story11198.xml

story11198.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2004-12-12

It was the morning of September 11, 2001, a day I would remember forever. I woke up and went to school as usual. It was my sophmore year of high school and I had three classes that day. I was in Biology when our whole school got the announcement that would change our lives forever.

The definition of flashbulb memoriesis vivid memories for the circumstances in which one first learned of a suprising, consequential, and emotionally arousing event. 9/11 is an event that I will remember is great detail for the rest of my life. It all started with a special announcement from Ms. Griffin, my high school principal. Her voice sounded shaky and scared as she began by telling us not to be alarmed. She informed us that one of the Twin Towers had been hit by an airplane. She was not sure if it was a terroist attack but assured us that we were safe. She told us to go about our day as usual and if she had anymore information she would notify us. My mind did not register the importance of that moment. I would soon realize the how truley horrible that incident was.

As I walked through the hallway to my next class I noticed the faces of my fellow classmates. They were all white and looked paniced. Everyone looked frightened and confused. People were sneaking their cell phones in the restrooms to call parents and relatives. It was about 9:00 as I arrived to my last class of the day. My teacher had the CNN on and we sat and watched quietly in awe. As we viewed the footage we watched the second tower get hit live. There was a gasp from everyone as the events began to unravel. I began to really worry as I thought about what was happening. I remembered visiting The World Trade Center as a child with my family. It was the first time I had visited New York City and I had the time of my life. These memories hurt as I watched people run screaming out of the buildings. The footage looked like a scene from a horror movie. I could not beleive that it was real. I refused to beleive. Next I witnessed the Pentagon being hit. I made me realize how close to home this tragedy really was.

Around twelve o'clock I left school and went home. As soon as I got home I flipped on the TV, learned sbout the plane crash in Pennslyvania, and called my parents. Both of them urged me to stay home and made me promise not to go anywhere public. They were very worried. After talking to them realize the seriousness of the situation. I called my relatives from New York and was relieved that they were alright. Finally I fell asleep o the couch with the news playing in the background. I had a horrible dream about the events that occured that day.

9/11 changed my life forever. I few months after it happened I visited Ground Zero. I went with my cousin's husband who is a fireman so we get to go up close to the observation deck. Even though time had passed it was still a mess. The whole area was covered in large pieces of debris. The observation deck was very upsetting. It was covered with letters, pictures, dried flowers, and writing. I read through the graffiti that was scrawled all over the wood. It was so sad to see messages such as, "I miss you Daddy," and "God Save our Country." Pictures of missing persons were tacked to the railings, all of which most likely perished in the Twin Towers.

I will never forget the events of September 11, 2001. As I think about it I am filled with grief, sorrow, and regret. My only hope is that our government will learn from its mistakes and never let this happen again.