nmah412.xml

nmah412.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-08-24

I was witness to the events of Sepember 11th via my local television station. I am a special education teacher and was preparing for my day. While copying some material in the office, one of my co-workers called and I happened to answer the phone. She said "Did you see? A plane just hit the Trade Center". I turned on the television to see the disaster and was witness to the second plane hitting the second tower. I remember praying immediately, praying for survivors and thinkng "How could this happen on such a beautiful day?".

There is an uncertainty to every day, a feeling of discomfort that I feel. I worry that my 7 year old daughter
will not be able to enjoy the same kind of "fearless" childhood that I did. I am more grateful for my country, my freedom, those who selflessly give their lives in daily duty.

I think we should remember the courage of those who were involved in the rescue and how fast our great country responded to this tragedy. Living about an hour south of NYC, I was witness to so many ordinary people just getting in their cars and going to help immediately after without regard to consequenses. It was overwhelming.

Yes, I did fly my flag as a sign of solidarity and perhaps defiance to the terrorists, but I do not think that flying the flag has alot to do with patriotism. The American Flag is an important symbol, but patriotism is in your heart.