In Remembrance..

On Saturday, September 10th, 2011, Duane and I were headed to Glenwood, IA after spending the afternoon on the lake. As he drove, I watched rows and rows of corn go by as we talked about too many subjects to recall.

And then there was that moment. A moment when I couldn’t help but realize the sunset setting down over the cornfields. The moment where I became observant and unusually quiet to the point where Duane thinks something is wrong. As I sat in that moment, I couldn’t help but to notice three marks in the sky. Of course it is no mystery as to what the marks were, just simply exhausts from multiple jets.

It was at that particular moment that I was taken back in time. Ten years ago on September 11, 2001, I remember my parents talking to me about the terrorist attacks after coming home from school. Of course, I was full of questions, mainly because I didn’t understand a lot of what had happened, just that we kept watching it over and over on T.V.. at school. To this day I remember my mom saying that her and my sister noticed two giant circles created in the sky from jet exhausts and moments later turning on the radio to hear one of the Twin Towers had been crashed in to.

By this time on our drive to Glenwood, Duane starts questioning what is wrong and what I was thinking about because I am never quiet for so long. To be honest, the only words that I could formulate were, “Do you think anything will happen tomorrow?” When Duane figured out that I meant 9/11, he gave his opinion and then asked for mine.

I honestly didn’t know how I felt. I prayed through my whole sudden realization that it had already been ten years later that nothing would happen, but I couldn’t help but think of the negative people that our world contains and how no matter how prepared we may be, we are never prepared enough.

Again, we went back to being quiet. I knew that even if the 10-year anniversary to September 11 was quickly approaching, that we as a country cannot always live in fear. If we fear one day, September 11, then we will constantly fear others.

As we ended the drive, we were backing to talking about every subject imaginable and went on as if the conversation didn’t make us stop and think.

Sunday, September 11, we attended church in Glenwood. As we drove to church, I again observed the surroundings outside of the car. I couldn’t help but to think how such a small town could show such great appreciation for our country, those who lost their lives that Tuesday morning and those service men and women who risk it all for our country so that we can be free.

As we drove down the town square I glanced down a street to my right. I noticed a fire truck blocking the street. Further down the street was another fire truck with a giant American Flag raised off the back.

Ten years ago, I was only twelve. Within a year of September 11, 2001 I was having the discussion with my parents about possibly joining the military when I graduated high school. We discussed the different branches, how school will benefit my career, how it is a solid career, the traveling options, the pros and the cons.

I specifically remember being in my dad’s truck with this conversation when my mom asked me why I was considering joining. My response was flashed back into my head on Sunday as I watched the American flag wave from the fire truck.

“I want to join to fight for our country. After September 11, I want to fight back.”

Innocent people were killed on that Tuesday morning. Families were torn apart and hero’s were made. I wanted to give back to those who lost and those who gave.

As we continue in this almost ten year long war on terrorism, I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the sacrifices being made for my freedom. There is not a day that goes by that I do not wish I could be there fighting for our Country. I am left hopeless and looking for an alternative, but is there an alternative?

I know some who survived 9/11, I know soldiers who have gone away to war, and I know soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

I have not forgotten what we are fighting for, nor will I forget those who are fighting for me.

September 11 will mark a day in history for all of us. To the service men and women currently fighting, to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, to the individuals lost on Tuesday morning and to the families standing brave through it all—Thank you.