Although today marks 20 years since the heinous attacks of 9/11, I still remember it like it was yesterday. As with most Americans, it will always remain as one of the worst days of my life. While I never personally knew anyone who died on that day, it felt like I had lost countless friends that I had not yet met. Nor would I ever get the chance...
Anger, despair, fear, confusion,.....all of these emotions were overwhelming me. With my eyes fixated on my TV screen, I wondered if I was simply having a bad dream or if I had accidently tuned into a science fiction movie. Sadly, it was neither. It was real. And raw. And so ugly...
I watched first responders desperately try to control the situation. They did what they could to calm people. But the situation was beyond anything they could ever prepare for. Countless firefighters bravely entered the unstable buildings. They put their own fears on the shelf, knowing that they might never come out alive. A new breed of hero was emerging. But at an unfathomable price.
And then the buildings came down...
A lone firefighter, covered in soot and kneeling on one knee, tried to regain his composure. He was mentally and physically exhausted. He had just watched a building collapse on hundreds of his brothers. He briefly looked to the sky, searching for any source of hope or inspiration.
As the days progressed, America remained on edge. Was there another imminent attack? Were there any survivors under all of the rubble? How many fathers, sons, mothers and daughters would never make it home again?
Random strangers came together to offer whatever comfort they could. We were all in this together. We didn't really know how to respond to it. But we knew someway, somehow, we would prevail. We knew this because we were Americans. No matter how dire the circumstances, America always prevails.
So, as I sit hear 20 years later, I reflect on how that infamous day changed me....
First off, my love of this country has only grown stronger. I could have been born anywhere in the world. But I wound up in America. It's like drawing a winning lottery ticket every day. I still get goosebumps every time I hear the "Star Spangled Banner".
I've also learned that you can't take life for granted. When you leave for work in the morning, there is no guarantee that you'll make it home. I remember being at a party a few years ago with family and friends. At some point, I looked around and imagined many of these people not being around anymore. I had to step away for a moment because I started to get emotional. This had never happened to me before. But it reinforced the fact that the people in your life are everything.
I've learned to live life to the fullest. Life isn't a dress rehearsal, it's the main attraction. The best way to honor those who have passed is to live a great life. Smell the flowers, dance to the music or whatever else makes you happy.
There's also something to be said about random acts of kindness. I have had many conversations with many different people over the years. You never know what someone is going through until you actually talk to them. Never underestimate what a few simple words of encouragement can do for someone.
A few years after 9/11, my son entered the Army and eventually wound up in Iraq. Before he left, he gave me a dog tag with his name on it. I said that I would wear it until he came back home. I would get strange looks as I went through metal detectors. I would explain that my son was Iraq fighting the good fight. The security person would then shake my hand and say, "I understand. Thank your son for his service". I was eventually able to breathe a huge sigh of relief when I was able to take the dog tag off. My heart goes out to the countless military families who never got to have the same happy reunion. The sacrifices of these brave men and women must never be forgotten.
With all of this being said, I will never forget that tragic day of 20 years ago. I know we've still got some work to do in this country. But remember, we're all still Americans. Let's try to set aside our differences and find a way to come together once again as the United States of America. It's the least we can do for all of those who were lost on 9/11 and all of those who bravely gave their lives in the fight against terrorism.
kw
