Remembering 9-11

Just like my parents in their youth when JFK was killed, I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news of the bombing of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. I wasn’t in one place, actually. I was on my way to class at Alverno. It was a Tuesday morning, and all that was being discussed on the radio was what had happened. I made it all the way there, although shaken and disturbed. I went to my Native American music class with Sr. Agnes in the music building and it was a very different class. We spent most of the time talking about what had happened and what it meant. I don’t remember exactly what was said, but I do remember that it felt right. We were notified during class by messenger that the campus was shutting down at noon, so after class we were to leave.

After I got back home, I immediately turned on the TV news and just couldn’t stop watching the coverage. I was still in shock and disbelief that something like this could have happened. The days and weeks following this event I was amazed at how the country changed. All of a sudden, petty things didn’t matter. We were united as a nation as firefighters, police officers and individual citizens were doing all they could to help each other. We came together in a time when we could have easily been divided forever. Our country was attacked by hate, and we came together in love. It was an amazing thing to behold.

There were so many photos that came out during this time. My favorite was this one:

It showed me that everyone in this nation was affected in one way or another and that together we could make a difference.

There was also this one:

This photo is a beautiful tribute to the importance of our service men and women. They worked tireless hours day after day to help the people who were trapped. One of my friends, who at the time was living in New Jersey, was one who was there supporting these wonderful service people and seeing them in action made me proud to be a part of this country. Through this great tragedy, we were united by love, dedication and care for each other.

It is hard to believe that so many years have passed already. It seems like it still so recent, although I know my college days are long past. I, and everyone else in the world, will be forever grateful to the many, many firefighters, police officers and individuals who made a difference that day and continue to make a difference today. May this event never be forgotten. Even if they weren’t there or don’t remember, it is my prayer and hope that this part of history will continue to be a part of every person’s own history. We will never forget.

This concluding video shows that much is true. Images and photographs speak much louder than words.