There’s no doubt that all of us remember where we were when the first plane hit the first Tower and that memory was sealed in our minds and hearts when the second plane hit. It was implausible that it was a deliberate act until that second plane hit. Then, for all of us, we could only watch in horror as the World Trade Center collapsed building by building. I’ve never felt so helpless, so confused and so angry in my entire life. This was something that just didn’t happen. Not here. Not in America.
That was the day we lost our innocence as a country. September 11, 2001 would become a day that would forever live in infamy.
What would we do? This had never happened before. The picture above is a telling answer to the spirit of American resolve. After Flights 11 and 175 were used as missiles that struck at the heart of our Nation’s economic center in a vain attempt to destroy our resolve, three NYC Firefighters raised the American flag as a continued and bold symbol of freedom. The picture above was taken by Thomas E. Franklin. He captured the unforgettable scene that marked the first step in America’s healing process.
This is the image I choose to remember. Not the smoldering buildings. Not the fires. Not the destruction. Not the waste. This picture represents everything that America hold true: Resolve, Honor, Faith, Hope and Love.
We did not ask for that day to happen. We did not ask to become part of the madness, we were forced into it. So, in the names of the 2,976 people who lost their lives in Washington, Pennsylvania and New York that day. I promise I will never forget. I promise that justice will one day be at hand. I promise to up hold all of the values and morals this country was founded on, and for what you ultimately gave your lives for. Not one of you wanted to leave us that day, but in doing so you’ve helped us understand the value of Freedom and Liberty, now and forever.
Take a moment to remember 9-11 in your own way. We cannot change the past, we can only take control of our future.
God Bless America!