Weekend Assignment #128 - Remembering 9/11

My mood: Reflective

                        My son John asked us this week to post our memories of 9/11/01 and/or how we feel about it 5 years later.

We were in Mexico. Rob was living with a friend of mine because we weren't yet married. I was taking the Jr High kids to school and listening to news radio when I heard about the first plane hitting the towers. Kids were talking over each other and I turned up the radio and told them to be quiet. The hush in the car was palpable. "To repeat, an airliner has just hit one of the World Trade Center Towers . . . we'll have more on that as we recieve it . . . "

I dropped the kids as quickly as I could and got home to the television. As I watched, I called Rob. He got up to watch and I went back to my tv. We had only 3 channels in our small town so I go my news all the way from Mexico City. I saw the second plane hit and began to cry. It was nealy too much for me. I sat riveted to the news. The Pentagon! Dear Lord! Then Flight 93. It was almost too much to bear. We were so far from home. We were afraid the borders would be sealed.

I listened to the radio and watched tv for the next few days, afraid another plane might fly into someplace else. The Mexicans didn't understand why were so upset . . . well, I don't even want to go into that.

This morning, in front of the shoe store, we were interviewed by a local radio station to get our opinions 5 years later. It kind of helped me encapsulate what I'm going to say here.

I think we have become careless over the last years. Our support of the troops fighting for freedom and against terrorism has waned. We're again taking our country for granted. Well, I'm not, but a lot of people are. I don't mind if they throw everything out of my luggage if it will help us be more secure. Long line? So what? It might be a pain, but it's better than having ourselves hijacked.

I don't know what I would do differently, but I know we should never stop being vigiliant. My hubby  says it's not if we'll be hit again, but when and I agree.  I'm ready to back up our government and our president no matter what.  I'm going to shy away from people who don't want our soldiers to fight the war on terrorism.  Why do they think we are free to express our opinions?  I don't  want the many lives lost on 9/11/01 treated shabbily.  They were our own countrymen for the most part.  Their families still grieve.  Let's support them in their loss.

There are members of our J-Land community also posting this weekend assignment.  As well, many have chosen to take one of the 2996 men and women lost in the tower attack, learn about them, and post a tribute.  Please see Andi's Journal to learn more and see links posted there.

God Bless them all.  We will never forget.