nmah6333.xml

nmah6333.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2003-10-21

My name is Christine Rank, I live in the southern suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. On September 11th 2001 I was home sick from work. I awoke relatively early and began to read a book in front of the muted television. I happened to glance up and I did a double take when I saw what was on the screen. I immediatly turned the volume up to hear what I could'nt belive I was witnessing. I quickly ran to the bedroom to awaken my husband and tell him to come watch with me. Shortly thereafter we watched Flight # 175 strike the 2nd tower. I didnt know how to feel. I dont think anyone did at the time. Disbelief, horror, disgust, sadness, anger, every feeling swept over me at once. We stayed glued to the television and radio, for the next several weeks. To this day, I get sick when I see pictures, hear songs, or even see pictures of the towers or the Pentagon...I fly regularly, it is a requirement of my profession...but there is still fear in my heart, and that fear turns to anger and disdain when i remember that fateful day. I cant imagine the absolute fright those thousands of people felt, to be there, in the midst of their own deaths. My heart and prayers go out to everyone who lost their lives, and everyone who lost someone to that terror. Remember.....always Remember.

I think Ive come to respect the human race more than I had before, and I also believe I understand it even less. My travels take me from coast to coast of this beautiful country, I wouldnt have it any other way, I just hope that we as Americans can overcome this tragedy, and soon, maybe, we can move on....

ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING! Nothing should be forgotten, remember the noise, the smell, the sight, the fear, the pain, the heartache, the people, the planes, the buildings, the street, the police, the firemen, the pedestrians......EVERYTHING!

My flag flew before, during and still remains. It never comes down. When it gets worn, it is folded, kept and replaced. My feelings have always remained the same about the flag, this country, everything....I believe however that I understand its meaning more now, then maybe I did before.