nmah930.xml

nmah930.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-04

I was on leave that day from my job at the Pentagon. I was driving to Richmond, VA when I heard it on the radio. I hadn't had the television or radio on before I left the house around 9:00 am so I didn't know anything was going on. When I became aware, the second tower of the World Trade Center had been hit. Instinctively, I knew it was terrorists. They had come back to finish the job they started in 1993 when they bombed the World Trade Center the first time. Then I heard that something had hit the Pentagon. My daughter and son-in-law are Police Officers at the Pentagon and could be anywhere in the building. I started to pray. Since I wasn't sure what was happening, I picked up my cell phone and immediately began dialing my daughter's pager. I couldn't get through, so I began dialing my office number to ensure that my colleagues were alright and could tell me something. Again, I couldn't get through. My hands were shaking and I could bearly drive the car. I was on the verge of hysteria not knowing what was going on or whether my family was alive or dead. By the time I reached my destination, around 10:00 am, I could barely keep it togther. The television was on and I could see the Pentagon burning. I thought the world was coming to and end. When I saw the building I began sobbing and saying that I work there - my daughter and son-in-law are Police Officers - my co-workers - I don't know if they are alive or dead. Everyone was so nice to me. They took me aside and asked me if I wanted to call someone. So, I called my daughter's pager again and I got through to leave a message. I was somewhat relieved that her pager was still working. She called me at 12:30 pm and told me she was alright and that Bill (her husband) was a witness to the plane going into the building. She had heard his voice on the radio calling it in. She was crying and saying that people were jumping out of the windows on fire. I asked if she knew anything about my co-workers and she said she didn't. I felt so helpless and guilty for not being there. It wasn't until later that day that I knew that my co-workers were okay. It was the worst and longest day of my life.

I believe I am a different person because of September 11th. I am very grateful that those I love were spared. Since I work in the Pentagon, I am reminded of it everyday. I am proud that I am an American and have worked for the Department of Defense for 26 years. I think I love the U.S. even more now than I did before September 11th. I appreciate our freedoms and way of life more than ever. We are so fortunate. I make sure that everytime I leave the house I tell my loved ones how much they mean to me. I never thought about whether or not I would give my life for my country. I know now that I would.

I think we should remember that freedom isn't "free." It has a cost. And all the innocent people who lost their lives that day paid a dear price for our freedom and way of life. I believe they are all heroes, like everyone else who has died for what we believe in, and should be remembered as such. Especially those on Flight 93 in Pennsylvania who died so others wouldn't. We should also remember that there are people out there who hate us and what we believe in and we should never let our guard down.

Yes we have flown the American flag and have ever since. Everytime I see the American flag I am reminded of how lucky I am to be an American. It was just an accident of birth. Since September 11th, I cannot listen to or hear/sing the Star Spangled Banner without crying.