We all have stories about where we were when we first heard the terrible, frightening news. We all have stories about how we coped during those sad days right after 9/11. And, we all have stories about how we remember those events on 9/11 as the years go by.
My grandchildren are too young to have lived then, but the oldest ones have heard some stories. My children lived through it. In fact, my oldest daughter's birthday is on 9/11. For years after, she didn't celebrate her birthday on 9/11. Then, as time went by, we all figured she should enjoy her day, just as other 9/11 people would do for their birthdays, anniversaries, etc. - happy events.
That day made our nation "come together as one" again; strong in our convictions and patriotic once more. Flags were flown everywhere. People thought about how vulnerable we could be, even right here in the US.
Every year around September, documentaries are shown about that day and the days following. I still watch and cry. I watch how some people survived and how air traffic over the US was closed for days. I remember going outside and how eerie it was not to hear any sounds of airplanes.
I'm grateful that my brother-in-law was in a building next to the Towers and not in them that day. His account of what he saw and did is a reminder of how fate controls our lives. As part of a photography group, he took pictures and some video footage with his group and some were broadcast on various networks. He's changed since then; grateful he survived the horror and more willing to do things now that he wants to do instead of always "saving" for retirement and the future.
We have to remain vigilant; those that hate the US will never give up. Are we safer now than before 9/11? I hope so. It's up to us to remember what happened and be "watchers" for suspicious people/activities. Our military and government agencies can only do so much...every American needs to help.
I took the photo in 2002 when my brother-in-law took my husband and me to the 9/11 site. Never forget that day and how it changed our lives...and pray for those who suffered and died.
Where were you on 9/11/2001?
