story10667.xml

story10667.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2004-06-23

I was sitting in my first period class, Government. I was a Junior. As usual I was half asleep and talking to my friends. My teacher heard what was happening and immediatly turned on the tv. As 20 17-year olds watched this tv, two planes crashed into the sides of the World Trade Center towers. We were devasted. No one said anything. Then we heard about the Pentagon and the classroom erupted with crying. Living so close to the Pentagon, we knew that some of our loved ones either worked at the Pentagon or were close by. Most kids were pulled out by their parents so by the end of the day, half of the student body was present. I remember being in my last class of the day, Chemistry. My father worked close-by the Pentagon and my mom often visited DC. I figured they would have taken me out of school but they didn't. At one point I looked out the window and saw a truck identical to my father's. I panicked. I was crying hysterically. I swore that it was my mom that was hurt or worse.... I went into my teachers office and I called my mother. I couldn't reach her and I couldn't reach my dad, he didn't have a phone. When I got home that afternoon, right when I walked in the door, the phone rang. It was my mother telling me that she and my dad were all right. I was so relieved. I thank the Lord everyday that no one I knew was hurt. I also pray for those families that lost their loved ones. 9/11 is a day that will forever be on the forefront of my mind and of everybody else's.

I want to just say thank you to everyone involved in the 9/11 rescues and clean up efforts. I for one salute you.