Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. I was teaching third grade at St. Rose of Lima School in Haddon Heights, New Jersey. I had walked my class to the end of the hall for their restroom break when the first grade teacher came running up to me asking me if I had heard what happened. Being in class with 24 eight and nine years, I hadn't. When she told me that the World Trade Center had been hit by terrorists flying hijacked planes, I felt ill. I struggled to keep it together so the children wouldn't be upset. I gathered my class and brought them back to our classroom. The principal came by and asked me to step out into the hallway, and proceeded to tell me about the Pentagon, and Flight 93. My first thought was, "Where would they hit next?" I wanted to make sure my students were safe, and they wouldn't hear anything to alarm them. Children in the class had parents who were pilots, parents who traveled, and parents who worked in New York. Children are smart. They sensed something was up, so I told them that there were some people in the world who needed out prayers. We stopped what we were doing, and prayed. During lunch, I called my family members who worked for United Airlines, and anyone I thought may be in harm's way. A few days later, I found out that my college buddy, Mark Hemschoot, had been in the South Tower and hadn't escaped. I was filled with sadness for his wife and sons, and anger that a group of sick people with no respect for life could come into our country and kill wonderful Americans - especially an exceptional man like Mark. A volunteer fireman, children's basketball coach, loving husband, father, son, brother, friend. A man who gave so much of himself to improve other people's lives. The very opposite of the cowards who killed so many for no reason. I don't think the sadness and anger will ever leave me. NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. I try to appreciate every day God gives me. So many things have been put in perspective for me. I don't get upset about small things. I look at average people all around me, like those on Flight 93, and find a new definition of hero. I have an even deeper sense of patriotism. I never leave the house without telling my sons, Matt and Mike, that I love them. NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? I think we should remember that we live in the greatest country in the world. I think we should never take our freedom for granted. Most of all I think we should do whatever we have to do to perserve our wonderful American way of life. Anyone who doesn't appreciate it, or who does anything to undermine it, should leave. NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? We have always flown an American flag. The only change is our renewed sense of appreciation for all those who gave their lives for our freedom. We're prouder than ever to be Americans! Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah4239.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-09-11 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 64.12.96.236