Remembering

9.11.2011

September 11, 2001 was a devastating day. I saw my high school, located 17 miles from Manhattan, fall apart. Teachers and students running through the halls hysterically crying. Students scared for their parents safety. Anxiety and fear beyond anything I'd ever seen before or since that day. Everyone left. Many parents came into the school looking for their kids. I met my mom halfway down the main hall and we went home. We were worried about my dad, but I'll say now- he was fine.

My dad worked in Jersey City.. he had a clear view of the twin towers out of his office windows. He called my mom immediately after the first plane hit and as he was on the phone with her he watched the 2nd plane crash through the 2nd tower. He sent everyone home from work and he started the long journey back to long island through Manhattan.

It makes me so sad to think back to that day, but I do because the people that were lost deserve to be remembered and honored. And so do their families and friends. And of course, the heroes who came to the rescue that day.

In the days that followed I remember having a very strong feeling of American pride. We, as a country, stood together and we did not and will not give into terrorism.

These are a couple of photos from before the attacks. Marissa and I posing with the twin towers during the summer of 2000 and a little snapshot that I took at the top of the North Tower sometime during 1997 or so. I was so lucky to have the opportunity to dine at the restaurant, Windows on the World, with my family.

In the words of my sister- because she said it so much better than I would have-
Let's never forget the lives lost that day and the beautiful heroes who put their own lives at risk to help others.

13 comments:

  1. I don't think anyone could say it better than your sister.

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  2. This was wonderfully written! Thanks for sharing. I cannot imagine what it would be like being so close to the scene. I'm glad your dad was alright. I also had been in one of the Twin Towers when I was younger. Never forget.

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  3. This is a beautiful post, Sarah! I'm glad you found that old photo, too. I'll never forget how happy I was when Dad walked through the door and hugged all of us that afternoon. Love and prayers to everyone affected and may GOD BLESS AMERICA!

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  4. Wow. I agree beautifully written. Definitely a day we will all never forget and no matter how painful, you are right, we all need to remember those lost. -Lo

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  5. Marissa did say it beautifully. Today was so full of honor and remembrance. <3 I'm grateful and honored that you shared how this affected you.

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  6. wow. and so crazy that it's been ten years now. feels like it just happened. beautiful post:)
    YOURS, MINE AND OURS

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  7. It's been interesting to read everyone's memories. And just like everyone else I can't believe it was ten years ago. It's all so fresh in my mind. It was great to see your photos, I've not seen many 'personal' photos of the WTC.

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  8. hi Sarah, i've just come over from Gentri's blog after seeing her article featuring yours. i've been having a little look around so far but will continue on cos there is just so much here to see and be inspired by.

    i had to stop off here 1st though. all week long i've felt filled with heavy thoughts and have been saying many more prayers for all who lost someone during that heinous attack. at the time i lived in Toronto and we have a lot of friends in NYC, we were scared to death for everyone. i remember the feeling of many souls swirling the earth. it was so surreal and to read about your families close proximity gave me chills.

    last night we spent hours watching the TV specials dedicated to the folks who banded together like brothers, those tremendous firefighters who risked life and limb. puts a lot of things in perspective, that's for sure. i'm glad to know you were all alright, many blessings! ♥

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  9. Beautifully written Sarah! This day will never be forgotten. I love hearing everyone's individual view points on the tragedies of 9/11, and the unity that emerged afterwards.

    I was a college freshman on that September morning. I thought the radio report was a joke. I turned my tv on in time to see the second plane hit, as I held hands with my roommate and best friend. We had never felt more unsure/confused. Those images are burned into my memory forever. The events of that day have shaped my life in so many ways.

    I wish that I had visited NYC while the towers were still standing, but unfortunately my 1st visit was in 2006.

    Love your photos. And your story. xoxo

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  10. I remember that day clearly too, such a sad day :(

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  11. It's so weird how it's been 10 years but the memory is still so vivid in our heads.

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  12. Just found your blog on Gentri Lee and I am loving it :)!

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  13. cant believe it's been 10 years. i spent most of the day sunday watching the ceremony on tv. Heartbreaking to see the children now grown up without their family members x

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