As an American, I can still remember the day that everyone will have in their memories for their whole life...September 11th, 2001. I was a freshman at Eastern Connecticut State University and it was only 2 1/2 weeks since I started school. On 9/11 I was in my communications lecture waiting for the professor when he came in and asked the students if they've seen or heard the news yet. We looked at each other dumbfounded because he had no idea what he was talking about. Then he gave us the news, I can still remember it so vividly, he said "There were planes crashing into the Twin Towers. Go home call your loved ones make sure they're alright and stay tuned to the news for anything else just in case." We left our lecture in horror of what was happening around us. We could literally see the smoke in the sky from the crashes. The tri-state was in lock down, no one could go in or out of the States around New York. Our cell phone receptions were limited, and when we could get service the servers were busy due to all the panic calls I suppose. Those images of the Towers burning seen all around the world will be forever etched into my mind, it's an image that you can't really forget.
I remember trying to comfort my roommate because she's from Long Island and her father works in the city. It took her hours to get in touch with her family, believing her father was in the city on that day but from some miracle he wasn't there. I remember the look on her face when she received that news, relief, but she was scared for all her friends as well that live in the city. That day will always be burned into my memory and as times goes it doesn't fade when something so horrific, so inhumane, so catastrophic happens. It shook our nation to it's core.
As another anniversary of September 11th passes, I reflect on this date every year. I can't imagine all those people who have lost a loved one in the Towers. My heart goes out to them as they have to relive this date over each year and have to face life knowing how their loved one died, in a senseless act of terrorism. It's hard to express the gratitude for all those who helped in trying to save lives within the Towers and those who died trying to save lives. Those are the heart and soul of a nation, those willing to help when there are enormous risks for themselves but do it to help bring someone home to their families. Those heroes of 9/11 will also be remembered for their bravery, and courageous effort.
Our nation has progressed forward with the grief since that sad day. We have risen together as a nation. I know that when I go back to the States that I will make a visit to the monument in dedication of all those who's lost their lives. I'll pay my respects even though I didn't lose anyone on that day, I'll do it as an American who will remember that day for as long as she lives.
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