, I too find it fitting to take this time and devote this post to remembering what happened 10 years ago today.

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty.” – President John F. Kennedy

However you wish to interpret this quote, we must all agree that it has taken the bravery and sacrifice of America’s heroes to keep this country free and safe. Unfortunately, on September 11, 2001, that safety we all felt was shaken by outside forces. While many of us paused to grieve and take in the events that were happening before us, police officers and firefighters responded immediately, rushing towards the danger and debris while everyone else ran as far away from the rubble as they could.

While our parents recall where they were when they heard President Kennedy was shot, I remember where I was and how I felt on September 11, 2001. Walking into my history class, my junior year of high school, I noticed my teacher had the TV on and before me was a burning building in New York City. Telling us that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center, it was the belief of the media that this was some horrific accident. Sitting in my seat, my friend and I were glued to the TV screen. I remember saying “oh my gosh, look at that plane. It’s going to hit the other tower!” Sure enough, the next thing I witnessed was that very plane flying directly into the second tower, resulting in a ball of flames; it was then realized that this was a terrorist attack on our country.

The photos, images, video that we all have seen are some of the most horrific things I have ever seen. To see and hear the screams and cries, to listen to the phone recordings of those making their last phone calls home to their loved ones…I pray that we as a nation will never face such horror again.

In the 10 years since 9/11 our country has traveled a rocky path. In the beginning we all stood united together and now, we couldn’t be more at odds with each other. No matter what your political or religious affiliations may be, let us all stand united once more on this day and not only remember those who lost their lives that day, but remember and recognize those who saved and rescued those from the rubble. And let us not forget to give thanks to the men and women of this brave and beautiful country, who continue to put their lives on the line for us each day.

To all of our brave soldiers, firefighters, police officers and EMTs…God Bless You and your service to this country. And to all of those who lost loved ones that fateful day…may you find peace and comfort in knowing that the world stands with you and will never forget what happened on September 11, 2001.

May freedom and liberty continue to prevail in this country now and forever.

This was the actual flag that was flown at Ground Zero just days after the 9/11 attacks. Touring the country, it came to my hometown. To see its beauty and glory flying high above the ground, it was a humbling feeling to stand before this mighty flag. Her colors will never run and may we all be proud to call ourselves Americans.