9/11 | Twelve Years

No matter how many years have passed, September 11th will always be a day of remembrance for me. It was a day that shook our nation and shook my community deeply.

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Most of the day is a blur.
I was in Spanish class.
A classmate mentioned a 'bomb' at the Pentagon, the place where many of my classmates' parents worked, as it was just a few miles away from my high school.
Our teacher allowed us to turn on the radio before class even started.
They were in New York City where there had been a "plane crash."
I remember hearing sirens in the background and fear in the voice of the commentator.

Our school was put on lock-down.
No one could enter and no one could leave.
I can't remember much after that other than absolutely no TVs being turned on in my classes.
I don't know what time it was when I got home (and I didn't have a cell phone yet at this time) so I ran into the house where I met my mom in the living room, staring at the TV.

"I saw the second plane crash into the other tower!" She was still in shock.

I remember visiting the Pentagon that weekend. The smell of jet fuel still stuck in the air. I remember looking up at the Pentagon, the strong, powerful building I was so used to seeing right there on the edge of Virginia and DC. But it was so different this time. As I stood there looking at the American flag that hung along the blackened and collapsed building, I knew our country would never be the same., 

So, today, I am grateful. For the United States of America. For the servicemen/women, and civilians who were heroes that day and for all the heroes who've fought and fight to protect our freedom everyday. Never forget those lives lost and those forever changed. And never, ever forget that this life we live is precious. Take a moment to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you.

Peace and love.

Last year's post, looking back after eleven years.