Remembering 9/11

As I was thinking back on that memorable day here are some things that I remembered:
  1. I was on staff at Carpenter's Way Baptist Church in Lufkin, Tx. We were in the middle of a week-long performance of Titanic Moment. It was about 9:00 am and I was about to head into the office for another long day. I was on the phone with my dad when we both realized that a plane had struck the Pentagon. We were both thinking "Holy Cow, a plane just flew into the Pentagon!" I headed to the office to join the rest of the staff where I/we watched the planes strike the World Trade Center Towers. We watched agasped at the horror, not realizing they were totally intentional. Then we watched them fall. . .I thought of the lives, the families, the public servants. That night we went ahead with the performance. The events of that day gave a grave sense of urgency to the idea that we all will face our titanic moment and how important it is to know where we would spend eternity. I don't even remember being tired that night. . .or for the rest of the week, for that matter.
  2. I'm so thankful for men and women who, without question, serve and protect us. Hearing the stories of the men and women who rushed into that building, who directed traffic, who searched endlessly, definitely made me appreciate them even more. I already had great admiration for them since I worked for one and had a brother-in-law who still serves as a police officer.
  3. The days, weeks, and years following that tragic moment has also solidified my deep gratitude for our men & women who serve in our armed forces. Having a father who served in Vietnam and a brother who served in Desert Storm (and another that was about to head to Desert Storm before the ground troops were called off). My father and brothers served faithfully and completely. And seeing and hearing the stories of brothers, sisters, daughters, husbands, and sons who serve - some tour after tour - makes me a proud American.
I'm sure I'm missing something, but today is about remembering and being thankful. Remember the cost of lives and the cost of freedom. Being thankful that we have men and women who are willing to risk life and limb for us, whether it is within our borders or not. THANK YOU!!!

If you read this and don't mind sharing - I would like to hear your thoughts, your story, your memories. All are unique. All are worth sharing.

September 9, 2001,
Mike

Comments

Cindy said…
I was in a Physical Science class at University of Mobile. It was the Spring semester of my first year 'back' to school full-time. They stopped class and canceled classes for that day. They brought a TV into the hallway as we watched the breaking news. I called my family and friends. I was horrified and could not believe it. It looked like a movie. I went home to my apartment and watched the news with my roommate. All shows were canceled and all channels were covering the news. The smoke, ash, and people running for their lives in NY were permanently etched in my mind. I remember family members and friends getting on TV with pictures of their loved ones that were in the building, asking if anyone has seen them. We cried. It was all very numbing and surreal. I remember the weeks afterwards as rescuers found people each day. I also remember the solemn day they stopped searching.

Mike and I had the opportunity to visit ground zero when we visited in NY. WOW. It was huge. We also visited the 911 Memorial. They did a fantastic job in honoring the many people who lost their lives in a very respectful way.

We need to continue to honor those who have lost their lives to provide and protect our freedom. We need to continue to pray for all who protect and provide freedom for our country. I respect and appreciate all who have served and who are serving. Thank you and may God bless you and your families!

Popular posts from this blog

Camp is Good!

Question for You

Favorite Cereals