nmah1332.xml

nmah1332.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-06

I am a librarian at a community college in Virginia. I was in my office when an office mate came in and said a plane has hit the World Trade Center. We have televisions in our library classroom and in our building hallway. I went in to see the newscast. As I was watching, the second plane hit. I had just a terrible sinking feeling. I turned to look around. The library, usually bustling with young adults was quiet. Some had moved to the televisions. Many were not talking, studying, or reading. They were sitting. Just sitting. I believe that we all share a common past, that we are all part of the universe's life force. We are the family of man. Witnessing such a massive loss of life sends repercussions through our souls.

I have always counted my blessings. Now, even more so. I'm troubled that people in other nations don't see the goodness of the American people. I'm troubled that I don't see us through their eyes so I don't know how to change their attitudes towards us. I can't believe anyone is intentionally that cruel and so I believe they must believe their convictions. As I teach students in the library I stress how important information is to each and every citizen. Each of us has the responsiblity to preserve individual freedoms, to honor our place in communities, and to help our fellow man.

September 11th should be remembered as the day America dusted herself off, turned and looked at the world, and said "We may not be perfect, but, we're the best of what people can be and now we're going to prove it." The World Trade Center should not be rebuilt. The land should become a flat, open, grassy park with a single pillar as tall as the tallest tower. The pillar should be inscribed with the names of the fallen.

I have always flown a small flag in my yard. My feelings have not changed. The flag is only cloth. What it represents cannot be destroyed.