Eight years ago today the United States of America was attacked by terrorists and terrorism in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virgina, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Over three thousand people were killed and more than double that were injured. But what was hit the hardest was probably our sense of security and our trust in our fellow human beings.
Nothing could explain the horror I felt when two planes flew straight into the World Trade Centers, one at 8:46 am and the other at 9:03 am EST. I watched the buildings burn until both eventually collapsed to the ground, ash and debris falling onto other nearby buildings, forcing some to collapse and others seriously damaged.
9:37 am EST, the Pentagon was hit and I felt particularly confused and outraged. I was only thirteen at the time, but I had great pride in my country and I was so furious that someone would do this to us. I remember watching the news casts in class, and my teachers had basically abandoned their lesson plans for the day. I was so shocked at the events that I didn't feel anything. I couldn't feel anything.
Then we heard of the brave people in the United Airlines Flight 93, who fought against the hijackers, and at the ultimate cost of their lives, saved the White House and the U.S. Capitol from another attack. Pride swelled in my heart and I thanked each and every soul from the bottom of my heart for their bravery. I still do. I was so proud of them for standing up and stopping terrorism in it's tracks.
Yet America didn't fall. America didn't submit wholly to the grief over the loss of thousands of innocent lives. Despite our lack of trust and our feeling of insecurity, US citizens gathered their strength and courage and supported one another. They decided to stand up, next to each other, and defend the place and country they called home. Millions answered the call in their own way, whether it was in prayer or volunteer service.
International support flew in from around the globe. Thousands of shrines were erected where people dropped off flowers and lit candles. Our neighbor, Canada, wept alongside us as several of their countryman had died in the attacks. England played the Star Spangled Banner at Buckingham Palace, where onlookers cried and some sang along. Germany, Sweden, Finland, and several other countries had their own soldiers protecting shrines dedicated to those who had been killed.
Though the United States was the only place that was outright attacked, the entire world felt the pain and agony from it. And for a short time, everyone bonded together to fight against those who would so deliberately kill thousands of innocent people. Eight years later, there is still a sense of togetherness that flies across the globe. Even to this day, there are people who feel a connection to those who honored the dead.
I am an American, a proud United States citizen. I am proud and honored to stand by my country in the best way I know. I am glad to have so many friends who will stand by me in not only protecting our home, but to stand as strong neighbors in other countries. I thank them for their support and love! I thank those serving away from home in Afghanistan and Iraq, protecting our home from even more attacks.
We will never forget. God Bless the USA and her allies!
Josh Groban - The Star Spangled Banner
Nothing could explain the horror I felt when two planes flew straight into the World Trade Centers, one at 8:46 am and the other at 9:03 am EST. I watched the buildings burn until both eventually collapsed to the ground, ash and debris falling onto other nearby buildings, forcing some to collapse and others seriously damaged.
9:37 am EST, the Pentagon was hit and I felt particularly confused and outraged. I was only thirteen at the time, but I had great pride in my country and I was so furious that someone would do this to us. I remember watching the news casts in class, and my teachers had basically abandoned their lesson plans for the day. I was so shocked at the events that I didn't feel anything. I couldn't feel anything.
Then we heard of the brave people in the United Airlines Flight 93, who fought against the hijackers, and at the ultimate cost of their lives, saved the White House and the U.S. Capitol from another attack. Pride swelled in my heart and I thanked each and every soul from the bottom of my heart for their bravery. I still do. I was so proud of them for standing up and stopping terrorism in it's tracks.
Yet America didn't fall. America didn't submit wholly to the grief over the loss of thousands of innocent lives. Despite our lack of trust and our feeling of insecurity, US citizens gathered their strength and courage and supported one another. They decided to stand up, next to each other, and defend the place and country they called home. Millions answered the call in their own way, whether it was in prayer or volunteer service.
International support flew in from around the globe. Thousands of shrines were erected where people dropped off flowers and lit candles. Our neighbor, Canada, wept alongside us as several of their countryman had died in the attacks. England played the Star Spangled Banner at Buckingham Palace, where onlookers cried and some sang along. Germany, Sweden, Finland, and several other countries had their own soldiers protecting shrines dedicated to those who had been killed.
Though the United States was the only place that was outright attacked, the entire world felt the pain and agony from it. And for a short time, everyone bonded together to fight against those who would so deliberately kill thousands of innocent people. Eight years later, there is still a sense of togetherness that flies across the globe. Even to this day, there are people who feel a connection to those who honored the dead.
I am an American, a proud United States citizen. I am proud and honored to stand by my country in the best way I know. I am glad to have so many friends who will stand by me in not only protecting our home, but to stand as strong neighbors in other countries. I thank them for their support and love! I thank those serving away from home in Afghanistan and Iraq, protecting our home from even more attacks.
We will never forget. God Bless the USA and her allies!
Josh Groban - The Star Spangled Banner
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