The Half-way Mark

9/11/01
I have now lived half of my life remembering this tragedy year after year. I was only 13 when I watched the second plane crash on national television in my middle school. I couldn't stop watching, yet I didn't really know, couldn't comprehend the vastness of the loss. I had no idea of the political climate, of the events leading up to that horrible day, until the 10 year anniversary specials came on TV in 2011. It was the difference between seeing it through the lens of a child and the reality of adulthood.

Now, married to a firefighter, I see it in an even sharper light. I cannot help putting my husband in the place of those who fearlessly risked their lives to save so many. Those heroes, who would probably tell you they were just doing their job, if they could. My heart goes out to the families of those men and women who will never have them back. Who watched through tears, knowing their loved ones were inside those buildings by choice and occupation, helping and saving as many as they could, going higher and higher toward danger as other might flee from it. The certainty of their death. The agony of the waiting. I can't think of it except through tears.

Now, I must remember the time just days after this tragedy; how this grand country came together in a time of extreme trouble, forgetting the vast differences that can cause separation, and focusing on what is most important: our lives and our freedom. For their sakes, for all those who risked and lost those two things most important on that fateful day, we MUST remember what unites us. We cannot allow this country to be destroyed from within. How short our memories are, if after only 13 years we forget the unity that bound us together in LOVE; in respect for those who laid their lives down for ours. Let us not forget: our military service members do the same thing for us EVERY DAY. Firefighters, police, go out EVERY DAY for the safety of this country, for its citizen's freedom, for their lives. Do not let this day go by in vain. Do not just remember the act of terror met out on this country. Remember the men and women who charged into the smoke and ash and flames for the lives of those within. Remember the UNITED States of America in the days that followed. Remember and change today because of their sacrifice.

Thank you is not enough, but it is all I have to give.
Husband, thank you and your firefighting brothers for being protectors of our city.
Brian S. and so many others, thank you for protecting this great and wonderful country and all of our lives and all of our freedoms with your service.
Aubrey K. and the others in the police force, thank you for guarding and correcting and keeping our cities safe.

Service: the occupation or function of serving <in active service>

b :  employment as a servant <entered his service>

2

a :  the work performed by one that serves <good service>

b :  help, use, benefit <glad to be of service>

c :  contribution to the welfare of others

d :  disposal for use <I'm entirely at your service>

4

:  the act of serving: as

a :  a helpful act <did him a service>

b :  useful labor that does not produce a tangible commodity —usually used in plural <charge for professional services>

(Miriam-Webster Dictionary online)

Love to you all,

Bianca