"Where were you when the world stopped turning that September Day"
- I was a Junior in high school. I was at Seminary when it happened and first heard about it from a kid named Jacob Richardson right in front of the 300 quad student store at Quartz Hill High. I really didn't understand what was going on because we were in a rush to get to class. As class got started, first period P.E., the teachers had all of the classes stay dressed in our normal clothes instead of PE clothes in case Edwards Air force base was to get attacked. I just remember being scared.
"Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke Risin' against that blue sky?"
-I remember for weeks and then every year on 9/11 seeing the terrible photos of the twin towers. Constantly being reminded of the terrible event and feeling for the people on the East Coast. The newspapers were just filled with pictures. The news channels broadcast the planes hitting the Twin Towers all day. Words can not describe the fear these images gave me, and the sadness that they brought.
"Did you burst out in pride for the red, white and blue And the heroes who died just doin' what they do?"
- I remember the Friday after 9/11/2001 Quartz Hill High School had a football game that night in which we had a big ceremony and moment of silence in remembrance of the events that took place. I really enjoyed that evening. I love the 4th of July as well, but since 9/11 it has grown to be my favorite holiday and hold a greater meaning to me, because of those who fight that we might be "the land of the free, the home of the brave"!
"Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer And look at yourself and what really matters?"
-I remember getting a pass to miss school to go to the Stake center for President Hinckley's remarks on 9/11. He addressed us in a broadcast with this......
"Now we are at War. Great forces have been mobilized....We do not know how long this conflict will last..... The terrible forces of evil must be confronted and held accountable for their actions....We are people of Peace, we are followers of Christ, but there are times when we must stand up for right and decency for freedom and civilization....Blessed is the Nation who's God is the Lord....Our strength comes with obedience to the commandments of God ....Let us pray for righteousness, let us pray for the forces of good, let us stand firm against evil both at home and abroad, let us live worthy of the blessings of heaven."
After this address Ashley Knapp and I went back to her house. She told me to get out my journal and to make sure to write down how we felt about this day, President Hinckley's address, and war. I am sad to say that I have not found this journal yet, but I know that I was comforted by President Hinckley even though we had declared war.
"Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages Or speak to some stranger on the street?"
-One of my biggest memories from 9/11/01 was this....
I come from a Valley where there is much going on with planes. The valley lies beneath a landing route for LAX, it lies beneath testing for Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Edwards Air force base. At every big event in the Valley (parades and such) they always have the B-2 bomber fly over. I don't now if there ever is a time with out a plane in the sky!
Well On 9/11 and the days (which felt like weeks) after there was no air traffic. The Unites States had shut down all air transportation and was moved to high security. I remember feeling like something was missing. It was odd, and almost terrifying to not have planes in the sky.
"Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family Thank God you had somebody to love?"
- I am grateful that my family was not hurt that day. Grateful that there are people out there to help my family live in the Land of the Free!
Last night May 1st, 2011 I came home from work and Derek told me "Hey I am watching the baseball game and an announcement on the bottom of the TV came on. The President will be address the United States in a couple of minutes, Osama Bin Laden is dead."
I stood there and just thought..... is this a good thing, great thing, or not so good thing? Is it true? Is it real?
Derek and I sat there on our couch in our apartment and watched the Presidential Speech. We sat there and watched the news about 100s of people going to the White house cheering and showing their excitement for the death of the man who planned and executed the whole 9/11 attack on the United States. I sat there and listened to President Obama and felt no real comfort.
Don't get me wrong I am so grateful for the men and woman who have served that I might be free, who have died that I might be free, and I am so grateful that as President Hinckley said he was "held accountable for his actions", But war is still not over. I just hope that this action will lead to good for all!
It is hard for me to celebrate knowing that they are people still over seas fighting for freedom while we are all celebrating here. I guess this is the way it will always be. There will always be someone fighting for my freedom, while I sit on a lawn watching and celebrating in a 4th of July celebration.
President Obama said that this day May 1st, 2011 would be held as a huge day in history for the United States. I am once again grateful for the troops and for those who have accomplished this goal, that 10yrs ago did not seem very possible. We have heard for years and years about getting closer to the capture of Osama Bin Laden, but never had him. So I am grateful that this chapter is closed.
We can only wait and see what the future holds.
1st Nephi 4:13: " Behold the Lord aslayeth the bwicked to bring forth his righteous purposes. It is cbetter that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in dunbelief."
1 comment:
Brilliant post!
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