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We all knew then. Our country, the land that we all love so much, was under attack. Not since Pearl Harbor had anyone dared to attack us in this manner. But this was different. It wasn’t a foreign country attacking us. It was a band of terrorists striking at the very heart and soul of our country.
As we watched in horror and prayed for the victims of mindless evil, we vowed to stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Americans. We promised each other that we would be united. We swore that it would never happen again.
Eight years later, we still remember. We still pray for the victims. We still promise – never again.
Comments 1-50 of 65
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All-in-for-Mike
09/13/2009 11:58 PM
We were home on a break from our work with an overseas organization, living with my in-laws in Memphis. I was finishing up my shower (it was Central time), and I always have this little shower radio on, playing an oldies station. The DJs were talking back and forth about how a "small plane" had accidentally hit the World Trade Center.
Then he said, "Folks, another second airplane has just hit the OTHER tower. We're now going to switch all our programming over to our sister station, which is all news, and follow this story live." THAT was when I knew that we were clearly under attack.
At first, I was just grim and stone-faced about it. Because I've lived in Russia and in the middle east, I am (sadly) used to terror. Our apartment overseas has a bomb shelter in the basement, and our kids even built bomb shelters with their Lego toys. We've always kept extra food & water, blankets, flashlights, etc. It is a fact of life to me, and it's hard to shock me. Also, just after my second child was born, the Oklahoma City bombing took place, and Susan Smith drowned her two children in the back of her car... so I didn't think I could cry any more. I thought, "Now Americans will know how the rest of the world feels all the time," with terror and death always just around the corner.
My first focus on that day was keeping my 8-year-old, home-schooled son from finding out too much about it. I didn't want him to freak out or feel that the world was ending around him. I kept trying to sneak into a room with a TV, but keep my son from seeing that anything terrible was happening.
Also, my husband was in Washington, DC on a ministry trip. He was supposed to have breakfast with Senator Bill Frist from Tennessee. Then he was going to watch Laura Bush testify before Congress about education.
I called him and he said he was inside the Capitol building, watching the news on a TV. They had canceled Laura Bush's testimony and hustled her out of the Capitol. Then he said, "I need to go," and I said, "OK, I love you" and we hung up.
As events unfolded during the rest of the morning, it hit me that he was in an area that could be targeted. I tried and tried to reach him on his cell, but got a recording that "all circuits are busy." Remember that we didn't know what other attacks might be planned...rumors were rampant.
Shortly after lunchtime, he called me. He said he was OK, that his phone battery was about to quit, but he was headed for the Metro, and......(silence)...
I sure did NOT want him to ride public transportation that day! I was afraid of an attack, like the one on the Tokyo subway.
I prayed for him all afternoon, and finally (hours later) he reached the apartment where he was staying -- just a few blocks from the Pentagon. He could actually SEE the smoke billowing from the wound in the building's side from his window.
Then he was able to tell me where he'd been all day. In the morning, he stood in Sen. Frist's office in the Capitol, watching the events in New York. Then suddenly they were told to evacuate the building immediately. People grabbed their briefcases, commuter (running) shoes, and purses and were calmly walking out. Suddenly a Capitol Police officer yelled, "Get OUT of the building NOW!!" People began to run and flee the building!!
Once they were outside, people started congregating in small groups on the lawns and sidewalks around the Capitol. Some were crying. Senate Chaplain Lloyd John Ogilvie was leading several in prayer. Everyone was standing around, buzzing about what was going on.
Then, all hell broke loose. Capitol Police officers came running out into the crowds, yelling "GET AWAY FROM THE BUILDING!! RUN AWAY! ANOTHER PLANE IS HEADED FOR THE CAPITOL!!!" My husband said it was like something in a Hollywood disaster epic -- men in expensive suits and women in high heels, fleeing in every direction as fast as their legs could carry them.
Several few blocks away, my husband found a travel business that let him come in, sit down, and watch TV. Later he found his way home.
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I delivered my third child a month later....and it washed over me that there were over eighty (80) women who were already pregnant when 9/11 happened and their husbands were all murdered. They delivered their babies without the beloved young husband who had fathered the child.A friend of mine had a first cousin on Flight 175, the second plane to hit the towers. She was a young woman in her 20s.
Another friend of mine is a bond salesman. He used to speak on the phone several times a day to a lady who worked high up in the North tower. He tried to call her, but she was dead....never heard from again.
It's only been as the years pass that the enormity of the loss has hit me... and the depth of the evil that birthed that monstrous plot.
For an interesting account of the day's events, read Karen Hughes' book, "Ten Minutes from Normal." The woefully unprepared U.S. government was scattered around Washington, DC like dandelion seeds that day. -
olivo, anna
09/12/2009 10:49 PM
Mr. Huckabee, I started a poll on Facebook (I've never done that), to make Sept. 11 a National Holiday and a day of remembrance for all those that lost their lives that awful day. I feel strongly about this aside from a poll on Facebook, how can we work together to make this day a National Holiday. As a New York this hits home really hard, cam you lend any guidance/wisdom on this one? We can never forget those that lost their lives, but we also lost the innocence of our country.Thank you and God Bless.
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Cadavos, Edna
09/12/2009 10:47 AM
Yes we've not forgotten Mike, and that is why we are so concerned, we were attacked by air...we are now being attacked by those in high places in our own sacred offices. God help us, bless you and all those making an effort to save America.
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Farr, Tricia
09/12/2009 12:00 AM
So.... we're driving along the road today, and this truck pulls up next to us and says "HEY".. (we're thinking this guy has something nasty to say or trying to pick a fight) but, he says, "I hope he runs in 2012" and we look at him funny and he says, "Huckabee"...we smile and give a thumbs up... (He noticed the Huckabee sticker on our bumper)...we live in a liberal state by the way!!
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C3F3
09/11/2009 11:58 PM
I remember it too, a little more vaguely than most since I was only eleven years old at the time. I was too small for everything to affect me as it did the adults. But I know the facts like everyone else.
The terrible events that occurred on September 11th was indeed a wake up call--from God. They came as a merciful reminder to Americans that every sin deserves judgment, that the same judgment blasted into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon is due on every square inch of America. It was a small, localized demonstration of what our whole nation deserves. Massive revival and renewal is needed in the hearts and lives of scores of Americans in order for God to repent of this judgment, as He did with the city of Nineveh.
It is a little late for us to realize this, but late is better than never. If we press on toward our high calling as Christians, always reforming, never conforming to this world, we have no reason to fear, for God is infinitely stronger than the satanic forces that plot against the greatest nation on earth.
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SC - Texas Strong
09/11/2009 11:33 PM
This horrific event was shocking, even more so than Pearl Harbor, because it was not a country's military attacking a naval base, but Islamic terrorists killing innocent citizens because of their hate for our nation. This is a war like none other in modern times and it will be generations before it may end. The enemy is still plotting other attacks because they believe their ideology is right and ours is wrong. Sad that many citizens are blind to the facts or in denial. Today on the 700 Club news they reported that in many places in Europe freedom of speech is being squelched as "HATE SPEECH" if it criticizes the radical Muslim mullahs who teach hate!Pray for our country today!
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Grant, Wayne
09/11/2009 11:21 PM
Moments frozen in time, etchings scored into our minds, unexplainable feelings, tongues falling to silence and mouths open in awe. There were three things during my life that have left permanent scars. There is a drug store now standing where once stood a TV-electronics store one block from Hope High School.
1. My band director John Barbarato and I were in the store, he was buying a reel-to-reel tape recorder and I in front of a TV, as JFK was assonated.
2. I watched and heard the results impeachment for Mr. Bill Clinton.
3. I watched in horror the crumbling, exploding towers.
Now the very people guilty of this crime are being set free while those who threw themselves between America and a terrorist network of countries are prosecuted for intervening for us. Something is wrong with this picture. Obama hasn't said read my lips, he said trust me. Why should I trust anyone who blabbers about transparency yet defies federal mandate to surrender a list of all campaign contributions? Frees the cruelest of criminals, Prosecutes our protection, sells us out to immigration, tries to force health reform down out throat, waist tax dollars on bailouts who want improve business practices, depravities businesses and there is not enough for anything more.A Hope, AR boy from Louisiana.
PS.. Forgive the personal touch but Mike, it takes a real man not to allow his religious heritage to control his campaign and yet a great man who refuses to allow politics to overpower his convictions. God bless you in your work, Chaplain WG -
stafford, Pam
09/11/2009 10:22 PM
Mr. Huckabee, I think about 9/11 so often! I still remember how I felt. I had met a friend and we had went walking at a track and after we had gotten done I was headed back home, the radio was on and I thought it said there was huge explosion in Nashville,at the time we lived in Lebanon, TN (we now live about 45 min. from Memphis)my husband was working in Nashville at the time, and I got so scared wondering if he was ok, I called him and he said no, go home now turn on the tv, it is much worse and he told me the first plane had just hit, I don't even remember getting home, after seeing the second plane hit, all I wanted was to go get my three children, 14,9 and 6 yrs. old and my husband and I wanted us all to be together. I have never seen such bravery in all my life and I was never so proud of a president as I was with Pres. Bush during 9/11. Yes, he made some mistakes but I supported him, I felt safer with him as my president, but now I am sad to say I know longer feel that way with Pres. Obama! People don't understand why we were in Iraq or other places but unfortunatley their are terrorists who hate us and I am afraid that we will be hit but only harder than even 9/11 and I wish Pres. Obama would focus on our security as a country, and our economy and back off of this healthcare reform at least until our economy is better and then if he wants to pursue that again then maybe but now is not the time. I worry that terrorists knowing how bad our economy is right now and also knowing that our country is plain and simply not what it was under Pres. Bush and I am afraid that knowing our vulernability both military wise and economically I would not be at all surprise if they don't try to hit us again knowing that it would absoutely kill our economy because it has not revived. I would love to ask Pres. Obama why it is so important to deal with other issues, we can't afford to forget all those innocent people and brave firefighters who lost their lives that day and we can't go back to sleep and pretend like it can't happen again.
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Brown, Rick
09/11/2009 09:34 PM
Get Bin Laden now!
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breland, marla
09/11/2009 08:39 PM
I was working at our hospital here in Hattiesburg, MS when we heard and we turned all the tv's to Fox and watched then the second tower was struck. I said, "We are at war!" I called my mom at Camp Shelby to see what was going on at the base, they were hearing as we were all hearing. Then the panic over gas came and stations were bombarded with people thinking of rations or shortages. We were all numb and wondering if it was real. Praise God my loved ones were not killed! I wept for those who lost theirs. It was even on the news that one of the terrorists had been a student here at USM. That really scared us even more.
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D, G
09/11/2009 06:55 PM
Re: service volunteering to honor the 9/11 victims: It's kinda like apples and oranges-I have no problem with either one, but you don't make applesauce out of oranges or orange juice out of apples-community service is from your heart. Giving a day of respect honors those who were killed in 9/11. He just doesn't get it. He thinks we should just combine it with nice works and blend everything together into one nice package. This was Terror, not just to those who were killed or hurt, but to our whole nation, even other countries. Next we won't be recognizing Memorial, Veterans' , D-Day or Pearl Harbor Day; it will just be a nice combined "let's just make nice" day. Great utopian idea, but no feasible in this world-wait until Heaven, then it will all be nice! A good day to pray for the comfort of those who lost loved ones, injuries, jobs, their emotional well-being, and for our country. But you have to pray yourself; don't count on him to be involved in that-we already learned that one
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Frymier, Barb
09/11/2009 06:54 PM
I well remember that day on 9/11. I was going to go shopping with my daughter-in-law and she called and said, "turn on the TV, a plane just crashed into the WTC. I did, and just as I did, another plane crashed into the other tower. I knew then this was no accident. As the day unfolded, I don't think I had any feelings. I was numb. My son in the Air Force was locked down and I couldn't talk to him. I called my husband at work and my other son in Florida. I needed to hear their voices. I cried as I watched another plan hit the Pentigon. Then I walked outside and lowered our flag to half mast, stood there and prayed for America. I knew things had changed forever. That night, laying in bed, it was so quiet outside. We are on a path to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and plans fly over us all the time. But the only plane I heard that night was an F-16 patrolling the area. It was like a bad movie playing out, or a dream I was having. But the next morning I knew it was real. Let us never forget 9/11!
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Mckay, Josh
09/11/2009 06:25 PM
Mr. Huckabee,
I believe that there is a great amount of people who will never forget, and who understand the true meaning of what that day was....on the other hand, I believe that a greater amount of people have forgotten what that day really was, who was behind it...and the men and women of the armed forces who responded bravely and promptly to guard us from the threat of terrorism. The sense of PATRIOTISM from te American people.... I have my issues with President Bush, but that man responded to the events of 9/11 EXACTLY how I would have wanted him to. But somewhere along the way, people forgot... It became about politics and money rather than freedom and life. It was overcome by propaganda and corruption. It was used in corruptive ways. Mr. Huckabee, I know you understand this, and I hope you keep up the good work. It's time to make history. It's time for the American people to take back our country. The political system needs cleansed. The powers that be in Washington need to be held accountable. Corruption must be discovered and destroyed. Mr. Huckabee, you have done much to spearhead this movement, your great work has not been done in vain, and you are not alone. -
Vieth, Tanya
09/11/2009 06:22 PM
Sometime not long after that fateful day 8 years ago I began doing something...every time I see a digital clock (or a scoreboard, etc..) with the numerals 9:11, I say a short prayer...for God to continue to keep our nation safe, give wisdom to it's leaders and to protect and strengthen the resolve of those serving in our armed forces..what a difference it makes in my own attitude...May we never forget...
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SarahAnn
09/11/2009 05:43 PM
09/ 11 /01 was a day I will never forget.. And, it did wake me up and made me realize there are enemies out there that hate us...and want to kill us... Just as many as they can .... When they do, there will be dancing and rejoicing in the streets......I was proud when our country stood together against our enemies.. And, turned to God..
Bin Laden did not win, he was defeated , because we did unite.. He thought we would turn on each other...... like a pack of hungry wolves....
But, he got the country to turn on each other when we got into the war... He is coming into the back door while we are looking the other way.. I know the ones here see it, and are standing against them...
Communism & Socialist seems to be welcomed into the Whitehouse, and into the front door....Sally Fields seemed to think we would not have wars, if women ruled the world.. I shutter to imagine a world where Pelosi, Hilary, or a actress like Sally ran it.... And, if Obama is a puppet, which I doubt, they may already be running it..
In the Bible ( and, it is the best history & prophecy book ever written) God commanded his people to go to war. And, they were suppose to kill their enemies..
Somehow, in our twisted world today you torture & kill the babies and cannot even deny the enemy any thing... that would cause him any discomfort ...... -
Michael Ranson
09/11/2009 05:12 PM
Thank you for your thoughts Governor Huckabee.
September 11, 2001 is a day that none of us should ever forget.
Shortly after 12:00am this morning I went outside and placed a large sign under my American flag the reads, “We Remember 9-11-01”. Today is a day where it does not matter whether we are Team Huck, Tea Party Patriots, 912er’s, RNC, DNC left, right or somewhere in the middle, We Are All Americans and We All Remember.
I will pray for those who lost their loved ones in this terrible attack on America.
I will be grateful for all that I have and for those around me.
I will never forget.
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Ron and Dottie in Fl
09/11/2009 04:53 PM
To all those reading and writing comments.
I was driving to work with the radio on. When it was announced that a plane hit one of the towers, at first it sounded like an accident. At the point a second aircraft hit the tower I thought a helicopter or small plane accidently hit the tower while filming. I just couldn't bring myself to believe what was happening. When I got to work and saw all the TVs turned on I knew it was no accident, but an attack on America.
It was hard to believe that this kind of thing could happen these days. America was way off guard.
Reading all your comments it made me see / feel many of the ways people from all walks of life were affected directly and indirectly. Thanks for sharing all your comments.
I have read and heard where if it were not for the service people (Policemen, firemen and others involved with getting people out of the buildings) many more would have lost their lives, because they needed to be guided through / assisted away from the buildings. Their service was beyond heroism.
I remember the entire country being united for at least a week. Groups taking up contributions to help all the people / families hurt by the attacks.
I can't explain the patriotic feeling I had watching all our Congressional leaders joining together on the steps to sing God Bless America and other patriotic songs.
R24189 for a United Patriotic America
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Preissler, Mark
09/11/2009 04:14 PM
On Patriot's Day we need to recall why we fight. We observe the loss of the lives on that day but we must also remember those that have lost their lives in the ongoing fight and honor those that are still fighting. They are at the forefront of our resolve. To them the term "PATRIOT" and resolve are not political punch-lines but a way of life. They risk their lives so we never have to experience the tradegy of 9/11/2001 again. As years go by we should remember and honor all of them. Our Patriots lose their lives everyday with what seems to be little acknowledgement. Every time I hear of a life is lost in support of our freedom it is like 9/12/2001 to me. It should be that way for all Americans. I do not apologize ever for our resolve or for any bitterness felt when seeing lives lost in support of our values. Those that defend our nation deserve all the respect, those that attempt to apologize for our resolve can certainly find another place to live. Americans (true Americans) love their freedom and their country.
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Richman, Kristi
09/11/2009 03:16 PM
September 11 was a tragic day in recent U.S. history that most of us will never forget. The recovery efforts of the police and fire departments as well as thousands of others who helped spoke loud volumes to me about who we are as a nation. Seeing this made me more thankful to be an American when I saw their efforts and the quick response of the past administration. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who lost loved ones and friends in 9/11
2001 and to those whose quality of life was altered because of their rescue efforts immediately after the towers fell and the Pentagon was hit, etc. When those towers fell and the Pentagon was hit I thought what in the world is going on? A friend called me that morning to tell me what had happened and after I heard it my blood was boiling and I had to stop and pray for God to calm me and help me have a level head and forgive. That doesn't mean those terrorists are off the hook in my book, though. I think they need to know they don't touch our American soil without owning up for what they did and if one attacks American soil they should not be pardoned for it. -
Antaya, Renee
09/11/2009 02:09 PM
I went to work on 9/11, there was a flat screen TV in the lobby where I worked. Another employee was there watchhing the news all of a sudden it was said that a plane hit tower one, I said and they are going to say they did not see it right. All of a sudden the second plane hit, I knew it was terrorist.The BBC warned us twq weeks before and we did not listen. All other hits were televised. It was aweful, one after the other. In the building were other companies like Pratt and Whitney, there wasn't a space to stan in the lobby or hall. The looks on peples faces was hearbreaking. What touched me was the employees that we had from other countries like India, when these great people said "What are they doing to our gresat country!"
A sad horrific day we must never forget...Ever. -
Schwab, Bonnie
09/11/2009 01:55 PM
I will not forget this day eight years ago, I had just heard the terrible, almost unbelievable news on my way out the door to take my four and seven year old sons to school. I couldn't wait to get back home to turn on the TV and find out what "was really going on". And I, like you, could not pull myself away from watching the terrible events of that day unfold. I literally watched TV all day, intermittently weeping and praying and then later trying to explain these events to my children when they came home from school. To this day, and as inconsequential as this may be, September 11, 2001 is the worst day of business we have ever had; it is a memorial of the day we all watched helplessly as evil had its way.
As an adjunct to my recollection of 9/11 just that summer my American step-sister gave me a picture of her and her newlywed husband standing on what looks like a bridge in New York with the Twin Towers pictured perfectly behind them in the distance - six weeks before they fell - amazing!
Finally, I could never forget this day - how could you ever forget? There has not been a 9/11 anniversary that has gone by where I have not remembered, wept afresh and prayed. My heart goes out to all who lost someone that day, may God bless you and keep you, and may God bless America!
Your Canadian friend,
Bonnie Schwab -
Hambright, Michael
09/11/2009 01:32 PM
I was living in the panhandle of Nebraska when news came of the attacks. First, I was in disbelief that anything like this could happen. The next day, the skies were azure blue and strangely quiet as no planes flew overhead on what is normally a busy transcontinental route. For two days the only air traffic I saw was a USAF 757 with two F-15 Eagles flanking it.
Right after the news of the attacks broke, I was so disgusted in many members of my community as folks, thinking only of themselves, rushed to nearby gas stations to fill their vehicles before gas prices spiked. But then, something started to happen... people began to come together and we put aside our differnces and we were only Americans.
I fear that too many of us have forgotten what happened inside each of us on that day. The good thing that happened inside! I fear that our President has forgotten what happened to each of us on that day and that he is of a "9-10" mindset and doesn't realize that a very real threat of terrorist attacks still exists for America. I fear that our President is increasing that risk with his naive foreign policy of "play nice with them and they'll play nice with us".
Today, I say a prayer for all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. I say a prayer for the families of those lost on September 11, 2001. And I say a prayer for our nation that patriotism, common sense and unity of purpose returns to America.
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Hamrick, Holly
09/11/2009 01:31 PM
I had just gone in to our church where I work, when church members started calling to see if we knew. Then a little later everyone was in the pastor's office watching things on TV when that first tower fell.
I don't remember her exact words but a friend of mine has said something to the effect if 9/11 was a wake up call, it's too bad that so many have hit the snooze button!!!
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Glotzbier, Joe
09/11/2009 12:52 PM
I lost my cousin that day in Tower 1. Sadly, as a person living in the NY Metro area, it apears to many of us here that too many folks outside the metro NY area may have forgotten the true horror of that terrible day. Today for me and my family is primarily a day of mourning and rememberance. "NYers" view EVERYDAY as a day of service when it comes to helping a neighbor. Let us also pray for and be thankful for the men and women who serve our country in the armed forces,FBI, police, fire departments, and inteligence gathering agencies. They put their lives on the line for us every day so that 9/11 never happens again! God Bless the USA!
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JULIEE 4 HUCKABEE, CA
09/11/2009 12:44 PM
Even 8 years later, words fail to express the horror of 9/11. Not only was there a tremendous loss of life, but our Nation lost its innocence. America has been forever changed.
One positive outcome of that day was that churches opened their doors, and thousands and thousands of Americans poured in to pray and turn to God.
No, we will NEVER forget the tragedy of that day; but the greater tragedy is if we forget the One we turned to amidst our grief and fear.
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Corn, Dave (flickr.com photobud606)
09/11/2009 12:13 PM
May We Never Forget!..........May we remember the day and following weeks of disbelief and the total story of the brave Americans who ran into a burning compromised building to save lives of those still in the burning structures....and also remember the weeks and months of patrotic americans on top of freeways, buildings, on street corner and many other places with American Flags reminding us Who We Are...founded a Christian Nation who has paid for freedom and justice with the lives of freedom fighters since day one of the nations founding!!
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SARLES, PAMELA
09/11/2009 12:08 PM
I was in DC when it happened. It was like being in a movie. The entire world came to a total standstill. Then, everyone became as one united in cause. There was no color no religion, no cause, just everyone working together for one cause. But the most memerable moment after that for me was when the Congress and the House stood on the steps and sang God Bless America waving Flags some with tears running down their eyes. That is MY America.
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Bowles, James
09/11/2009 11:53 AM
I pray for our country and it's patriots. I pray for the victims of 911. Reluctantly, I even pray for the idiots like Charlie Sheen who tries to say the 911 incident was a plan by the Bush administration. It's people like this that promote even more violence by our enemies because they can see that they have a following by the stupid in America.
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Brown, K M
09/11/2009 11:49 AM
After my original comment I re-read some of the comments previously posted. One person was offended that President Obama wanted to turn 9/11 into a day of service. I can understand at first how that could be very upsetting, but I have a slightly different take on that.
Could it be possible that while we are remembering the very somber and sobering events of 9/11/01 that we remember what a great nation we are and how we truly pulled together in the days following that attack? By giving ourselves in some type of service, whether for the day or just an hour even, we would be "acting in an opposite way" from what happened to us. I think a day of service coud also be in honor of the people that gave of themselves to respond to 9/11 and in way too many cases meant giving of their lives.
So maybe it's not either or -- but both could be done.
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Brown, K M
09/11/2009 11:38 AM
I remember events of the Challenger exploding, the Murrah building in OKC... but as horrible as those things were nothing has had the impact that 9/11 had. I had just taken my husband to work and was on the way to my job when I heard the news. I can still remember the intersection I was at when I first heard what was happening ... It was such a shock to think that this was even possible. Even science fiction or horror movies hadn't come up with anything so crazy as that day.
The biggest response I saw where I live was the sending of people to NYC to man "prayer stations" as a way to support those brave men and women who had to deal with the aftermath of this ... and to support those who were still hoping against hope that their loved ones might be found. The love and caring that went out to people gave me hope for us as a country.
I hope we have not forgotten that even with all the economic turmoil, political situations, etc that we face now that we still need to pull together as a country and that we can still do so.
May God continue to bless our troops that are still in the fray. -
Yanega, Hannah
09/11/2009 11:12 AM
I remember being in 6th grade and not knowing what was going on. So many kids had gone, but my parents were trusting God to keep us safe. When my sister and I returned home in the evening, my parents gathered us in their room and told us what was happening.
The terrorists may have been trying to tear our country apart and leave their mark of hatred over our land of the free. While I would never ever want that horror to occur again over my beloved country, I see the event as a blossom - for giving my family, and even our country for a time, a reason to grow closer than ever.
You failed in that, Osama. You caused nothing but faith and growth from this young woman. I feel sickening pain at the memory of the attack on my home, but I stand with pride amongst all those who have forgotten. I am proud to be an American and I thank God for our soldiers and our freedom. Amen. -
Pease, Joshua
09/11/2009 11:08 AM
I remember this day like it was yesterday, not just because of the attacks on America, but also, because just 4 days earlier my heart and soul, my Grandmother Sidney Sue Wilson died. On September 11th, 2001, we laid her to rest. I was actually standing in front of the television, I had just turned it on, I had came home from college a few days earlier, after I found out my grandmother died...and I saw the smoke coming from the North Tower...and I was trying to remember, is today the anniversary of the first WTC attack, and then I remembered, it couldn't be, that was in the lower level parking garage, and it wouldn't be billowing smoke from the top...Then the unspeakable happened, I saw a plane fly into the South Tower, and saw it just explode, and at that point my mom, just dropped my coat that she just got from the dry cleaners and screamed...and I just stood there in silence, with tears rolling down my cheek, because some idiot had the nerve to do this on the day that I was burying my grandmother. I will never forget, I will never forgive those who did this....
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Christian, Rachel
09/11/2009 11:08 AM
I grew up in town in west Texas that houses an air force base. On Spetermber 11, 2001 I was a junior in high school. I was leaving my first period class when our teacher told us that the first tower had fallen. My friends and I scattered to our 2nd period class filled with fear and confusion. When I walked into the classroom it was silent and the TV was on. My teacher said nothing. We all took our seats and watched as the second tower fell. Students began to cry and huddle together. Soon after this happened many of my classmates were pulled out of class by the principals to be told that their parents at the air force base were going to war. The rest of the day was spent in silence and prayer. Students and teachers of all faiths came together and prayed. That day prayer returned to school.
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Lyvers, Andrea
09/11/2009 10:54 AM
I remember a friend calling me- telling me to turn on the TV....and being on my knees in my livingroom- tears streaming down my face..... watching the planes hit.....people dying and running......and then the towers falling.....thinking of all those dead and all those dying
....and our amazing firefighters and police officers- and then I thought of my kids......"my children......I have to get my children".....and I did......thru tears, I drove......I hug them differently now; I hug everyone differently now.
Never forget......and remember we can be taken any day, any time.......live life as if it were a gift, and live every day as if you may meet our awesome God who created you.......I love you precious friends -
Schinagel, Roger and Lisa
09/11/2009 10:47 AM
I was at work when a co worker got the first images of the twin tower hit...at first noone was sure what was happening...then the next hit and the next. I called my husband and my parents to let them know - My husband and I watched FOX news all that night and for weeks following... Many tears were shed that fateful day 8 yrs ago...and each night watching the news. We prayed and stood strong with our great nation... We will never forget! God Bless America and all those who stand strong & willingly sacrifice to protect Her and our Freedom!
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Garreans, Kirk
09/11/2009 10:42 AM
My wife (who is also my business partner) and I were on a flight 8 years ago, flying to Las Vegas through Chicago to meet with clients. We spent over 4 hours on the tarmac at O'Hare, and will never forget the increasing fear and anger we experienced as we heard news updates from other passengers talking to loved ones on their cell phones. The silence in the airport once we deplaned was deafening. The confusion of finding transport just to get out of the airport. The difficulty and extreme cost of renting a car to drive home. The skies empty of contrails. The determination to survive, to be strong, to make it through this challenge, as Americans always have before. Bit is also important that we Never Forget...
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gentleman, virginia
09/11/2009 10:39 AM
I was in the Sears Tower in Chicago on my daily walk from the train station to my workplace on Jackson and Michigan. Suddenly, a rush of panicked people ran into the lobby and out of the building saying the building was going to be bombed. I ran out of the building, too, and walked to my office. I went to the lunchroom where we had TVs and viewed the horrifying scene on TV. Then I went back to my office upstairs and tried to contact my daughter, who was supposed to be at the Pentagon. Thank God, after 2 hours of wait, I was able to locate her. One hour later, my employer closed down our building and told us to go home. I got on the train and waited for it to fill up for an emergency commute. I remember passing OHare airport and seeing so many planes on all the tarmacks and looked into the air to see no planes anywhere. I remember saying a prayer saying God help us in this time of upheaval and keep my kids, who where located all over the country going to college, safe from what we are about to endure.
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Raulerson, Julie
09/11/2009 10:36 AM
Sept. 11, was a day we should all remember, but let's not forget, and pary that we NEVER have to go through it a again! My thoughts and paryers are still with the family and friends who are never coming home.
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Smith, Sandi
09/11/2009 10:34 AM
I was so happy that day because my
husband and I were celebrating our
37th Wedding Anniversary that day.
Till someone called and said turn
on the TV..I cried all day and for
weeks afterward. It woke up people,
but sad to say I think many have
fallen back to sleep. God has blest
America, but I feel His blessings
are fading quickly. WAKE UP AMERICA! -
Mendiola, Sylvia
09/11/2009 10:29 AM
We live in Texas and 9/11 changed our lives forever. WE WILL NEVER FORGET! My children frightened every time their dad went to work (firefighter)they thought terrorist were coming to kill him too. It took many months for them to be reassured we weren't going to be attacked again. My oldest son never got over the attacks and joined the Army in 2006, he felt this was the only way to protect us from terrorists.
I tried to discourage him "we are in war" I told him and no matter what I told him I couldn't change his mind. I was so scared when he went to Iraq but thanks to God he returned safe.When I hear what this administration wants to change it to a day of service I get so upset. Do they want to diminish what our family went through? All those killed and the millions of others affected by these attacks!
We will never forget! God bless all and God continues to bless America.
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Mammano, Anthony
09/11/2009 10:29 AM
My memory of that day was first dis-belief, then fear. My first reaction was to get home, second was to get my kids out of school, third was to load the guns.
I would like to say that the "united" and "shoulder to shoulder" portions of your post are conspicuous, there is much lack in that area. And I seriously doubt we can stand behind the statement "Never Again" while we are so engaged in apologies to nations who are suspicious in their complicity. President Bush has been, and continues to be, harshly attacked over his position to protect against this sort of attack, and I see no attempt on the part of the current administration towards that goal, other than apologies. Can someone explain to me what in the world is going on? Are we really paying lip service to those that truly harbor hate for this country? Are we willingly taking a back seat to the leadership position that we have paid so dearly for? I pray that I can see your name on the ballot in the next election Gov. Be well. -
Cortez, Emma
09/11/2009 10:29 AM
I remember that I had just started the 8th grade and we were at chapel when I noticed my teachers were upset. Classes were cancelled for the day because everyone was in shock. I remember trying to find my brother (he was a Jr. in the HS Building). When I found him and was able to go home, I remember being so grateful that my little family was ok.
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Self, Kathy
09/11/2009 10:29 AM
I remember working near the Little Rock airport and watching TV showing the scenes of the crashes and looking out the window at work at the airplanes all landing one after the other in rapid succession, clearing the skies, and the American Airlines planes being isolated in an area all alone. As I walked through the plant, where TVs were stationed throughout for workers to watch, at the sadness that was on all the faces watching. A terrible, terrible day to remember....bringing thoughts too of Pearl Harbor's attack.
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King, Tim
09/11/2009 10:28 AM
I remember. I was substitute teaching at our local elementary school. It was the teacher's planning period so I was in the library when all of a sudden they wheeled in a TV on a cart, turned it on and everyone saw the events unfolding. I saw the 2nd plane hit the tower and then I saw the 1st tower crumble (thru the time of my break). I recall just standing there, surreal, not able to fully comprehend what was taking place..like watching a movie. I remember just standing, with my hand over my mouth, whispering, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus." It's all I could say. Then I glanced at the teacher next to me, she just stared, her eyes riveted to the screen as silent tears fell down her cheeks. The rest of the day was crazy. The students were all asking questions - concerned. "Who did this?" "Why" etc. In a normal rambunctious class - it was a very solemn day. TV's were up in every class room - nobody could focus on anything else - how could we? I remember the executive on Larry King - sobbing, not knowing what he was going to do. How he lost most of the ppl from his company - trying to answer families questions. I prayed for him so earnestly that the Lord would cover him and he would not end his life in his despair. I remember the pictures on the walls of missing family and the reporters actually crying trying to relate the story. May we indeed, never forget.
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Duvall, Bill
09/11/2009 10:27 AM
This day is not about Democrats or Republicans, but rather about Americans and a people that will stop at nothing to destroy us. It is very political for that reason. Plain, pure and simple, we must destroy them before they destroy us. 9/11/2001 NEVER FORGET!
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Pettibone, Louise
09/11/2009 10:26 AM
I lived near an airport. I remember the strange quiet. I remember the look of fear on peoples faces. I remember the feeling of unity of our nation as if now it was only for a moment. I remember that for just a moment all people prayed. I pray for the moments of coming together as a nation before God. I pray for those that lost loved ones and salvation for those offered a little more time.
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Pamela
09/11/2009 10:23 AM
I'll never forget, waking up that morning to my radio alarm clock. They were saying something about "This day will go down in history, like the Oklahoma City Bombing." I thought, "What are they talking about?". I got up to get ready for work. I was working at Kroger after just graduating high school a few months earlier.
Then my mom ran up the stairs hysterical to wake my dad (who worked the late beat). We all watched the television as they showed video of the 1st tower that had just fallen!
I drove to work in tears. The radio said there were more planes missing and one had just crashed in Pennsylvania.
My fiance was already at work chasing a shop lifter. I was the only checker that day, and every customer that went through the line was silent and somber.
That week, we'd walk down the street reflecting on what this all meant with the eerie silence of the sky...no planes...no helicopters. Just silence.
My class...the class of 2001 will never forget...our generation will always stand for freedom because our innocence was stripped away from us so young. We will not be intimidated by enemies both foreign and domestic. Let Freedom Ring!!
9/12 March on DC! Tomorrow!
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conley, anna
09/11/2009 10:18 AM
I was having a bible study in my house with my neighbors..just after sending my daughter back to school since her own horrific accident, when one of the ladies came in telling us to turn on the t.v...just as we did the second plane hit..we couldnt believe what we were witnessing..we all dropped to our kness..all seven of us..I will never forget those ladies or that time as long as I live!!
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Jerry
09/11/2009 10:14 AM
We may see it as a day of mourning & remembering BUT Pres. Obama sees it as a day to advance Muslim-mending in the U.S. & worldwide.
This is a slap in the face to all families of the vicitms & to our nation!
http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=3744
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Posey-Rocha, AnneMarie
09/11/2009 10:13 AM
I was a grad student at Binghamton University. I was home, sitting at my desk, finishing up some work for my next class. I had my e-mail open and was occasionally glancing over to see what messages popped up from folks on a Catholic social justice list serve I belonged to. Suddenly, there is a message that a plane had flown into the World Trade ... Read MoreCenter. I continued to work on my project, although distracted by the meaning of the post. I said a little prayer for the poor fellow who had flown off cource, convinced that it must have been a private plane. Then a rather aggitated post came through, "My God, a plane has struck the seond tower ... do you suppose its terrorists." Still I could not wrap my head around it. "Crazy conspiracy theorists!" I commented, reflecting on the list serve. Then my husband and son came barreling through the door. 'The Twin Towers have been hit!" Really? They flipped on the TV. Before long, I was glued to the set watching the images over and over again. I will never forgot the day the United States lost her innocense. I am ever aware of our vulnerability as a nation. America will never be the same.
