As Americans, we have heard those words countless times over the past decade. “We will never forget” has been printed on posters and bumper stickers for ten years. And I hope that those words are true for all of us.
For me, it’s not about not forgetting what happened on September 11, 2001, but it’s about choosing not to forget how it happened, why it happened and how I felt on that day.
I wasn’t there. I didn’t lose a loved one on that horrific day. But I do remember where I was. Where I was doesn’t matter, but it is important that the memory of that day is so fresh and raw in my mind that I am able to remember where I was.
I can remember the anger, the fear, the anguish and the sheer disbelief that something like this could happen anywhere, must less in the United States of America.
All of our lives were changed. The world as we knew it was changed in countless ways. The subsequent wars and enlistments have changed hundreds of thousands of families in this country and around the world.
So when I say that I’ll never forget, I mean it. Today is a sad day and sometimes memorializing such a sad day can be hard. Watching the footage from ten years ago is not any easier today than it was ten years ago. And I know that there are so many people who will not watch. But, for me, watching brings back those emotions. I still watch in complete disbelief and feel a deep anger rising up in me.
I also feel a huge pride, though. I am proud of the actions of so many Americans on that day. I am sad for those who lost their most dear loved ones as they were just going about their day or as they threw on their uniform and took on the true meaning of “hero.” First responders and their courage will never be lost on me. I can never forget any of that!
I am proud of our country, even though it seems that this world is so lost and we seem to once again be in a state of fear. This is my home and I’m proud of it. And I’d never choose to live anywhere else.
I am most thankful for our amazing God. He is faithful and I know He will never leave me. What a privilege it is to have the freedom to serve Him every day– however I please!
Today, I am praying for all of those who lost loved ones on 9/11 and those who have lost ones since that day.
A day will come when I will tell my children about this day in history. They won’t fully understand because they weren’t yet born when it happened. But, to me, it is important that we never let this day just become a day in history.
Beautifully said, Erin.
What a day…so many emotions from 10 years ago are still so fresh. Very well written post.
On Friday, I was teaching a lesson on 9-11 in my fourth grade classroom. These are the kids that were born in the time immediately surrounding the tragedy. When they started asking me what happened and about my memories, I almost lost it. I don’t think I’ll ever forget those emotions. The fear, anger, anguish still remain and always will.
hey Erin! i really appreciate your perspective and agree that the most important take-away is the tragedy of all those lives lost and affected.
i hope this isn’t horribly tacky, but i had a question about moms on call and didn’t know another medium to ask you. my daughter is almost 1 year old and takes 2 naps a day and sleeps fairly well at night (11ish hours, but wakes crying and upset every. single. time.), so i’m not sure which seminar to watch. the one that goes up to 12 months, or the one that also covers the issues for kids 4 years older than her that will be completely irrelevant to us for quite a while?
Hey Erin,
This was a reflective post on 9-11 and I can’t believe that it has been 10 years. I agree with it doesn’t matter where you were on that day, but that the emotions are so raw that we still remember where we were. It definitely changed our nation and it scares me to think about what the future holds for our children. I guess the only thing we can do is to continue to pray for our country. Watching some of the memorial today with my 2 year old son, Ryder was really emotional for me (I’m sure pregnancy hormones had part to do with this too), but my son was asking why they were holding the flag and I tried explaining to him in only a way that a 2 year old could, that we were honoring the men and women in our country. It was definitely a surreal moment for me this morning and made me reflect on the past 10 years. It’s hard to believe it has actually been 10 years!
Laura
laurasblondemoments.blogspot.com
Hi Erin, You worded it so perfectly! That is exactly how I feel..and yes, I did watch some of the programs also..and felt all those things you wrote about. I think the saddest thing is how at the time all of that happened.. people went to church to seek God, etc.. and now so many have forgotten that part of things.. Every day we need God more and more.. instead of less and less like it affected some as the 10 years have gone by. I am so thankful for God’s protection every day..and for the freedoms that we still have in America! God bless America!
well said, and i agree, I also remember where I was and I will not let myself forget…