Where were you when the terrorist attack took place on September 11? I was at home, in a little house on Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The television was on, and I was straightening up the house. The volume was down low, because Russ was sleeping. He was working nights. I remember glancing at the screen as I walked though the room, and I saw a skyscraper with dark gray smoke billowing out of it. I turned up the volume and they mentioned something about a plane hitting a building in New York City. I thought something had gone wrong with the controls, or the pilot had had a heart attack or something. I didn't have time to think very much, and then the other plane hit. This was no accident. I ran to the back bedroom and woke up Russ. He had only been asleep for a couple of hours, and was kind of out of it when he walked out and sat on the couch. I never thought this would happen here in America, so my mind was telling me that this just wasn't true. None of this could be real.
So much changed for all of us on that day. Thousands of people lost their lives. More were seriously injured. Their loved ones had broken hearts. Our confidence and security as a nation was shaken. But something else came out of that horrible day. Out of that tragedy came solidarity and strength. President Bush stood before the world and pledged to defend America's freedom against the fear of terrorism. He brought us together, and we became even stronger. Our military members were armed and ready, and every man and woman in America stood behind them with a show of patriotism that I don't think I've ever seen before. Even though I was afraid of what might happen, and I was grieving for the people that we had just lost, I was proud. So very proud. You can hurt us, but we will stand and fight. With every blow, we will become stronger. We will not quit.
On this day, think back to where you were when the terrorists struck. Think about that feeling of loss, and remember those who died with respect and love. Never forget.
Very well said!!
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