Check out this powerful letter I penned on September 11, 2016, as I contemplated the significance of the day. I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the events of 9/11 and the lasting impact it has had.
As we approach the anniversary of September 11th, 2001, it is a time for reflection and remembrance.
On that fateful day, the world changed forever as we witnessed a horrific terrorist attack on American soil. I was in Puerto Rico with my father, who grew up in Brooklyn, and our experience of that day has stayed with me ever since. Join me as I share my personal account of remembering 9/11.
The morning of September 11th started like any other day. I was at college on my way to the library at about 9:00 and had plans to meet with my friends to hang out until noon.
However, everything changed when we turned on the TV and saw the devastating images of the Twin Towers being hit by airplanes. It felt surreal, like something out of a movie, but we soon realized that this was all too real.
As we watched in shock and disbelief, my father’s eyes filled with tears as he recounted his memories of growing up in Brooklyn and visiting the Twin Towers as a child. He told me stories of how he would marvel at the height of the buildings and how they symbolized strength and resilience to him.
Seeing them crumble before our eyes was a heartbreaking moment that neither of us will ever forget.
The days following 9/11 were filled with uncertainty and fear as we tried to make sense of what had happened. We felt a deep sense of loss for all those who perished in the attacks and a profound gratitude for the first responders who risked their lives to save others. My father and I spent hours talking about the impact of that day on our lives and how it had changed us forever.
In 2016, as we remember 9/11, fifteen years later, my father and I wanted to visit Ground Zero and take a trip to New York City. Unfortunately, my dad was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, and he’s not fit to travel.
We wanted to pay our respects to those who lost their lives that day and share the sense of unity with everyone around us.
Over time, I’ve come to realize that while 9/11 was a tragic event that shook us to our core, it also brought out the best in humanity. People came together in solidarity, showing compassion and kindness towards one another in a time of great need.
It is important for us to never forget what happened on September 11th, but also to remember how we came together as a nation in its aftermath.
Remembering 9/11 is not just about honoring those who lost their lives or paying tribute to the heroes who emerged from the tragedy. It is about reflecting on how that day changed us as individuals and as a society.
My experience of remembering 9/11 will always hold a special place in my heart. It serves as a reminder to cherish each moment we have with loved ones and to never take our freedom for granted.
Let us continue to honor the memory of those lost on September 11th by standing united against hate and division, choosing instead to embrace love and empathy towards one another.
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