Ten Years Later – I Remember

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that rocked our nation on September 11, 2001.  More than 3,000 people died on that morning in the wake of two air craft crashing into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York, another into the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and in the crashing of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.  And like so many, I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard the news.

I was sitting in my senior English class that Tuesday morning, when someone entered the room and announced that a plane had crashed into one of the towers of the World Trade Center.  I remember the teacher turning on the television and everyone watching in horror as the second plane hitting the other tower.  I remember lots of crying, screaming, and not being able to think about anything more than the events unfolding.  I personally didn’t lose anyone to those horrific events, but many of my friends at school did. I remember trying to offer what comfort and support I could to them.

I remember feeling the same anger, sadness, helplessness, and disbelief that so many others around felt then and still feel today.

I remember sitting in the living room at my grandmother’s house that evening with the rest of my family.  All of our eyes glued to the television news as the events of the morning  played over and over.  As more and more details were made available.  The images. My God the images were horrific.  I remember everyone, my uncle especially, making comments that war was at hand.

I remember it all as if it were yesterday.  But it wasn’t.  It was 10 years ago.  But the painful memory is ever present.

Today, on this 10th anniversary of the attacks of September 11th, I mourn for those who lost their lives on that tragic morning.  I mourn for the families of those who died.  I mourn for the thousands of additional lives that have been lost the ten years since, as we sought to bring justice to those responsible for the attacks.

I mourn for those whose birthdays, anniversaries, and other special events which too fell on September 11th, have been forever tarnished by the events of that morning.

April’s parents were married on 9/11, about 30 years ago.  And given her mother’s battle with cancer, today I have mourned for them. Because this 9/11 may very well be the last that they have.  On this day when we should be celebrating them, we are mourning. Yet another link to a tragic day, which we will never forget.

Today, I mourn.  I pray for peace and comfort to all who lost someone dear on that day.  I pray we never forget.

Ten years later, I remember!