Remembering September 11
Growing up and living an hour north of New York City, I was always very fond of Manhattan and its unmistakable skyline. The views at night were breathtaking. I can’t tell you how many days I spent with my neck kinked upward taking in the massive Twin Towers as I stood on the sidewalk below.
On that fateful day I stood in horror, just as countless others did, watching the events of the morning of September 11, 2001 unfold. I was in my living room in front of the television, unable to sit, when the first tower fell. I knew at that very moment, the world would never be the same. Life as we knew it was over. I shook from the shock of seeing such a sight. Our great city was burning and its children had been taken. My thoughts immediately went to all those I knew that worked in the city, commuted into and out of WTC using the transit system below it and all those in the NYFD and NYPD; both family and friends.
Terrorists plotted against us in hopes that we would crumble much like the towers. But all their actions did was stir a sleeping giant. Hatred for our way of life and prosperity had caused the death of 2,966 people (not including 19 terrorists) that morning. At the end of the day, I knew 7 innocent men and women that lost their lives in the most horrific day this country has seen in my living years. The rubble had fallen. The smoke had risen. Hearts were broken. Hope was lost. But pride in being American, reached immeasurable heights.
Today, as we go about our lives, think about all the beauty that surrounds us on a daily basis. Think about all that has changed in how we view the world. Tell a loved one how much you care for them. Hold your children a second longer. Most of all, take a moment and remember all the lives that were impacted that sunny September day and how the innocence we lost caused a nation to unite.
Through all the darkness, there is light.
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