nmah6532.xml

nmah6532.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2004-05-31

I'm a teacher in Baltimore, and I had no idea what was going on that morning. I sent my kids to PE at 9:00, and went about getting things ready for the day. No one told me anything was happening. I proceeded with writing and reading classes, unaware. The intercom kept buzzing for my students to come to the office, prepared to go home. How strange, I thought. This was only the sixth day of school, a regular Tuesday, what was going on? I peeked out the door, and in the hallway, there were dozens of students in the hallway at their lockers (this is an elementary school). WHAT WAS GOING ON? I had this strange feeling. I flagged down another teacher, and asked what was all the commotion. This was around 11:30 AM, EST. She looked at me as if I were insane, and said,"YOU DON'T KNOW?" I thought, no, I've been teaching all morning, how would I know? She said," Terrorists hijacked planes and flew them into the Pentagon and the World Trade Center in NYC. The World Trade Center was destroyed." Blankly, I stared at her. Firstly, I had always called them the "Twin Towers", so hearing the WTC was odd. The Pentagon? In Virginia? WHAT? I asked her to repeat what she had just said, because it made absolutely no sense to me. I had the kids work independently on vocabulary while I turned on my computer. I am grateful I hadn't turned on the TV. I was so shocked; it seemed unreal. And it happened hours ago, so I just felt ill. We got the remaining students to lunch, and they were sent home an hour early. We had gathered them in the gym to tell them what happened. What a thing to have to explain to those innocent little faces. They looked to me for anwers, and I had none. Just hugs.
I drove home around 3:30 PM. I was alone on an empty road.

I view evil in this world differently. I always knew that others did not share our pluralistic view of the world. They do not want progress. They do not seek land or understanding, and we must find the courage to face those who would destroy our way of life.
I appreciate the sacrifices of the heroes of that day, and every day. Little things, moments, make me smile. I am eternally grateful to live in this country.

In the midst of chaos, we survived. People got out of those buildings. People ran in to save others. The passeners on Flight 93 probably saved DC from catastrophic damage. The Mayor said it best: We met the worst of humanity with the best of humanity.
Remember the heroes.

I have always flown the American flag. It's at my house and on my car. This country and all its freedoms are sacred to me. I am honored to say the Pledge everyday with my students. If anything, my feelings for this nation and its citizens have been strenghtened since that day.