Remembering 9/11

Do you remember where you were that day? That day that the lives of all Americans changed? I do.

It was my first year of college, and I was in my apartment on campus. My roommate's mom called and wanted to talk to her daughter. She was in the shower and asked me to tell her mom that she would call her back. Her mom was really upset about this, and I thought that was a little odd. Then she asked if we had been watching the news. I said, "No, we don't have a TV." She told me to turn on a radio then, and hung up. I turned on the radio and kept hearing about an attack on US soil. I didn't understand what was going on, so I went out to the lobby to turn on the building's TV after I told my roommate what was going on. I sat there for over an hour dumbstruck by what I was seeing on TV, with tears rolling down my face.

How could we be attacked? This was America. Things like that don't happen here. Finally I had to go, since my class would be starting soon.

Campus was very somber that day. There wasn't the loud rowdiness of a bunch of college kids that was usually present. People seemed to be absorbed in their own thoughts, some walking around in a daze. I was worried that there would be more attacks, especially where my family lived, since they were close by Edwards Air Force Base, outside of Los Angeles. If they attacked New York, why not LA?

As the days past, campus slowly returned to normal. The one thing I really remember though was the pride that people had to be an American. The nation bonded together, turning to God. I think that was the first time in a long time that the nation was that religious. We really and truly were "One nation, under God."

I remember that we had a debate in one of my classes to see if this would honestly change the nation for good, or if people would forget over time. At that point, I thought it would be a permanent change. Now, I'm not so sure. I know that people think about the tragedy and the significance of the events near the anniversary of the attacks, but do you carry this in your hearts always? I challenge you to think back to that time, and try to keep that with you always. The brave men and women who died that day deserve that kind of permanent remembrance. I know my family will never forget. I had a cousin who volunteered to serve in Iraq and was killed. His sacrifice to defend our freedom means the world to us. I will never forget.

There is no better way to express my feelings than the words to this song, "Proud to Be an American," especially the chorus.

If tomorrow all the things were gone
I'd worked for all my life
and I had to start again
With just my children and my wife
I'd thank my lucky stars to be living here today
Cause the flag still stands for freedom
And they can't take that away.

Chorus: And I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up next to you
And defend her still today.
Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land.
God bless the U. S. A.

From the lakes of Minnisota
To the hills of Tennesse
Across the plains of Texas
From sea to shinning sea
From Detroit down to Houston
From New York to L. A.
There's a pride in every American heart
And it's time we stand and say

Chorus: And I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up next to you
And defend her still today.
Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land.
God bless the U. S. A.

Chorus: And I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up next to you
And defend her still today.
Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land.
God bless the U. S. A.

"I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me. And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today. Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land. God bless the U.S.A."