9/11.

 

9/11. You remember where you were. I know I do.

I was in third grade. My teacher let us know what was going on very subtly during a snack break. I was in the bathroom and I didn’t get to hear what happened. I remember watching the news with my dad when I got home that night. I remember sitting on my parents bed and watching the planes fly in to the twin towers. I was 10 and that image will stick with me for the rest of my life.

It’s sort of crazy. It’s been 9 years since the attacks and it seems like time stood still on September 11, 2001. The whole world was watching while our country fell to its knees.

Tonight, I’m watching Remember Me, feat Robert Pattinson, (spoiler alert!!!). I cry every time. Everybody that died had a story, a family, a life, a meaning. I think that is what saddens me so much.

I want to take this chance to thank all of the service men and women who are fighting as a result of the terrorism attacks. That event forever changed your lives. It changed the course of America. We can fight about the reason why America is in Iraq and Afghanistan. We can stick to our party lines. We can blame and point fingers. But we can’t deny the fact that because of our military we are a safer, stronger nation.

I also want to thank the firefighters and police officers that responded that day. Dealing with disaster isn’t easy. What they put on the line is more than anyone could ask for and the police officers, especially, will always hold a special place in my heart. I can’t help but think that even 9 years ago, my life decisions were being decided by what I was witnessing.

I finally want to acknowledge the families of the victims of September 11. Their strength is part of what kept America together, in my opinion. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain. I don’t know anybody close to event but I wish them ease and comfort. It’s hard to find the words to describe these families because they are so strong.

9/11 isn’t an event that should be forgotten. It should be respected, by all walks of life, all religions. While unfortunate, its an important lesson, and continues to shape life as we know it.

Thank you.