September 11, 2001. I was a senior in high school. I was at early morning volleyball practice, waiting to get my ankle taped, when I watched the first plane hit the World Trade Center.
At first I was in shock and didn’t really know how to react. I had no connection to New York, the World Trade Center, or anything in the Northeast. And then I saw the second plane hit the second tower.
My temper flared and tears formed in my eyes. I still had to sit and get my ankle taped, and as that was happening I watched people jumping from the highest floors of the towers. I cried. And I was so angry.
I remember one of my good friends saying he was going to join the Army that afternoon. And I remember the tears that flowed from everyone’s eyes that afternoon as we stood for the national anthem at the volleyball game we almost didn’t play.
Looking back there are two very distinct emotions that I felt that day. Obviously anger was the first thing I felt, and it still is the primary emotion that I feel when I think back on that day. But the longer-lasting emotion that I carry with me still is the overwhelming pride in our country and for the men and women who serve it on all levels. I am so proud to be part of a country who can put their differences aside and band together to fight for the things that matter in all of our lives.
Today I while I baked muffins for our Sunday morning breakfast all I could think of was that pride in our country and thankfulness to be as blessed as I am. My hope and prayer is that through all the hurt and the pain that occurred we will always remember the pride in our country and in one another.
God bless America.
Beautiful post – I teared up a bit reading it. I was only 13 at the time, and the biggest emotion – as much as I hate to admit it – was fear… and confusion. Now 24, living in NYC, it’s amazing how emotionally connected I feel to this city, and out country for enduring such a devastating tragedy and pulling together to move on.