Today is the 12th anniversary of the day that changed my life forever.
9/11/2001. That day means something different to all of us, but if you were old enough...it's a day you'll never forget.
I really can't explain why, but for some odd reason I felt the impact of the anniversary harder than I've ever experienced before. Maybe it's due to excessive social media constantly reminding me about the horrors and images my 7 year old self was witness to that day- but maybe it's just the fact that I'm finally realizing what I witnessed that day, would still be affecting me over a decade later.
Now hear me out. In no way, shape, or form, am I attempting to put my political feelings on anyone or any group of people in this post, but I'm simply stating something that I've been noticing- something that's recently been getting my goat.
Today, as I had said before, I couldn't shake the memories that have been haunting me for twelve years. I woke up in a cold sweat, remembering where I was at exactly 8:46 am so many years ago. It's an odd feeling, really. Remembering a day that existed some 4,380 days ago, like it was yesterday. Recalling a timeline as if it were a list. Anyway, today was an unexpected emotional roller coaster.
I got into class and immediately linked myself to a news network. I found an interesting interactive post, inviting readers to share, "Where were you on 9/11". As I began to scroll down, tears began to well with no warning. I found myself in shock that the military men who were telling their stories, were just 3rd graders when the planes struck. These men were my age, are my age, and some have already served multiple tours in Iraq. As I read story after story of where these strangers were on that day, I couldn't help but notice the political posts. This was an interactive way for people to connect with strangers, and to simply share where they were when the world stopped turning. Yet, there were radical extremists who felt the need to bash Bush, the government, America, and promote terrorism. I was in shock. People were posting on this site that were right near ground zero, exposing their darkest memories and these people had the nerve to strike up political beliefs?
My disgust grew and I began to be visibly upset. If there's one day a year where political beliefs should be silenced, and replaced with mourn- let it be today. Today is not about the war. Today is not about religion. Today is not about the terrorists. Today is not about foreign policy. Today is about remembering those who sacrificed their very living, breathing self for others. Those thousands of firefighters and cops who, without hesitation, rushed into two burning buildings and lost their lives in the fight for others. Today is about remembering those selfless people. Today is about remembering those who perished: the moms, dads, brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, friends, and family who never woke up to see September 12th. Today is a day of remembrance and support- and should never be conflicted or undermined by assholes who feel the need to put their political beliefs on everyone around them. Today is about those 3,000 people who are not here today.
May you rest in peace, and may God bless America.
9/11/2001. That day means something different to all of us, but if you were old enough...it's a day you'll never forget.
I really can't explain why, but for some odd reason I felt the impact of the anniversary harder than I've ever experienced before. Maybe it's due to excessive social media constantly reminding me about the horrors and images my 7 year old self was witness to that day- but maybe it's just the fact that I'm finally realizing what I witnessed that day, would still be affecting me over a decade later.
Now hear me out. In no way, shape, or form, am I attempting to put my political feelings on anyone or any group of people in this post, but I'm simply stating something that I've been noticing- something that's recently been getting my goat.
Today, as I had said before, I couldn't shake the memories that have been haunting me for twelve years. I woke up in a cold sweat, remembering where I was at exactly 8:46 am so many years ago. It's an odd feeling, really. Remembering a day that existed some 4,380 days ago, like it was yesterday. Recalling a timeline as if it were a list. Anyway, today was an unexpected emotional roller coaster.
I got into class and immediately linked myself to a news network. I found an interesting interactive post, inviting readers to share, "Where were you on 9/11". As I began to scroll down, tears began to well with no warning. I found myself in shock that the military men who were telling their stories, were just 3rd graders when the planes struck. These men were my age, are my age, and some have already served multiple tours in Iraq. As I read story after story of where these strangers were on that day, I couldn't help but notice the political posts. This was an interactive way for people to connect with strangers, and to simply share where they were when the world stopped turning. Yet, there were radical extremists who felt the need to bash Bush, the government, America, and promote terrorism. I was in shock. People were posting on this site that were right near ground zero, exposing their darkest memories and these people had the nerve to strike up political beliefs?
My disgust grew and I began to be visibly upset. If there's one day a year where political beliefs should be silenced, and replaced with mourn- let it be today. Today is not about the war. Today is not about religion. Today is not about the terrorists. Today is not about foreign policy. Today is about remembering those who sacrificed their very living, breathing self for others. Those thousands of firefighters and cops who, without hesitation, rushed into two burning buildings and lost their lives in the fight for others. Today is about remembering those selfless people. Today is about remembering those who perished: the moms, dads, brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, friends, and family who never woke up to see September 12th. Today is a day of remembrance and support- and should never be conflicted or undermined by assholes who feel the need to put their political beliefs on everyone around them. Today is about those 3,000 people who are not here today.
May you rest in peace, and may God bless America.
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