nmah6792.xml

nmah6792.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2004-09-14

I was in 8th grade in Fountain Valley, California. I had woken up early to shower, so I put on my robe and was about to head to the bathroom. My sister came up the stairs and told me what had happened. We went downstairs and watched it all live. I didn't understand what it really meant. I thought it wasn't a big deal. All my dad said was "It's terrorists." But I still had no idea what he meant, so I just went and showered.
While I was in the shower the second plane hit. I got out and my family and I watched the buildings slowly burn. The planes hit near the top, hundreds of people had to choose, burn alive or jump? Many of them jumped, everytime you saw it you felt a sick feeling in your stomach. Who would want to do this to something living?
I will always know what I was wearing on 9/11 - 2001 because it was picture day. I was late for first period because my family got caught up in watching T.V. I still didn't fully understand what was happening untill I got to 2nd period. My teacher was loud, and hyper and happy. There was no happiness in her that day, or anyone else. She was screaming about it the entire period. She cried real tears up in front of our class. It was after that hour of her explaining (in a way) that it hit me that this was real, those were real people falling to their death that very second.
I discovered what those towers meant to us that day. I realized if they were capable of that, then no one is safe. It was in that moment of tragedy that we stood our tallest and strongest. All americans, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, stood hand in hand because we could all make it through this together.
Everyone put out their flags, people rushed to the still burning buildings to help however they could. Many people died in their struggle to help another person, but they died noble, they had made a difference. We attended churches, synagogues, anywhere to be together and pray. I don't think any american had dry eyes that day, we all shed tears for the victims. We lit candles, and we all sat in front of our television sets and watched, in horror, but it was impossible to take your eyes away. America came together that day and we will never be the same again.

I've become more aware of our situation and how other countries feel about us. I realize what those towers meant to us. I was not directly effected by what happened, no one I knew died. But I know everyone feels effected. I am more proud of being an american, and I know how special it is. I realize how sick some people are, not everyone is happy as I am, not everyone is as good off. I am more sympathetic for people.

I think we need to remember our heros. So many died, in order to save others. As people were rushing out of the buildings that had not even collapsed yet, firemen were rushing up to save whoever they could. They knew death could meet them any minute, but they cared about who they could save. We need to remember to cherish our loved ones because they will not always be here, it shouldn't just be in the sight of tragedy that we pull them close. We should remember all those whose lives were cut short that day, and just never forget. We should never forget.

Yes I did fly an american flag. I fully realize what our flag means now. I am proud of it.