nmah6700.xml

nmah6700.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2004-09-09

On the morning of Spetember 11th, 2001, I was at Vista View Middle School. At the time, I was 13 years of age. As I walked into my literature teacher's classroom, I noticed many were crowded around the portable TV. I wasn't one for large groups of people and chose not to join them. So I sat down at my desk, and began talking with a close friend of mine. There was much screaming from the television, but I figured Mrs. Hollister was just watching an action movie or some sort. It did not occur to me that hundreds were dying by the second as I sat, chatting with my friends. The minute bell rang and students began pouring into the room and into their seats. It was never silent when the bell rang. I overheard some kids talking about a plane crashing into a building. I thought they were just talking about some new movie that was out and didn't pay any attention. It wasn't until a few minutes had passed that I noticed Mrs. Hollister wasn't her usual cheery self. She was just sitting at her desk, staring blankly at the television. Her cheeks were stained with tears. As I looked around the room, I saw many with their heads on their tables. A plane had crashed into the World Trade Center? The thought seemed impossible to me. How could that happen? All my life, I had thuoght all planes and air traffic were controlled by men and women in some fancy building with moniters and computers and all the technology in the world. Later on that day, I watched with my mother as another plane hit the Twin Towers.

My life has not changed much since then, and I don't know anyone who has lost a family member or friend in those various tragities. But every year since that day, on September 11th, I am reminded how easily everything can be lost. Family, friends, a distant aunt or uncle, should all be cherished, and never neglected.

There are many things that should be remembered about September 11th. The victims, their families, their friends, the people of America, your own families, should be remembered. My family is still around, but sometimes I forget that they won't be forever. September 11th reminds me of this, and it may be bad that I need a reminder, but I now make it a point to spend time with those who love me.

Yes, my father put an American flag from the top of out house after September 11th. My feelings about the American flag has not changed as a result of September 11th.