Have You Forgotten?

Just like our parents won't ever forget where they were when JFK was shot, my generation will never forget where we were or what we were doing on September 11, 2001.  I was in my room at the sorority house getting ready for my 9:30 class.  I had to get ready earlier than usual because my class was meeting at the Ames Public Library, which required me to drive, not just walk.  I was watching Today with Matt Lauer and Katie Couric, and had walked from the bathroom back into my room right as the first plane hit.  I didn't pay much attention, figuring they must be showing previews for a new movie or something like that.  Then the second plane hit, and they were speechless, and I realized they weren't showing pre-planned footage.  I continued watching as much as I could until it was time to go to class.  I listened to radio coverage as I drove, and began hearing the word "terrorists" over and over.  Suddenly, something about this situation seemed very different than it had just a little earlier.  Later in the day, as some truths (and non-truths, for that matter) began to be uncovered, I called my mom and, through tears asked her, "Mom, what is going on?"  I will never forget that day, or the days after, as my sorority sisters and I all huddled in the family room watching coverage on TV, feeling scared, shocked, and confused.  Reality set in, and even states away from where the attacks occurred, we all felt victimized.

It's been nine years, and 9/11 has become a day like most others: life goes on.  Today, for example, in many ways, is just another day.  Sara is 21 months!  Our friend, Isaac, is 30-something.  Grandpa Todd is, unfortunately, a pall bearer at his cousin's funeral.  Steve ran to the post office.  I'm about to vacuum.  It's College Game Day!  But it's still 9/11, and I feel that deserves a pause, a tribute.  There are still many men and women giving their lives for our continued freedom.  Many still facing another deployment (my cousin and his wife, both Air Force, among them).  Still many families mourning their losses.  Certainly the economic toll is still widely felt.  So while today is just another day, 9/11 will never be just another day.

Have You Forgotten?