I can remember that day,as I suppose everyone else can, like it just happened this morning. I do not believe any of us will forget where we were or what we were doing when we heard and saw the news.
As the wife of a Firefighter,I stood in front of the television set, tears streaming down my face, wondering how on earth they were going to get all of those people out of there - but believing in my heart they would. They are Firefighters. Heroes. They'll get them out. It never once crossed my mind the towers would fall.
I remember getting on the phone to my husband (working his day job), and relating the news. When the Pentagon was hit, we began calling Fort Knox, where his mother was on duty as a Paramedic. Knox was locked down immediately, and even getting through on the phone was tough.
We live (as the crow flies) about 5 miles from the center of Post, but less than 1/4 of a mile from the actual Post border. I kept thinking - what if they miss and hit here? What a selfish thing to think, I realize now, looking back.
I continued to watch the television report, and as the first building went down - found myself unable to breathe. I ran to the car, and drove as quickly as I could to get my children from school. They had to be with me.
It is amazing to me, at this point, almost 4 years later, how many people HAVE forgotten. As news comes in of the war in Iraq, George W. is questioned at every turn, and the Liberals continue to pick at a scab that should have started to heal last November, I am angered that the Media has taken the images of that day from my television. It should be played once a day - a least once a week - maybe each Sunday. I understand that some families of the victims would not want to relive it, as many other Americans wouldn't - but I believe WE MUST.
What is that saying about history? ' those who do not take the time to understand the past are doomed to repeat it?' Something like that.
If this country is EVER to truly heal, and move forward - TOGETHER (yes, I know there will always be those that have to split hairs) - we can NOT allow ourselves to forget that fateful day. That beautiful day in September, the sky a brilliant sapphire blue, not a cloud in site, until the black smoke moved in and choked the view.
To all the families who grieve, and all of those so deeply touched by this (and if you are an AMERICAN, how could you not be in SOME way), a day does not go by that I do not reflect, thank God, and pray that we have learned a lesson.
This is why I joined this wonderful 'Free Republic'. To contribute to the remembrance of our mistakes, and the glory and hope of our future. May God bless us all.
I'll never forget. It's seared in my memory. I have never felt so many emotions all at once in my life. There are no words to describe it.
I'll never forget. It's seared in my memory. I have never felt so many emotions all at once in my life. There are no words to describe it.