story6556.xml

story6556.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-12

On September 11, 2001, the lives of Americans were changed forever. In New York, two large planes carrying passengers hit both the North and South World Trade Centers. In Washington D.C., another plane hit the Pentagon. Meanwhile, a fourth plane crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This day changed the date September 11 from just another day on the calendar, to America?s most tragic day.
This horrific day changed the lives of just about every American. Personally, I have been extremely lucky. More than half of my family lives in New York. A close friend of my family, Steve Gurshbacke, was a janitor in the World Trade Centers. That day he was supposed to be working, but for some reason he sent another person instead. My brother?s friend?s sister was supposed to be working as a flight attendant in one of the planes that crashed. But, for the first time since she had worked at the Airline, she was called off. Lastly, my aunt?s mother and stepfather lives and worked about a block away from the Twin Towers. They got out unharmed and watched as their home was crushed by the impact of two steel building bearing down on the house. My family and I have learned, as I?m sure many Americans have as well, to be more appreciative of my family and friends. I have learned not to take my freedom and county for granted and to enjoy the things I have.
My actions and words have greatly changed. I am now much more aware of current events. I am in touch with my family in New York a lot more. My words have changed because I will never say ?I hate you? to my brothers. Instead I end every night by saying ?I love you? to my brothers as well as my parents. I try to pay attention if I hear the national anthem. Also, in the morning during the ?Pledge of Allegiance?, I listen to the words, and try to understand what they mean. I have become a more loving and caring person since 9/11.
America has changed greatly since the terrorist attacks. We all have become more patriotic and loyal to our country. Around where I live, almost every house, including my own, had a flag on their house. The flag is now not only a pretty piece of fabric, but a symbol of our great nation. Yet, even with all the patriotism some people felt anger towards all Muslims, even though there was only a small fraction of them who were following bin Laden. Still, most of the changes America and Americans have gone through have been for the better.
September 11 is an unforgettable day for all Americans. It is one of the most tragic days of many people?s lives. The impact has changed the way we think, live and learn. No one will forget the brave firefighters and innocent victims from the four plane crashes in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.