story7121.xml

story7121.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-13

My name is Arlene Bennett and I am 60 years old. As I reflect back on the remembrace of this historical event of 911, it just seemed like yesterday. It all began when my older daughter, Bonny Carmody called me to tell me the startling news of the first crash around 8:45 AM on September 11, 2001. She wanted to alert us of this tragic event and also expressed her concern about her husband, Captain Doug Carmody who is a US Airways pilot. She was very worried about his safety and where he might be at this time (later, Doug called to tell her and their two children that he was safe, thank God!). After her phone call, I immediately turned on the TV and watched in horror the second attack on the WTC, then the Pentagon and the crash in PA. I called my husband and other family members to alert them and watch TV as well. During the live broadcast and the viewing of these "horristic" attacks, we were all in a state of shock and mourning for days. We often prayed and had outbursts of sobs and tears for all the victims in the WTC, Pentagon, Crash, Firefighters, ER Rescue Teams and others who perished in this terrible event. How very brave and gallent were the rescue workers who strived to save the victims and for the passengers on the plane with the last words ringing out "lets roll" to prevent another fatal attack on the capitol. There was a foreboding of war and it seemed that these were some of the darkest hours spent in America and it was a time of great mourning, suffering, and grief for our Nation. Yet, as true Americans, we knew we would not stand back and let this happen without a fight to defend our country. My family greatly admired our President Bush for his fortitude and admirable leadership during this terrible crisis as well as the other highly outstanding leaders especially, Mayor Giuliani of NY, and also VP Cheney, and Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld. There really aren't enough words to convey our feelings for the loss during this epic tragedy. However, we were very uplifted by the surge of the American spirit and patriotism shown by US citizens as well as people around the world for their kind offerings in tribute and remembrances. Our own local community rose to the occasion. We had flags flying high in the air and symbols of America everywhere worn or shown. We held church services and special ceremonies with many ministers and guest speakers. We volunteered to help where needed by giving blood or praying with a relative or service person. I felt that The National Prayer Service at the National Cathedral held on September 14, 2001 in Washington, DC was a most inspiring and uplifting service and one of the finest ever to be broadcasted to the Nation. Our President Bush, several former presidents, and other dignitaries gathered in recognition of a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for victims, family members; rescue and medical team workers of NY, Washington, and PA (plane crash) that was caused by the terrorist attacks. Several patriotic songs and devotional music were played as well as special remarks by leaders of several different faith groups. The eloquent words of Rev. Billy Graham were especially heartrendering. This service was very consoling for our family and Americans during our time of sorrow and grief. It gave us much needed solace and a spiritual sense of inner peace. Even following the terrorist attacks, we as Americans, remained strong and resilent during the wake of these attacks. We preceeding with the task at hand to reach out to help others and give contributions where needed. I believe, The Presidental Address at the joint session of Congress on September 20, 2001 was one of the most inspiring and memorable addresses in history. President Bush pledged to pursue the terrorists around the world and called on us to be patient in what would be a protracted operation, and called upon other country leaders to cooperate with us. President Bush gave us much needed guidance and inspiration to overcome this dastardly hit on America. I also believe, this event was a wake up call for it awakened the American hearts and spirit that perhaps was hidden away. It seemed to give us renewed strength and courage as a reminder that we must maintain the defense of our country and not to ever take it for granted. And, more importantly, it taught us to be one Nation, under God, a Nation greatly diversified but united. As our forefathers pledged, defended, and died for this Nation based on the principles of our Constitution, we too must always protect and preserve its freedom from tyranny and oppression.