nmah2161.xml

nmah2161.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-10

Hello. My name is Bill Simpson and I teach Middle School in McCreary County, KY. I will never forget the moment we had learned what happened. At about 9:15 a.m., our Principal came over the speaker and told us to turn on the TV. My first thought was there was some program on that he wanted us to watch that would take away from our instructional time. But when we turn on TV and saw what had happened, then I knew that this was something unique and terrible. The kids were stunned and began to cry. I didn't know what to feel. To be honest, I just felt so angry at whoever would be responsible for this. I threw my books down and my students and I just sat there, together, and at that point that was all that mattered. We were Americans and we were together, and we were hurting.

It has stirred in me a sense of urgency in life, and a deep appreciation for what I do as a teacher and in my family. WE ARE AMERICANS! Regardless of race, ethnicity, and religion, WE ARE AMERICANS! It is my wish with every ounce of breath in my body and soul and every single person who played any role whatsoever in these attacks, be severely punished to the point that they regret the day they were born. We did not deserve what happened on September 11th. We are a good and kind people, but when we are attacked, we will respond in such a manner that this earth will shake, and I believe that is fair and just! I love this nation.

Let's remember our commitment to freedom and let's remember that there are people who hate us because we love freedom. Let us also remember not only the people who died in these events, but the families they left behind who are going to be hurting for a long time to come.

Yes. I have always loved our flag and the freedom and sacrifice that it represents. This has only deepened my love for our country, for peace, freedom, and my fellow American.