I was I the waiting room of a doctor’s office when the first plane hit. Everyone there thought it was a freak incident, somehow. I was called in before the second plane hit. When I came out, the next plane had hit. By the time I got home, the Pentagon was hit.
It was a devastating chain of events and all I wanted was to be in New York at the time to do whatever I could.
I was supposed to be in basic training at the time. But, certain events put that on hold for me.
I was in basic training on the 1st anniversary. On that day, the drill sergeants took us all into a big classroom and told us that the Golden Gate Bridge had just been blown up. They were testing our preparedness. They were testing our willingness to go through what we committed ourselves to do. They told us we were needed. They wanted to see who was ready to go and who didn’t really want to go.
My husband shipped off to basic training on September 10, 2001.
That day shaped our lives in ways we never would have even imagined.
Here we are, me, my husband, my kids who only know the stories and a country that is still alive and kicking.
I will Pledge Allegiance to My Flag. I will place my hand over my heart anytime the National Anthem plays. I love my country and I will NEVER forget. I will always hold in my heart those people that lost their lives on that fateful day. I will always be grateful for the people who did all they could to save everyone they could on that day. And I will always be thankful for the Soldiers and the Police Officers and the Firefighters that will always be there doing everything they can to make this country a better, safer place. Also for the Paramedics and doctors and nurses and all the people that don’t wear one of those uniforms that will always do everything they can for their fellow Americans. And for all the 4-legged heroes who can make such a difference physically and mentally in times like these. Thank you.