nmah6558.xml

nmah6558.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2004-07-15

I witnessed the events of 9/11 from my living room in Queens, New York. My brother woke me that morning when the first news stories were coming on the television. I was off from work that day and had planned on sleeping in. I turned on my television and saw the smoke and flames coming from the first Tower. I called my Dad, to tell him to turn on the TV, and I saw the second plane hit the second tower while I was on the phone.
I remember what a beautiful day it was outside, a clear blue, cloudless sky. And in the middle of it, black smoke filling the entire skyline. Watching the events unfold around the country was the most frightening thing that I have ever experienced. It felt like the world had gone crazy. I went outside for a few minutes and I could see the smoke in the distance. After the FAA grounded air traffic, the only sounds that I could hear outside were Police helicopters flying overhead.
I think that I watched the news until very late that night. When I woke up the next day, just for a moment, it all seemed like a nightmare. But I could smell the burnt smell in the air when I opened the window. I went to work in Manhattan because I didn't want to be home alone. The city was filled with armed military personnel. I work downtown, and there were heavily armed soldiers with military vehicles on my block. I know that they were there for my protection, but it was so scary. This couldn't be New York City......

September 11, 2001 has changed my life forever. I will forever divide my life into before and after. I have lived in New York City my entire life and I have never really felt afraid to live here. Now, I think about it every day. I ride the subway, and I worry about people who are acting "suspiciously". I can't hear a siren without getting goosebumps, because I heard them so much on that day.

Remembering September 11th should be all about the people who's lives were lost that day. The people who worked in those buildings, and the people who risked their lives to help them. In the last few years, I have tried to read as many stories about that day as I can. The stories of survival and heroism, the stories of those who performed the ultimate sacrifice to help others...Those are the things that need to be remembered about that day.

I have always been proud to be an American. My parents came to this country and their greatest wish was to become American citizens. They have raised me with that kind of love and respect for my country. I have always had a Flag in my house. Now, I try to have one outside as well and I have been wearing a Red, White, and Blue ribbon pin everyday for the last 3 years. I am proud....