Fourteen years seems like such a long time, but sitting here now and thinking about it makes it feel like just yesterday. I was so young, just 12 years old in the 8th grade, but I knew then how much the actions of that day would affect not only me but this nation as a whole. I remember sitting in English and turning on the news shortly after the first plane hit the first twin tower and sitting there in shock with the rest of my class as we watched the second tower get hit. I remember the feeling of fear when it was mentioned that Houston could possibly be attacked after watching the plane go down in Pennsylvania (before realizing that it was the passengers that paid the ultimate sacrifice and saving so many lives).
I remember the events of that day, but I also remember what came next. We came together as a nation and stood strong in unity. That’s something that I’ve always loved about this nation. We might bicker and fight like sisters and brothers, but we don’t let anyone else do that. Even with all the racial tension going on, I feel like this week (and more importantly today) we’re all standing in solidarity; comforting those who’ve lost loved ones, because at the end of the day we all experienced that feeling of loss. We mourned and we’ve grown stronger.
I have yet to visit the 9/11 Memorial in NYC, but I plan on doing that soon. I’ve seen numerous pictures and it looks phenomenal. Have any of you guys visited it? What were your thoughts about it and the events of that fateful day 14 years ago?
I saw the Freedom Tower from a distance while passing through NYC in May. It was gorgeous all lit up. But it made me so sad that it even exists.
I miss how united we were back then.