story6397.xml

story6397.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-12

On September 11, history was made in America. I remember the day well. To my recollection, I was in 10th grade English class. It was 2nd period. I was excused to go to the restroom. On my way down the hallway, I heard most of the classroom television on and wondered why everyone was watching the news. When I arrived back into the room, our TV was on also and I saw that one of the buildings of the WTC had been hit by a commercial airplane. At that point, I didn?t really understand what it meant or how it happened. I thought it was just an accident. Then, I saw the 2nd plane hit the other building. By that time, I figured it wasn?t an accident. But I still didn?t understand what happened or the impact of the crashes. Soon after the 2nd plane crash, I went to my 3rd period class and heard that a plane had crashed in Pennsylvania.
Everyone around school didn?t really take it too seriously because it wasn?t really clear that it was a terrorist attack. But by the end of the day, our teachers had informed us that it was in fact a terrorist attack.
When I got home, I saw that the Pentagon was hit also. I then, began to worry about my aunt who is the Secretary of the District of Columbia. After hearing that the Capitol Building was evacuated, I called my sister and she told me that our aunt had gotten home safely. I later found out that my cousin?s wife worked at one of the WTC buildings but happened to head to work late that morning and was told to go back home.
I wouldn?t say that September 11, has changed my life but it has certainly changed my attitude on things. It?s made me realize how good life is and the things that I should be doing while I have it. It has also made me realize that we?re possibly closer to the last days than I thought. Due to my beliefs in God and the Bible, I can?t help but wonder how many more tragedies like September 11 will happen in the future. The way things are going in the Mid-East and all the bad things that continue to happen makes me worry what tomorrow could bring.
I think the patriotism that was shown right after September 11 should most be remembered. It?s the most I?ve seen in my life.
I didn?t really hang an American Flag that I own. But I did make a decision to make my relationship with God and my family closer.

-Angela Rivers