What 9/11 Means To Me
I remember the day like it was yesterday. I was walking down the halls towards my sixth grade science class. Something felt off but I couldn’t tell why. As I entered the classroom, the TVs were on and there on the screen was an image of the first tower burning. It was a sight that will forever be engrained into my mind. The teacher quickly shut it off as she didn’t want us to witness what was going on but wanted us to know that someone had attacked America.
The rest of the day was pretty somber, as our principal gave us a full update on what happened in New York, the Pentagon, and the field in Pennsylvania. He ended the update by telling us to go home and hug our loved ones. However, when I got home, no one was there. My sister’s high school had received a bomb threat and my mom was dealing with that. The uncertainty over which part of our nation could be under attack grew, but our strength as a nation grew even stronger.
As I sit here today thinking about what 9/11 means to me, there are some words that come to mind: unity, strength, sacrifice, vigilance, bravery, perseverance, patriotism, and love. The attack on our great nation was terrible, but we did not let the terrorists strike fear into our hearts. Instead, it brought us together for one common goal of consoling one another, helping each other, and being strong.
The brave men and women of the NYFD, NYPD, and others sacrificed their lives in order to save those still inside the burning buildings. The United States pushed through the hard times and persevered to come out stronger, and better, as a country.
Tonight, I am competing in a physical challenge with my Army roommate to honor those who died during 9/11, those who gave their all to save a few, and the brave men and women of our armed forces who worked hard to bring justice to those responsible. From the hours of 9 p.m. until 9 a.m. tomorrow, I will be rucking with a 40-pound weight in my ruck (not including all my other essentials packed) for 20 miles, stopping to do push-ups, bear crawls, crab walks, etc. But as I go through this, I will remember that no matter how much I want to quit, there are those who sacrificed even more. The challenge promotes teamwork and unity, just like our nation should be doing.
In addition to this challenge, we started a campaign to raise money for Allies In Service, which helps veterans of the wars. They are a Dallas-based non-profit founded by Roger Staubach, which focuses on helping veterans and their spouses find employment, as well as resources for housing, education, and healthcare. If you would like to donate, go here.
So remember, today is not about hate for another person. It is about loving one another and striving to keep pushing. Justice will take care of the rest. We live in a great country that cherishes these values and no one, not even a few terrorists, can bring us down..
Image via YouTube
Well done. There was one good thing about 9/11. On that day the country was as united as it ever will be. During those ensuing weeks, everyone was simply an American. Didn’t matter who you were or where you were from. I miss that. The American people are at their greatest when they come together. Also I really miss G-Dub.
9 years ago at 10:41 amIt’s a shame we’ve been divided since then to what seems like a point of no return to national unity.
9 years ago at 11:32 amYou’re negativity is really killing my patrioticism right now
9 years ago at 1:41 pm*Patriotism
9 years ago at 2:42 pmShow us your tits for America?
9 years ago at 11:52 pmWe need another Bush presidency. #Bush2016
9 years ago at 11:45 amAs much as we loved G Dub, I don’t think too many people want to see Jeb as our next president
9 years ago at 2:08 pmHe was not a good president. Only his father
9 years ago at 3:46 pmGreat article, thank you for getting involved and God bless America
9 years ago at 10:41 amBeautifully written, God bless America.
9 years ago at 10:44 amI love this country so much.
9 years ago at 10:51 amFuck terrorism, God bless
9 years ago at 10:53 amGod bless the men and women who gave their lives for the lives of others they did not know. Thank you.
9 years ago at 10:54 amLoved this. Nowadays, I see more people saying things like “Muslim people be safe on 9/11” and “RIP to the innocent Muslim people killed for something they didn’t do” instead of honoring all who died that day which included people of all ethnicity. While there are indeed racist people who use the event to hate others, what people don’t understand is that this tragic event should unify us more as a country rather than antagonize and this piece definitely captures how this day should be one for the American spirit and showing love for other Americans no matter how different.
9 years ago at 10:57 amI’m originally from New Jersey. My best friend’s dad was a firefighter up near Hoboken and was on the scene with his department. He injured his back trying to help others and now has to take pain medication every day. I know several people who lost family members in the attacks. One of my professors asked our class the other day if “9/11 changed everything.” People started complaining about airport security and attacks on innocent Muslims. It made me really angry because they’re so removed from it all. They didn’t live it like we did. 9/11 did change everything, not just for me but for many Americans. God Bless the people who keep us safe, and God Bless America.
9 years ago at 11:06 amYour friends dad is a true hero. Buy him a beer for all of us New Jersey/ New York natives.
9 years ago at 11:14 amI may be from africa but I’m proud to be an American.
9 years ago at 11:20 amThanks for writing a great article and thank you to your roommate for his service. We’re still the greatest country in the world.
9 years ago at 11:27 am