Do you remember where you were on the morning of September 11, 2001. I do. Ten years after the fact, I can recall with vivid memory where I was, what I was doing and even what I was wearing. If it hasn't faded in my mind in these past 10 years I don't think it ever will. And why should it fade? September 11, 2001, my life changed forever.
In an instant, as I sat there watching the second plane hit the tower, everything I knew, felt and trusted in was shattered. My country no longer felt like my country, my world no longer felt like my world.
As much as I recall where I was and what I was doing that day, I also recall my first thoughts. How was this even possible, and what did this mean for my boys - then ages 5, 3 and 1. I had the urge to scoop them up and run with them, to where I had no idea. I wanted to flee from the horror of the images that were on TV. I wanted to get away from the terror I felt. Realizing there was no where to go, I sat down on the middle of the living room floor and cried. I, know know I was sitting there waiting. Waiting for the U.S to continually attacked. I waited to hear about Chicago, L.A, D.C, St. Louis, all being hit. I was in a sense waiting for the end of the United States. That, thankfully, never came.
It never happened because of our American heroes that day. The people on Flight 93 who prevented another attack and in the process gave their lives for ours. The first responders who ran into the towers, while everyone else was running out of them. The firemen, policemen and anyone else who had the courage to do what needed do be done that day. So many of those heroes lost their lives that day, and in return helped many others to keep their lives, their families, their hope.
That is what I will honor today. I will honor the people who were warriors, patriots, and true Americans. They lost their lives, they left families behind and devastated. Yet they managed to leave us with something to live on for the coming days, weeks, and years. Hope. Throughout our American history there were many times when all we had left was hope. We made it through on hope before , we can do it again.
In your own way, this day, honor the innocent lives lost, the heroes who were wiling to give their lives for our country, and will continue to do so while the fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. Remember the families who have lost their loved ones. Remember our American Heroes. Take in the sight of our flag still standing. And most of all , remember we still have hope.
I remember, do you?
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