Ten years…. but it seems like yesterday. I remember where I was and what I was doing when I heard the report of the first plane hitting the World Trade Center. I had just got off my school bus, and parked it from the morning run. I remember thinking what a beautiful morning it was. I got in my car, and when I started it, I heard the news man say that a plane had hit the south tower. I rushed home, and ran into the house to turn on the FOX news channel, and see the damage, and hear the reports.
Just as I got into the house, and turned on the television, I saw the second plane hit the north tower. I felt my eyes tear up and I sat down, not believing what I had just seen. I remember Jon Scott making the statement, “Uh..this is no accident, folks.” I called my hisband and told him to get to a tv, and what had happened. Just after that, all the news channels were reporting that there had been an explosion at the Pentagon, and the the FAA had ordered all commercial planes grounded. A little later, we got word that there was another plane still flying, and it had altered its course back toward Washington, DC. Then, contact was lost, and soon after came word that a plane had gone down in Shanksville, PA. First responders hurried to the site, only to discover that the entire plane had disentigrated on impact, and all on board were lost.
We only later learned of the heroes who were aboard that plane, and what they did to thwart another attack, possibly on the White House, or the Capitol. Yes, these people were just average Americans, like us, when they boarded that plane that morning, but they showed the very epitome of the American Spirit with their actions. They fought the first battle of the war, and won. But their families paid a great cost.
Back in New York, it only got worse, as first Americans watched in horror as the south tower fell, soon to be followed by the north tower coming down. Hundreds of people, including first responders from the NYPD, FDNY, and Port Authority police. There were also heros among them, as they bravely entered the buildings, and stayed with the injured who could not get out, giving their own lives while performing their job. These men and women deserve our most earnest praise, and gratitude. While most would have probably still have died while going up to fight the blaze, some could have saved themselves by exiting the building, but they didn’t.
America lost a lot that day. And she was forever changed. But although we were bruised, and hurt, we did not quit, and were made stronger. We were stunned, but we did not falter in our resolve. We did what Americans always do. We licked our wounds, pulled ourselves up by the boot straps, and started the process of cleaning up, and rebuilding, and preparing to find those who did this, and bring them to justice.
Now, ten years later, as I watch remembrances of that day, I find myself once again full of emotion, and anger, and I still feel helpless. Even though what I saw today was history, it was just as real as if it were happening again. I have not forgotten September 11, and I never will. I will never forget the families of those who were lost, although I know none of them. I will never forget the horror of seeing that second plane hitting the tower, nor the determination on the faces of the first responders as they made their way into those buildings.
Nor should we forget the lessons learned. there are those that would have us chagne our way of speaking about it. It is no longer politically correct to call it a War on terror. Yet, that is exactly what it is. We are told that we must tolerate (and give in to) requests for mosques to be built on or near the site of that attack, yet, a Christian Church cannot be built there. We have been told that we must try to understand these people. And that if we will just talk to them, we can work out our differences.
Well, here is the way I see it. THEY attacked US, on our own soil. It was an unprovoked attack, and our response was justified. (Remember December, 1941?) This was no different. While there are Muslim people who are not a part of the fanatical sect, and I respect their right to worship as they choose, I am tired of being told that we must bend over backwards to accommodate those rights while I am being told that my own beliefs have to be kept quiet, as they may “offend” someone. Their symbols are no more important than mine. Yet, I am told that my Bible offends them, while their Koran should not offend me?
September 11 is now a part of our nations history, just as the Battle Of Gettysburg, and the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Many things in our past history are painful. This is no different. But our response must make it clear that we will not lay down and give up. I don’t recall congress complaining about the cost of giving our military what it needed in 1941. Yet now, nearly everyday, you turn on the tv, and hear some congress man talking about how expensive the war is, and what it has cost. There are many who think we need to defund the efforts. To them I say this…..there has been NO other successful attacks on our Nation since 9/11. This is thanks to beefed up military, and security procedures ut into place after September 11. Yes, they are time consuming, and at times annoying. They certainly go too far in some instances. But if it keeps another bunch of madmen from being able to perpetrate another such heinous crime on this nation, I can live with it.
A little while ago, we went to a local parade for the first repsonders in our county. Our county has one paid fire department, and numerous volunteer departments. Each department was represented in the parade, as well as the State police, Our local Sherriffs office, and our city police. I salute and thank them each and every one, for their service, and their sacrifice. My son in law is on one of the volunteer departments. These men and women train very hard, and work very hard to make sure that their equipment is up to date, and in good working order. They have families, and most have full time jobs as well. Yet, when the page goes out, no matter what time it is, or what day, they repsond. They help keep us safe.
Which brings me to another point….in looking at all the coverage of 9/11, I rarely saw any pictures from NYC that first responders were not in. They were important then, but at the ceremony marking the 10th anniversary, there was not room for them? Come on, Mayor Blumberg. You need a better excuse than that. They sure are important when you have a fire, or any other emergency. I don’t see you out there risking your own life for people you don’t even know. (And in the case ofvolunteer FDs,) without any compensation.
This day will pass, and life will continue on , as usual. But, I think, without a doubt, we added a new definition for the word ‘normalcy’ after September 11. So, what is the new norm? I am ot going to tell you that. You need to study, and find out on your own. Watch the programs about 9/11. Read books and articles about it. But wahtever you do, do NOT allow yourself to ever forget it.
If we forget September 11, we are destined to repeat the mistakes that we should hae learned from. I don’t know about you, but I personally do NOT was to see another day like that one.
Thank you, first responders, military personnel, and just plain citizens. You are appreciated more than I can ever tell you. But, just know, that if you ever come to KY, there is one person here who considers you ALL to be heroes, and I am thankful that you are willing to do the job.
September 11, 2001…..Never Forget!
