story5881.xml

story5881.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-12

I was working as a Paramedic on a private ambulance out of Haltom City, TX. I was coming off shift and was getting ready for work at my part time job.

I was getting out of the shower and was greeted with, "You gotta see this!!" I came out of the shower, hair wet, partially dressed and stood in awe and disbelief as they showed videos of the first tower being struck. I stood there wondering if what I was seeing was real or a made for TV movie. It was all too apparent that it was real.

I continued to get ready for work as the second tower was hit. Again, I stood there in disbelief. What people, in their right minds, would do this to thousands of innocent people? It was all I could do to tear myself away from the TV and go on to work.

It is now a year later and I still stare in awe and disbelief as I look at the towers crumble and fall into a heap of rubble. I can't help but cry as I realize that it was real and it did happen.

I am still amazed as I see flags waving; red, white and blue streamers blowing; bumper stickers with patriotic sayings and slogans; and the comradery of the American people as they bond together in freedom. The terrorists did not accomplish what they were trying to do. All they did was bond the American people together. This is MY land. The land of the free and the home of the brave.

Thanks to all the "Public Servants" that give of themselves every day. I am proud to call myself one of them and I am especially proud to call myself an American.