9/11, 10 Years

In some ways, it seems like only yesterday. In other ways, it seems as if this day was a lifetime ago. I remember the day very vividly. I had early morning Pep Band Practice at 7am. I didn't know it then, but the two planes would hit the towers while I was tooting that horn. After practice, I sat in this fish bowl of the Snow Building reading my scriptures as I did every morning in anticipation of my 9am religion class. I remember exactly where I was sitting. A student came running, screaming through the otherwise quiet fish bowl, "A plane has hit the World Trade Center in New York City. America is under attack." I guess I didn't really understand what was going on. I didn't understand what it meant. I packed up and headed up where my class was. There were a few students already in the classroom and the tv was turned on. We watched the devastation happening in New York, the Pentagon and Pennsylvania. We cried as a group. We prayed so very much. Later in the day in Symphonic Band Brother Nielsen said, "Let's Play." We couldn't do anything else. It seemed as if we were half a world away. As classes ended, I went home to be with my roommates. The tv was on, as I am sure every tv in the nation was on that day. We knelt together and prayed. The day was full of prayers and tears. The nation united. I hope I can always remember those two things, prayer and the sense of being unified.

10 years later, I watched tribute after tribute. My heart aches and I remember. I am so grateful for the firefighters, policeman, military who serve our country every day. I am grateful who give up their lives so I may live mine. I am grateful to live in America. I often wonder why I was so blessed to be born here, now...I am grateful beyond words for my blessings. I try not to take these freedoms for granted. 9/11/2001 is a day I will remember for the rest of my life.

I asked Matt if he would write his memories of that day, so without further ado, Matthew:

10 years ago I just moved to Utah to go to school. I worked late that night and woke up late. As I can up the stairs the TV was on and I saw a burning building. I didn't know what was going on. As soon as I found out it felt unreal, I thought it was movie stunt. Then I saw the second tower get hit. At that point I knew it was real. After a few minutes the towers fell. I felt all sorts of emotions. Most of all was shock and disbelief.

I heard of terrorists before, but I didn't really know what they were. This was quite a learning experience. I talked with my uncle that day about it and we had all sorts of ideas, none of them would be practical. We also noticed the skies went silent except for military jets. It was a very humbling time.

I feel sorry for those that lost their lives in this tradegy and also for those that lost family members. It hurts to think that children have to grow up without their parent(s).

I feel proud to be an American. I am glad that we have a strong and devote military. For any one that is or has served in any capacity in the military, thank you! For those that lost loved ones due to this attack, my heart is with you.