Today is the 7th anniversary of 911. Almost a decade later after the
tragic events and stregths that united our country and our nation's friends and I still remember where I was, how I felt, what I did on that day in 2001.
I remember that my family was in Door County Wisconsin for a family wedding, my cousin had just gotten married the day before. I remember coming into the living room where my brother was fixated on the t.v., and then I remember watching the t.v. as a plane hit the second tower.
I remember my dad, a New Yorker, pacing back and forth and saying that it was the "end of the world as we knew it". I remember being relieved when I found out the daycare in one of the twin towers had not been occupied that day. I remember worrying about what was next.
I remember the need to hug my children tight. I remember driving home how quiet the ride was, flags were at half mast, there were no planes in the sky. 911- I remember.
What I learned today is that the events of that day are fresh in the minds of many.
I sent an email to my fellow co-workers at Connect2Agent , asking them to "...answer the question what do you remember, starting each thought with "I remember...".
Here are their memories of September 11th, 2001:
I remember that I was in my car and the confusion of trying to grasp the initial reports coming across the radio. I remember turning around and heading back to the day care provider with the need to hold my child. I remember the shock of watching the towers fall, it was a feeling that affected every cell of my body. I remember not knowing what to say.- Kristi
I remember the principal of the Christian school where I was teaching walking into my 4th grade classroom and encouraging me to turn on the TV, that "an attack" had taken place in New York. I remember that upon turning on the TV my students and I witnessed a plane flying into the 2nd tower. I remember turning off the TV and asking my students to join me in prayer for the victims of the crash, their families, and for the lost souls of the persons who planned and executed this tragedy.
I remember a new student to our school, in my classroom, wanting to find her mother, who was assisting the teacher in the 1st grade classroom. She explained that her uncle, her mother's brother, was a New York City fireman. She was in tears. I walked her to the door and was met by her mother, also in tears. I remember finding time to call my oldest daughter, out of state at college, my son, who was home sleeping, and my youngest daughter, who was a freshman in high school.
I remember longing to hug each of them and assure them, and myself, that God was in control, and that I was there to help them in anyway I could. I remember calling my mother and sister, both out-of-state, later that day, and expressing my love to them. I remember feeling extremely small, powerless and humbled. I remember longing to feel a physical embrace from God.- Sharon
I Remember it being such a scary and sad day. I was at work, 7 month pregnant with my son and wondering what kind of world I was bringing him into. I remember having contractions (probably from stress) and being so scared too, thinking-"What's next?". I remember our office closed mid-day so everyone could go home and be with their families.
The rest of the day, my husband and I sat and watched in horror the devastation in NY. I remember crying as I watched those who could not find their family members and praying for each of them and our country.-Tricia
I remember being at work and the news coming through my desk radio. I remember how everyone stopped what they were doing, and the room fell silent with disbelief. I remember my mother crying with worry over family members who live in the areas where the destruction occurred.
I remember the days that followed, and the shock, dismay and grief that engulfed our Country. I remember America rising as the phoenix from the dirt and debris, and forming a united front.
I remember a tragedy that did not break a nation, instead - it made us stronger and brought us together as never before.- Amber
I remember I was checking my email right before going into one of my classes at college, and a friend had sent me an email saying a plane just crashed into the Twin Towers. While I was concerned, the extreme seriousness of the situation did not completely register with me yet. I remember going on to class, where everyone was worried, trying to figure out what was going on, and no one could concentrate.
As I was walking out of the building after my class, I remember a TV in the hallway was on and a lot of students were gathered around, staring at the news. I stopped for a minute, then left and went straight home, where my roommate was glued to the TV.
I remember both of us sitting there in shock, watching everything replay over and over. We had just started working at the same place and had to go to work that afternoon. I remember riding in the car and looking outside at the clear blue sky; it was a beautiful, calm day which was a total contrast to what had just happened. Everything looked peaceful, but felt the opposite. I remember looking up in the sky and wondering if I would see any planes. My sense of security was gone- Erin
I remember sitting in my vehicle in a parking lot across from one of my classroom buildings at Central Michigan University studying for an exam because the library was still being constructed. I remember looking up to see hundreds of students pouring out of the building - some heading back to their dorms others heading to their vehicles. I remember being confused and asking the guy who parked next to me, "What's going on? Have classes been canceled?" I remember his reply didn't make sense and at first I thought he was being a smart-assed kid telling me a line of b.s. I remember his facial expression was serious and sad.
I remember starting my vehicle and hearing the radio announcer say, "The World Trade Center is no more." I remember listening in disbelief as the horror and tragedy of the morning's events were told. I remember wanting to be with my (then) husband, and headed toward home. I remember crying non-stop on the long hour commute home. I remember holding my husband tightly. I remember feeling helpless. I remember watching the images on T.V. and my heart aching for the people.
I remember realizing the world had changed forever.
I will never forget.- Abbie
I invite readers to share their experience on this post. In the comments section, answer the question “What do you remember about September 11, 2001?” starting each thought with “I remember … ”
Thank you for sharing.
