nmah3058.xml

nmah3058.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I was at online at work, in a town 80 miles north of NYC. A friend of mine instant messaged me with the news that a plane had hit the World Trade Center. At that time, it was unclear whether it was an accident or not. Being my home was only around the corner from my workplace, I ran home to watch the news on tv. It didn't seem like I had watched but a minute when the reports came in that the 2nd plane hit. I sat there glued to the tv, completely in shock, especially when the news reported these were passenger jets filled with innocent people. As I watched the buildings fall, I said prayers for all the lives inside, hoping against hope that everyone made it out alive.

Since the attacks, I have become a lot more patriotic than I was, proudly displaying the US flag at my residence and on my car (which has been on display every day since). Although I was already religious, I have spent a number of times praying for the souls lost, and for their families left behind. I have also been working at establishing a closer relationship with my family. I appreciate life a lot more than I had.

I think the patriotism and the openness to discuss religion that followed the attacks needs to be remembered, not just once a year, but EVERY day. This not only needs to be remembered in honor of those lives who were senselessly lost, but for ALL of us who remain behind. We are ONE nation, and need to be one for always.

I have always been proud of our flag, although I never flew one personally. However, I have flown it every day since 9/11/01.