nmah5749.xml

nmah5749.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2003-09-11

I was sitting in my Spanish III class awaiting the dismissal bell to go to next period.
It was about 10 a.m. My friend and I were laughing about something, as usual, when
the principal's voice came on the speaker. As soon as he started to speak, I could sense
something was wrong. He told us the twin towers in New York had been hit just minutes
ago by what was believed to be terrorists. I was shocked, but not really able to understand
the full impact this would have on our nation. It seemed far away. After all, I was in
Manassas, Va, a whole 6-7 hours away from the Big Apple. It didn't seem to affect me. But
then, I heard the Pentagon had been hit. Many parents in my area work there, and
that really hit close to home. Many were worried, few were laughing, and all were
awaiting more information. The event was on the news almost 24-7 for the next couple
weeks, and is discussed often even today, 2 years later. I will never forget September
11, 2001.

My life as an individual hasn't greatly changed since September 11, but our nation
has. I became a little more grateful for my blessings, a little more appreciative of
life, and more loving to my family. The nation as a whole for a few months afterward
became more unified, more kind in general one to another. Much of that has worn
off now, but the memory still remains.

The strength and unity of our nation through adversity should be remembered as
well as the courage and bravery of our fire fighters, law enforcement, government,
and ordinary citizens whose heroism may never be recognized. Also, above all, we
should remember our Heavenly Father, who watched over this nation through this
crisis. He is to be credited for our opportunity for freedom, which we can always have if
we never forget him. President Bush should also be remembered as one of the
best presidents there ever was. He has been willing to fight terrorism despite
opposition by many and heavy costs. God bless him and our heroes.

We finally found one to fly (most were sold out) months afterward, but couldn't hang
it very well, so we had lots of little ones up in the house. I look at the flag now and
appreciate it so much more. In it I see how invaluable and precious our freedom is,
and I hope I never take it forgranted again.