Remembering the Fallen

 

Today marks the 12^th anniversary of that fateful day on September 11, 2001. A day that held such tragedy that for most of us it be will forever embedded in our minds and hearts. And, like many other Americans, I remember where I was and what I was doing as if it were only yesterday. I heard the news at work while listening to a co-worker’s radio. It was Howard Stern whose talk show was being broadcast live from New York City. As we all sat glued to our seats and stunned beyond belief while he reported as it was happening American Airlines Flight 11 crash into the World Trade Center, we couldn’t help but to wonder if this was some kind of horrible joke!

Then, 57 seconds later a second airplane, United Airlines Flight 175, also crashed into The Trade Center. And, as if that weren’t horrifying enough, two more airplanes were reported hijacked by terrorists that morning - American Airlines Flight 77 was flown into The Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93, en route to The White House in Washington D.C. also to be targeted by the hijackers until its’ passengers bravely tried to intervene, crashed into the ground near Shanksville, PA. This tragic event was reported to have claimed the lives of approximately 2,977 victims which included 411 emergency workers who tried to rescue people and fight fires, 340 lost firefighters, and 23 NYPD officers. 

I also remember sitting outside on my porch steps that evening after lighting a tall white while praying for strength for the families of those who had fallen earlier that morning.  And so, just as I had so many years ago, I once again light a white candle ~ only this time it is in honor of those who bravely and heroically gave their lives in order to selflessly save others and to let them know that both their sacrifices and the tragic events of that day will never be forgotten.