Nine eleven. 911. 9/11. 9-11.No matter how you write it or how you say it, those of us in the USA know what it means, don’t we?
Where were you on the morning of September 11, 2001?I was driving by the Pentagon, having just left to return to South Carolina. My then-husband and I had driven to Arlington to take my almost six-month-old nephew home to his parents. We spent the night of the 10th, then got up on the 11th to drive home. We had planned to leave between 8 am and 8:30 but it was more like 8:45 when we actually left my sister’s house.
As we approached the Pentagon, I wondered aloud why there were police officers everywhere and why there were roadblocks being set up on the entrance and exit ramps.Because we were listening to an audio book, we didn’t have the radio on. Shortly, though, the cell phone rang. We heard that an airplane had crashed into the World Trade Center. Immediately, we switched from listening to the book to listening to the radio.
We continued to drive south, trying to get news and trying to figure out what had happened. Soon, we learned of the second plane attack on the World Trade Center. And then the Pentagon crash. And then the news about the Pennsylvania crash.
This was more than the mind could fathom. During some stretches along I-95, it was difficult to get clear radio signals, but we picked up bits and pieces as much as possible. It became clear that the country was under attack.
We started looking for an American flag to put on the car. We were determined to show our pride in America. At the first exit, we couldn’t find an American flag to purchase. Nor could we find one at the next exit. Or the next. In fact, it took us many stops and about 200 miles to find a flag. We bought several.
It many ways, it was a long drive home. My son lived in Arlington and worked at the Department of Justice in D.C. I couldn’t reach him by phone. It took a while to reach my sister and brother-in-law. I was anxious about family and friends in New York and in D.C.
It’s been eight years. I remember it like it was yesterday.
What about you? Where were you? What were your thoughts?
12 comments:
Hmm... That's not the way I remember the events of that morning. I lost a very dear friend at the World Trade Center. I do not understand why people like you who obviously have no real connection to this day feel the need to "own" it. It was a national tragedy, not just material to recycle over and over on your blog. What are you doing for the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance? Step away from the computer and do something!
Offended in NYC
To Offended in NYC: Thank goodness we live in a country in which we are all free to express ourselves without fear of retribution. And thank you for reading my blog carefully enough to know that I have recycled. If I'm alive and blogging 10 years from now, I will likely remember it the same way. The shock, the painful loss of life, all of the feelings and emotions from that terrible day will remain the same.
Sherry, I don't think anyone forgets the day. My thoughts were disbelief, shock and sadness. I was glued to the TV for hours or days. I think what each of us is doing is saying a prayer for those lives that were lost, and for those who are still suffering from the tragedy. No one "owns" the day or what happened, nor would anyone want to.
I enjoyed your post sherry, I think it is important that the nation owns the day, that the world owns the day and that we pause in our day to reflect upon the tragedy of that day. I think by remembering we are reassuring people like "offended in NYC" that the loss of people like her friend will never be forgotten. It was an awful, senseless tragedy. I feel like it should be talked about always, pressure should be kept on the offenders so this kind of act will never be repeated again. God forgive those who refuse to remember. I’m remembering 9/11 today here’s my link Have a nice Friday!
Today I can't stop crying for the pain that all of our county feels for what happened those 8 years ago. Whether you are 'Offended in NYC' or just a mom in Florida, it is necessary to remember past tragedies so that the people who died (and their families) are never forgotten, never dismissed, and never taken for granted.
Thanks for your post, Your free speech, and the reminder of all of those who have died for (and because of) that right.
All of you completely missed my point. By "owning" this day I mean implying that you have any more of a connection to it than any other American who wasn't directly affected by it. I'm an atheist, so I won't be saying a prayer for anyone. Remember that the events of September 11 were executed in the name of religion. If I refuse to remember, I don't need God to forgive me. It's been my experience that there's no better way of forgetting something than by commemorating it. Leane, I hope you're not implying that the victims of September 11 died for or because of my right to leave a comment on this blog. That would be convoluted logic. In fact, the right-wingers used September 11 as an excuse to try to take away our rights.
Still Offended in NYC
How truly sad, Offended in NY. You may not pray for anyone, or yourself...but I'll pray for you.
But you were right about one thing, things are done in the 'name' of religion, but true religion heals, not destroys. Finally, it is equally sad that you may not live to be 100, but it's going to seem like it.
Sherry, I read your comment on Comedy Plus' blog. Bitterness is an ugly pill and hard to swallow. It becomes a cancer and erodes the spirit.
I am very glad, that we as citizens have chosen to remember those who died in the towers, whether they were workers or responders. They didn't ask to die. Their families are still in pain. To forget that, would be a crime.
Thank you for your thoughts and memories of that awful day.
~~~Blessings~~~
was at home in mumbai,india. was numbed seeing it happen....
My hubby was at Ft Rucker for an aviation safety course... my friend and I just running and went to our homes to clean up... turned on the tv and couldnt believe seeing the first impact and then the second happen as it was being reported...
our oldest daughter was at college, our younger daughter and son were at their schools.
Immediately afterwards, helicopters went up to do surveillance around the post we lived in KY...
...seeemed like I was on the phone all day...to family and friends.
Blessings and Aloha!
I didnt comment before to Offended in NYC's comments.
But I just have to wonder... cuz I still dont get why there was any reason to take offense to Sherry's post?
Perhaps, there was not a personal family or friend that was at any of the places that were targeted, but her post was just about where she was, what she felt...
These tragedies affected everyone, if not personally like Offended in NYC, but perhaps in a loss of normalcy, loss of some security... because this could have happened in another place, city, state...
Sherry, don't listen to the Kool-Aid drinker. It's apparent that if you don't agree with their way of thinking you get yelled at. You did a great post on what you felt that day. You have every right to say how you felt. I felt the same way honey. I felt the same way. We will never forget. We should never forget. If we do it will happen again.
Big hug honey. :)
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