I remember as a young child when my grandparents would talk about fateful days in history that forever changed the lives of millions of people and the fabric of America. I always wondered if something like that would happen in my life time.
On September 11, 2001, it did…
Like every American, young and old, I can remember that day, and the days and weeks that followed as if it were only yesterday. I received a phone call from a friend of mine as the first tower was hit.
I did not answer the phone. Minutes later, I received a call from another friend. This time I DID answer the phone. She had a strange tone to her voice as she asked if I was watching TV and instructed me to turn it on IMMEDIATELY. I turned it on and stood in front of it for what seemed like hours.
I didn’t understand what was happening. I just watched in disbelief.
And then I kept watching for hours… and then days…
I didn’t leave my tiny one-bedroom apartment for days, weeks in fact, except to walk across the courtyard to my friend’s apartment where we did much of the same. We tried to process. We cried for those that lost our lives. We reached out to friends and family to make sure everyone was okay. We watched as people were on the news desperately hoping to find their loved ones.
We watched as the President declared war on the Taliban and Osama Bin Laden. And all the while, there was something that was lost. But at the same time, something gained.
America came together. There was no black or white, democrat or republican, Catholic or Jew… We were Americans first and united; committed to standing by each other and showing the world that we had not been stripped of our resolve and of our courage as a people. It was both a sad time and a proud time to see the good in people.
After about 2 weeks of sadness, confusion, and lots of other emotions, I threw out the newspaper and turned off the TV and said to myself, “This is what they want! It’s time to get up and fight back. Not with guns or force, but with resolve.” My resolve was to finally take full advantage of the American Dream! And it was in that moment that I vowed that I was going to start – and succeed with – my own business.
While the past ten years have surely had their ups and downs in so many ways: economically, socially, politically, to name a few, hopefully the reminder of this tragedy stops people in their tracks and transports us back to a time when we appreciated what this country stood for, when we stood by our neighbors, and we were proud.
Take a moment today to reflect on that day in history and remember where you were, what you were doing, and how it changed your life. If you care to share them, please do.
If not… reflect in silence.
Here’s are a few videos that I watched this morning. NOTE: Any “political” comments will be removed. This is not a post to create a conversation about politics, politicians, conspiracy theories, or anything of that nature. It is a day to remember and reflect.
Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?
(Remember where you were, who you were with, and the impact it made at that moment)
Have You Forgotten?
(A reminder to never forget the people that lost their lives and the families they’ve left behind)
The American Soldier
(Regardless of your feelings about the war, political parties or world politics, let us give honor to the men and women that have sacrificed so much for our freedom and the ability to live the American Dream)
The President’s Speech (9/11/2001)
(This is a transcript of the President’s speech. This is NOT to raise a political debate here and any comments regarding politics will be removed. It is a tribute and a piece of history from this day 10 years ago)