story738.xml

story738.xml

born-digital

story

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2002-06-06

September 11th, 2001 is a day I will never forget in my lifetime. There were so many emotions running through me all at once. Along with all the emotions were all the thoughts and worries I had. It was the one day that for once I quit thinking about my little world and reached my mental hand out to the worlds of others whose lives were greatly affected by these events.
I remember very strongly the feelings I had when I had head about the first attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. It was about the end of first period when I first heard reports about attacks on the World Trade Center buildings in New York City. The news came as a complete shock to me. At the time I thought it was only rumor but as I walked into second period I watched in complete awe as the second plane collided with the structure.
To say that I was in complete shock was an understatement. For once I didn?t care about anything else but my figurative neighbors. I could feel tears swelling in my eyes as though I was in the middle of it myself but I could only imagine the true terror of it all. It was then that I realized how truly blessed I was to have reassurance that my friends and family were all safe within close range of me. I could only hope that most of the families in New York City and throughout the country would have the same reassurance but I soon came to realize that my hopes had died.
After watching the various CNN reports on the classroom monitors for a whole class period in shock, I had to leave the class to go to third period where I was informed that the Pentagon had been attacked also. My teacher refused to let us watch the reports and continued on with class. It came as a big disappointment to me because I had reason to believe that a friend of the family may have been injured or killed in the attack.
My lunch period which was at about twenty to eleven was filled with commotion and worry. Of course I felt for the victims families but I too feared for my own. My sister had recently joined the United States Air Force before September 11th. I feared for her only because I was uncertain as to the next target of the terrorists.
When I finally returned home, my father was there along with my uncle. They asked me if I had heard all of the reports in which I had pretty much. These events led to quite a few discussions on everything we take for granted. I have been fortunate enough to realize that every day is a fifty-fifty chance that I come home alive. It was way before September 11th that I realized this but such events as these were quite the reminder. I wanted to give everyone I know and love a hug and an apology for anytime I may have taken them for granted.
I called my aunt to make sure that everyone was fine and there were no calls as to inform us of a casualty within the family. The response was a negative but we had had a close call. My other aunt?s husband worked within the Pentagon and was off on an errand and had been fortunate enough to escape the attack.
The next day in school we had several moments of silence and pledges to the flag. It felt good to see patriotism flowing so strong. It has been way too long since there has been such a big uniting of people of all shapes, sizes, and races. I had never seen so many streaming flags standing ever so high. Such a sight gave me some hope that one day everyone in the nation will stand in unity and triumph over all obstacles.
Now we continue the search for the mastermind behind all of these attacks. Our chance of finding him are slim but we no longer live in fear. We continue with our everyday lives as we once did almost a year ago.
Clean up efforts in New York City have finally been completed. The last mass of metal has been removed with a flag marking the end of such trial. Though we may still grieve, we stand as one. Together, we have and continue to overcome strife and terrorism all at once. Suffering is temporary but unity is forever. We may never fully understand why someone could plot to kill innocent civilians, but we know that we can stand against such evil. The American people can overcome anything thrown in our path and we have proven this.
I address this statement to any American citizen that may read this: Hatred is very strong. Please do not let it overcome you. Problems are temporary and need no violence. I have faith that we may all come together and set aside or prejudices. One day we will all be known as one.