Once again September 11th and its memories come around.
We remember what we were doing and where we were twenty-four years ago on that tragic day in our country’s history. The feel of that early morning late-summer day was pleasant. The sky was so blue, and the marigolds were blooming in the yard.
I was on my way to a doctor’s appointment, listening to music on the radio. The announcer’s voice broke in to say that a plane had struck one of the Twin Towers in New York City. At first, I, like others, thought it was a terrible accident. When the second plane hit, and when we learned of the attack on the Pentagon and the plane crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, it became clear that these were targeted attacks of terrorism against the United States.
That day and in the following days our country came together as we united against the enemy. We prayed, we searched for survivors, we donated money, food, water, our time and energy, as well as other resources. Citizens signed up for military duty to fight the enemy. We truly were the United States of America.
So today, let us hold close in thought all who lost their lives, their families, and all who still suffer from the effects of that day. Let us take that spirit of togetherness and make it work for the benefit of our country. Let us truly be the United States of America.
—Bernadette R. Gentry