The images are emblazoned in my mind as though it were yesterday. I’ll never forget my Mom coming in my room to wake me up crying. It was September 11, 2001, the beginning of my Senior year of High School, and life as I knew it would never be the same. I was home sick from school that horrific morning, and trying to understandwhat my Mom was saying. I couldn’t even wrap my head around what a terrorist attack meant. Sure I had seen it in movies, but as we walked downstairs, and I saw the images on TV I felt like time froze. My uncle, (an army veteran of the Gulf War), happened to be over dropping something off at our house before work. He said a name I had never heard before. His words woke me out of the fog, the scene at the World Trade Center had put me in. He said, “Osama Bin Laden has to be responsible for this.” I was so confused, I struggled to believe what was even happening: buildings falling down, New York City covered in ash and smoke, watching hero after hero with no regard for their own safety, save and help their fellow Americans. It was so the American way. We saw evil that day, but more importantly we saw the best of America on display. Reminding the world of the strength and character of the American people. Emergency workers, neighbors, and strangers giving their lives to save their fellow man was a constant occurrence that day. The plane crashing at the Pentagon seemed almost incomprehensible, but every passing minute made me more proud to be an American. When United Flight 93 went down not far from my hometown in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, it was the definition of putting your fellow man before yourself. That literally brings tears to my eyes as I write this. Having that kind of courage is just beyond words. You are all heroes, and we celebrate each and every one of the fallen heroes we lost 14 years ago. A grateful nation remembers and honors you. Your sacrifice, your heroism, and your courage, have left a legacy to be cherished and remembered for generations to come. Rest in peace and know we will Never Forget.
Lots of Love,
