nmah2899.xml

nmah2899.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-10

Since I work second shift I had not gotten out of bed until after 8 AM and turned on the TV to my local news channel. At first I thought "why are they showing the bombing of the world trade center" and then I realized it was happening right then and there. Instead of a car bomb they used planes and I sat on the couch and watched in horror the collapsing of the first tower and then the second. All I could do was sit and cry and wonder how many people made it out and how many had died. I stayed glued to my TV for the entire day until I returned to work that evening. When I went outside I looked up to see not one tell tail sign of a vapor trail from any jets and a cold chill ran down my spine. This was war on the home front and not some made for television movie.

My father was a right gunner on a B29 in WWII and I had just lost him october 28th 2000. I have a better understanding of what he felt like after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and how he felt fighting for freedom. We had been at odds with each other in my younger years over Vietnam but I think 9-11-01 put me at a better understanding of why he was such a staunch defender of our freedom. Even though he's gone I think he knows I understand now.

The bravery of all the police and firefighters of our country. Here is a group of individuals that do their job for less pay than most of us would consider and lay our lives on the line. These are the men and woman that represent what the true spirit of this country is. They do their jobs because they love to help people and not line their pockets. Maybe some of our pro sports players could learn by their example.

I flew the flag on holidays and on my father's death. I fearcily fly it now to say I am proud to be an American and no one, no country or no thing is going to take that away from me. It not only flies in front of my home but in my heart as well.