
Today is a day that one can never forget, as much as one may like to. This day always comes hard to everyone. I feel it's especially hard for those who reside in New York. New York was the one state with the most major damage by the events both emotionally and physically.
It's now been seven years and as I turn on the morning news, as I always do, I am reminded of the tragic events that occurred that day. Even now, it seems so surreal. I still can't believe that the events of that day actually happened.
I must say that I am blessed for not losing anyone on that tragic day. I remember my heart sinking that very day. Both my parents work in the city. My father, a construction supervisor, was working in the WTC towers the week before. He's always all over the city and I didn't know where he was. My mother worked across the water, directly from the WTC towers.
I recall walking into my 11:00 4th period class and my teacher trying to comfort us, saying "There is no reason to panic." ... I stupidly had asked why should we be worried. and he looked at me and didn't respond. I didn't know why, but I jumped on the Internet and began googling and only then had I realized what had happened. I immediately pulled my phone out and began calling my parents. The only thing that I heard on the other end was "
beep beep beep, All circuits are busy. Please try your call again." No matter how many times I called, that's all I heard. I almost began to cry and then I decided to call home and I was reliefed to hear my mother's voice. I had asked her where my father was and he told me that he was home as well. Thankfully, they were able to get back out to Long Island...
Shortly after, much chaos began in school. A lot of students were panicing because they couldn't contact their parents. Before I knew it, I was on a bus, heading back home to be with my family. I just remember logging onto AIM at home and talking to my friends in total disbelief as we watched the coverage live.
Now, every year when this time comes, I wish not to relive it, but being a fellow New Yorker, it's hard not to. I can't help but watch the memorial ceremonies every year on TV. I can't bring myself to EVER to go there, but I never miss the coverage. In fact, right now, as I am typing this, I am at work, watching the coverage live on Fox 5's website. My mother says all the time, that she wishes that they would stop these ceremonies, because it just brings back the horrific memories. I agree with her, but at the same time I know that we can't ever forget.
As the news anchor said this morning, I will never forget and will always remember. I just wish not to relive it ever year.
As always, we pause for a moment of silence when the first tower was hit, the second tower was hit, when the first tower collapsed, and when the second tower collapsed. At every moment of silence, they ring a bell. As I hear that bell toll, I get shivers throughout my body. To many, it's just a noise, but to me, it represents death and all things evil. Maybe it's just me, but I can't help but get the shivers.
So as I watch the ceremonies and hear all the names of those who have passed on, I cry and wish their families peace. I also begin to think of all those who sleep in ditches every night protecting our country since the day of these events. The lives lost at war and the brave men and women who are still out there fighting. Thank you to those who are out there fighting and welcome home to those lucky ones who have made it back. To those who lost their lives on September 11th or during this horrible war, may God bless your souls and may you rest in peace!
Never forget!