On a day like this, this image will forever be burned into my mind:

14 years ago, I can remember exactly where I was when it all happened.  At 8:46  a.m., the first plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center.  During this time,  I was a junior in high school.  Second hour just started.  It was my Advanced Algebra class.  At this time, I didn’t even know that the World Trade Center was under attack.  News didn’t get to me yet.

At 9:03 a.m., the second plane hit the South Tower of the World Trade Center.  Again, I was still in second hour, completely unaware of what was going on.  Completely unaware of the catastrophe that changed the world forever.

At 9:53 a.m., another plane crashed into the Pentagon.  At this time, it was toward the beginning of my third hour, in my Beginning Journalism class.  With class just started and the announcements over, working on my next assignment was the only thing that I had on my mind.

Then it happened.  At 9:59 a.m., the South Tower collapsed.  About a minute or two later, somebody ran into the Journalism classroom, in complete shock.  They shouted that the World Trade Center collapsed.  Collapsed?  I couldn’t believe it.  Curiosity got the best of me, and the entire class, so we all crowded around the television that was in the adjacent room that was connected to the library.  And there it was.  Replayed footage of the South Tower collapsing.

Shock was the only thing that filled my mind at the time.  Who would do something like this?  What terrorists are responsible for causing this?  We all had our unanswered questions, whereever we were that day.

The lesson plan was pretty obvious.  With this event unfolding before our eyes, it was abandoned.  We all spent the rest of the hour, watching the recaps of what happened this dreadful day.

At 10:03 a.m., another plane crashed near Shanksville,  Pennsylvania.  The plane was stopped from hitting the capitol building in Washington D.C.  The other proposed target was the White House.

And then, at 10:28 a.m., it happened.  The North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.  The damage was done.  Both towers were gone, leaving behind a smoldering pile of rubble and plumes of smoke.

Later that day, at 5:20 p.m., 7 World Trade Center collapsed.  Three buildings were gone.  One was damaged, and one was protected, from the heroes who sacrificed their lives to prevent the plane from hitting any other building.

That day left in me a somber feeling.  A somber feeling that I still experience today when I recall the events of the worst tragedy that our nation has ever experienced.

Where were you on 9/11?  I can remember where I was.  I can remember the shock, the pain, and the coping that happened afterward.  Somehow, we just had to move on.  Even after something this devastating happened.  The healing was slow.  It began a day later, but it still continues in the lives of those who have lost someone on this tragic day 14 years ago.

My heart goes out to you, if you know someone who lost their life from the attacks.

 

Muse:  After 14 years, I can still feel it.  And I’m sure that all of America can feel it too.

It’s a day that I still don’t forget.  A day of reflection and remembrance.

Muse:  And a day of prayer.  Can you remember how many people actually prayed after this terrible tragedy happened?  *sobs*  Millions.

There are a lot who still pray today as well.  Now let’s have a moment of silence for everyone who lost their lives on this day.

Muse:  *sobs*  I need to be alone.  From 14 years ago, I can still feel the sorrow and pain from this tragedy.  We’ll talk later, okay?

We’ll talk later.  It will be alright.   Maybe not for those who have passed away.  We can’t get back those we have lost.  But for all who are mourning, it will be alright.

 

As upset as she is, it will be alright.  Today’s high is a cool 66 degrees.  The silver lining will be my friend coming over.  It will also consist of seeing World Trade Center, a movie that I traditionally see every year, in light of this day.

To all of you who still remember this tragic day,  I especially hope that you all have a fantastic day.

 

Muse:  Lord, for all those who have lost a loved one on this day, please be with them and heal them.  Be also with us, and help us to comfort those who need to be comforted…*sob*  I will never forget this day…