nmah3671.xml

nmah3671.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I was working in the St. Louis area when my husband called me at 8:10 a.m. CT to say that a plane had hit the WTC and he kept reporting the events that he was hearing on the radio at work. As a Mom of a U.S. Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton California I became worried that military bases may also be under attack. My son had just returned to Camp Pendleton after two weeks leave and I knew he was to report on 9/11 for duty. The thoughts that go through your mind not knowing what is really happening in NYC and possible at the military bases if just unbelievable. My other two children started calling in from the colleges they go to, also, worried about their brother and if everything is going to be alright. Even that the age of 18 and 20 they just needed to talk to me and they also called their dad for reassurance. It's times like this that everyone you care about you must get in contact with to see if they are okay. My huband and I thought we would not hear from our oldest son because we knew the base would be on high alert. But at 11 PM CT he called to say he was okay, it was such a relieve to hear his voice. Also, he enthusiasm that he was proud to serve his country and fight for our freedon and liberties.

I think I am more tolerant and patient with people. Also, I make it a point of speaking to everyone I pass with a "hi" just to show that we are all one as a country. I hadn't worn my mother's pin my son gave me on his gradution day from boot camp for several years. I now wear it everyday and will continue to do so for some time.

The people who died and the heroes. We must never forget that this horrible event united us as a nation and we should continue to strive to be better people. Be proud that we have the freedoms and liberties that other countries may not have.

We have flown an American flag and a Marine Corp flag since the day our son left on October 19, 1997. My feelings have always been of pride and remembrance of those who died defending our rights. My dad was a WWII vetran and my husband a Vietnam vetran.