nmah6773.xml

nmah6773.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2004-09-13

At the time I was an eighth grader, 13 years old. I remember I had gotten up at the usual time, dressed, ate my breakfast and went out to the bus stop to wait for it to come. The same old routine. Once the bus arrived and I got on, my friend sat next to me and as we were heading out I was looking out the window and she told me that she saw a plane crash into one of the Twin Towers on the news this morning. I was confused at first and didn't believe what she was saying. I just shrugged it off and continued to look out the window believing that she saw something else on TV and was mixing things up. When we arrived in school we went to our advisement rooms and after the bell rang our principal's voice came through the intercom, but instead of telling us to rise for the pledge of allegiance she told us that two planes had crashed into the World Trade Centers and that they had collapsed. I couldn't believe it. I was confused and didn't fully understand. I was surprised and I kept asking myself, "How could this have happened? Is this for real?" My principal then said that we were to continue our lessons like any other day, but my teacher turned on the TV and we sat watching the clip the news replayed again and again of the planes slamming into the Twin Towers until the bell rang for first period. It was the same for all my other classes, even though we were told to go on with our lessons my teachers all turned on the TV and answered any questions that we had. Some asked if the schools and other public places would be bombed and if we were safe. Others, like me, asked who and why? I remember being a bit scared, but the full magnitude of it didn't sink in until a few days later. I was still confused and didn't understand, but as the week unfolded I remember how all over the country in the midst of all this we stuck together and did our best to help and restore order.

Back in December of 2002, I was visiting my aunt and uncle in Michigan by myself and had to ride a plane there. I remember being so scared not entirely of the possibility of an accident, but thoughts of terrorists kept popping into my head. I was having trouble breathing and I was afraid that I would lose control and get hysterical. I ended up crying during take off. It wasn't loud sobs, but I cried quietly and I wrote furiously in my journal to let out some of my emotions. Writing it out helped calm me and as time passed I became more at peace, but I still kept watchful throughout the plane ride. I'm not as jumpy or suspicious anymore, but after 9/11 I became more aware and alert and stopped thinking that we can't be hurt because we're America.

We should always remember those that lost their lives on that day and also everyone else who helped from the fire fighters and policemen, to the volunteers, and to the friends and family who were there to give support, encourage and comfort each other. But also, we should always keep in mind that America can get hurt. Many people thought and still do that we can't be hurt because we're great and powerful, but that's not true. It's important to remember that we're still just a country like a lot of others and we are NOT invincible. Things can happen.

I did not fly an American flag after the events of 9/11 not because I didn't want to, but I think that because I saw so many other people flying them that I didn't feel the need to fly one. I saw one almost everywhere I turned. My feelings for the flag haven't changed dramatically, but it has become more symbolic and has more meaning to me. I also have more respect now for the people who serve to protect our country.