nmah4131.xml

nmah4131.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

My wife and I were in Washington DC, I for a meeting and she to see the Capitol for the first time. We were touring the Capitol Building and had just found the statue of Mother Joseph in the Hall of Statues who represents Washington State. I heard one of the guards say to another that a "helicoptor had just crashed into the Pentagon". I remember thinking that while that was bad, it was not too unusual and the concept of helicopter and Pentagon were congruent. We turned down the hall towards the north end of the building when suddenly the doors opened and everyone was running out of the building. We didn't have a clue what was happening but thought it wise to follow. We wandered around the lawn in front of the Capitol bulding and learned of the attacks. As we have come to learn, the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania was very possible heading to the Capitol building. The courageous passengers of that flight saved our lives that day.

Like most Americans, Septemebr 11 has renewed my love for our country and for the freedoms we cherish. I take our freedoms much less for granted and appreciate our soldiers, firemen and poolice much more. I appreciate my wife much more as I realize how easily it could have happened that I'd lost her.

The heroes of this day are the firemen and police at the WTC and the passengers of the plane in Pennsylvania that put themselves in harms way. Those who worked at the WTC and the Pentagon were victims and should be remembered like all victims of any senseless act, be it street violence, terror, etc. The heroes, however, should be celebrated for the selfless and brave individuals they were.

We flew the flag both before and after 9-11. I'm proud to display my country's emblem.