“Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It’s a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. It’s also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend–even a friend whose name it never knew. “ – President George W. Bush, December 11, 2001
10 years, can it really be? In some ways, September 11, 2001 feels like yesterday, but in other ways it feels like a lifetime ago. It was a day that forever changed the lives of every American in some way or another. A day that changed the History books and the created a new era for all who call the United States of America home. I was 21 years old that year and pregnant with Mr. Luke. I remember waking up the morning of September 11 and turning on the TV. I had that day off of work and had an ultrasound scheduled for later that morning. When I turned on the TV, every channel was showing the smoke coming from the North World Trade Center Tower. I sat glued to the TV. I watched as the 2nd airplane struck the South Tower. I sat in shock as the towers collapsed to the ground and cried. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I watched as people ran in fear and horror covered in debris. I watched the coverage of the Pentagon attack and then as the plane was discovered in a field in Pennsylvania. I couldn’t stop watching the television. I just remember feeling immense shock and helplessness.
Later that morning, Ryan and I went to the clinic for my ultrasound. All the TVs were turned on in the clinic and the coverage of the September 11 attacks continued. I was glued to the TV and wanted to know every bit of information. The sadness of the day covered up the excitement of going in for an ultrasound to find out the gender of our baby. We found out that sure enough we were having a boy and now, 10 years later, we have a Mr. Luke, who will also forever be changed by the events that happened that day. Every child in America is changed in some way by what happened in America that day. Because of September 11 (and because of my families roots in the military), American pride runs deep and I hope that this pride has been instilled in Mr. Luke and that he carries it on in his life.
So on this September 11, 2011, it is my wish to extent thank yous to every single person in the military who sacrifice so much to protect us and to ensure that our we can be free. Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and for your commitment. To all the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other emergency personnel, thank you for being willing to go into harms way to save lives and protect citizens every single day. It takes so much courage to do these jobs and you all simply amaze me. To all the families who lost loved one on 9/11, my heart breaks for each and every one of you. I can’t fathom the heart break you have endured over the last 10 years and please know that today, we are saying prayers of continued to peace for you.
“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children. “ – President George W. Bush, November 11, 2001
Ten years after these tragic events, the day has come to remember the lives lost, the sacrifices made, the heroism, the determination, the commitment to our nation, and the feeling of standing united as we did on the days following the attacks. We must never forget and we must work together to ensure that future generations can stand together to continue to make the United States of America a land of freedom and opportunity. God Bless America!!
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