Never Forget

It is absolutely surreal that it was eleven years ago that the attacks on 9/11 devastated our country. Not only has our country changed tremendously since that fateful day, but the world.

Everyone has their own 9/11 story- where they were, their first reaction, and the horror and helplessness they felt in the days following.

I briefly shared my story last year, but I was 11 years old and in my 6th grade math class, about to take my first exam of the year. The principal came into the room and announced that two planes had hit the World Trade Center and that we needed to pray for all the victims. Furthermore, her son was supposed to be a passenger on United Flight 175, but had gotten to the airport late and missed boarding his flight by minutes.

Even though I was 11, I can vividly remember that day and the weeks following. I remember how our country became united overnight, the numerous prayer services I attended, and the nightmares I had for months following the attacks. I also remember the fear and sadness etched on my parents faces when I saw them for the first time after being picked up from school.

While I did not know anyone who was at the World Trade Center, Pentagon, or on Flight 93, I still feel personally affected by the events on that day. Now that I live within miles of the Pentagon where 184 people (not including the five hijackers) were killed, I feel even more affected by 9/11.

In March I visited the Pentagon Memorial for the first time. It was a time of reflection and remembrance about the lives that were tragically lost. While I was unable to go back to the Pentagon Memorial today, I plan to do so later this week to take some time and reflect on not only the lives lost at The Pentagon, but also at the World Trade Center and in Pennsylvania.

Everyone has their own story about that day, but we all have one thing in common- we will never forget. We will never forget the lives lost, the heroic acts of courage displayed by emergency personnel and citizens, and the strength of our nation in the aftermath.

Today and every day I am proud to be an American.

My heart and prayers continue to be with the victims, their families, and all those affected by the events of that day. I also pray for all the military members and their families who have served before and after 9/11. Every single day I have prayed for these individuals, and I will continue to do so.