Remembering September 11, 2011
There are many unforgettable moments in my life, including the births of my children, graduation day, and getting married. However, there has never been a moment that drastically changed my life and the country as the events that occurred on that fateful Tuesday in September almost 10 years ago. I remember having breakfast in my hotel lobby in downtown Seattle. The television was on the local news show when it was interrupted for a special bulletin. The picture showed one of The World Trade Center towers on fire and the caption said that a plane had crashed into it. I thought, “my God what a horrible accident.” Those of us in the restaurant kept watching as the news coverage showed different angles of live feed of the crash site. Then as I looked, I saw a plane come out of the right hand side of the screen and crash into the second tower. I knew then, as did many others, that this was not an accident and we were under attack.
The world changed forever that day. I remember calling to check on my family to make sure everyone was safe. I remember the gut wrenching fear, wondering what was going to happen next. Then the news broke in again with the report that the Pentagon had just been hit. Was the White House next? We later learned that it was, and if not for those heroes on flight #93, our nation’s capital could have been destroyed. I watched as the towers burned and I thought they will be able to put out the fires. Then at around 10 a.m. the south tower collapsed. I watched in horror as I saw chilling pictures of people jumping out of the north tower to keep from being burned. Then it too collapsed.
I sat there in that hotel restaurant in Seattle and cried. I cried for the people in the planes, for the people in the buildings and on the ground. I cried for the first responders who gave their lives trying to rescue others. I cried for our nation … a nation that would be forever changed.
At some point in that terrible day, my tears were replaced with an anger and resolve, which our County would make those responsible for these cowardly acts pay and pay dearly. John F. Kennedy once said “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.”
As we approach the 10th anniversary of this tragic event, I want all of us to pause and give thought to a few questions. How has your patriotism changed since the incident? What were you doing when you found out? How did you feel at first? How do you feel now? What do you want to see happen? Did you do anything to help then and what are you doing now?
All of us need to remember that our liberty and our way of life are constantly under attack by those who would like to see that our very right to even exist is taken away. Please give your prayers and support to our troops who keep us safe. Give the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent a little courtesy as he/she tries to prevent another 9/11. To you business travelers who travel first class, give up your seat every now and then to a service man or woman. It is a small thing to you but it means a lot to them. Also, pray for our leaders that they may put aside their differences and self-interest to see that our country remains strong and viable.
Remember all those innocent souls who perished, who were guilty of nothing more than seeking the American dream for another day. Take a moment to bring your family and friends together and give thanks that you have each other.
Finally, I remember my grandfather talking about Pearl Harbor and how the country was stunned by the attack. I remember him saying that he knew exactly where he was at the time of the attack. I remember talking to my father about the assassination of JFK and how he knew exactly where he was. I know where I was on September 11, 2001. I hope my kids never have to be asked by their children where they were when….
David Gladney
American Restoration, Inc.
