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

12 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 12 years ago.

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

 

Muse:  *sniff* *sob*  I hate this day!

So do I.  So many losses.  I can’t help but feel somber….

Muse:  On days like this, I write get well cards!  For anyone who lost somebody, I know that it’s painful.  The healing isn’t easy, but they’re surely in a better place, right?

They are.  Let’s keep this short, as I felt that I said everything I wanted to concerning this.

Muse:  I couldn’t help but cry hearing your memories about this!  It….made me sad!  Made me remember that day too…..*sob*

But we must keep the memory alive.  This is a day that America should never forget.  A day of mourning, but a day to remember.

Muse:  I’m going to make those cards!  Feel better America!  I’m going to help with the healing….

 

That’s very thoughtful of her.  Today’s high is a hot 86 degrees.  Since I finished my Zorpozian language last night, the silver lining will be more story progress.  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:  The annual healing continues, America!  Be happy….for me!  Tee hee!