"Our enemies have made the mistake that America's enemies always make. They saw liberty and they thought they saw weakness." - President George W. Bush
I'm writing this today instead of my usual Sexy Sunday post because this day is important to me for many reasons, as I'm sure it is for many of you Diary Readers out there. I was not on the East Coast, nor did I lose anyone I knew in the terrible disaster (my heart goes out to those of you who did.) But I can remember where I was the moment I heard the news- Sitting in Ms. Weatherby's health class in the portable at Snohomish high school of my Sophomore year. I remember the whole day was in chaos, and after school my boyfriend at the time and I went to his house and watched the news while his mother typed away at her computer in the room connected. The whole world was in disbelief, and watching the documentaries and interviews today, I still am. For weeks the stories of 9/11 were the only thing you heard about. My family had booked a cruise scheduled a few days after the 11th, and our flight out of SeaTac airport was the first in Seattle to fly out after the attacks. The flight was empty and I remember my mom saying that I shouldn't be afraid because this of all times was the safest to fly. We boarded the cruise and set sail to the Caribbean. The boat was empty. More than half of the expected travelers were no show. I remember the boat captain of our Carnival cruise saying that there was a huge abundance of food on the ship because so many people had not shown up. On all the menus on the cruise french fries and french toast had been changed to "freedom" fries and "freedom" toast
"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty."- John F. Kennedy
But we will never forget. "The hero is commonly the simplest and obscurest of men."- Henry David Thoreau
I bet you didn't know I have grown up with fireman all my life, my dad joined the academy when he was in his early 20's. I have spent Thanksgivings and Christmases and Birthdays at the Fire house. When my family moved, my Dad's friends at the station were the one's who helped. When there was a party- you could count on the whole department (or at least the one's who had off) being there! And let me tell you, Fireman party harder than most my friends in college! Fireman have a brotherhood that cannot be understood unless you're apart of it or have witnessed it. They are family. Growing up I had a fireman sticker on my car, and thank goodness I did because it got me out of a few tickets! Everyone loves a fireman!... And how could you not?
When I moved to New York, my dad told me to stop by the nearest fire station and introduce myself. I did and within minutes of me telling them my dad was a fireman they were open armed and happy to help me with anything I needed which was appreciated living in a new and big city. Of course, not wanting to come to a fire house empty handed, I brought cookies. Which may or may not be the reason they were so quick to welcome me.
While I was living in New York I visited Ground Zero and I have to say it was unlike anything I had ever seen. In the area, the air was thick, gloomy and heavy. There was a sad feeling hanging overhead and glancing at the sight left me feeling empty. It was as if you could feel the souls that had been lost that day. I'm not kidding, my mom who was with me at the time claims the same thing.
I know that Fireman were not the only heroes that day. There are many people that have not gotten the recognition that they deserve.
"Remember the hours after September 11th when we came together as one to answer the attack against our homeland. We drew strength when our firefighters ran up the stairs and risked their lives so that others might live; when rescuers rushed into smoke and fire at the pentagon; when the men and women of flight 93 sacraficed themselves to save our nation's Capitol; when flags were hanging from front porches all across America, and strangers became friends. It was the worst day we have ever seen, but it brought out the best in all of us." - Senator John Kerry
This is a powerful day, it's hard to believe that today marks a decade since the twin towers were hit. I will always remember where I was the moment I found out and although it was one of the United State's greatest tragedies I think it is also the greatest moment of bravery and self sacrifice the country has ever seen.
"Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11."- President Barack Obama
Happy Sunday Diary Readers.
Photos taken from Google Images and my own personal photo library.
Twin towers and the Empire State Building
"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty."- John F. Kennedy
You would think it ridiculous to go on a cruise while the US was in the middle of crisis, but when a vacation is already bought and payed for what else do you do? I have to admit, I was actually glad to be on vacation, not just to get away, but on a cruise there are no clocks and there is no TV, they want you to forget about time and real life and I was grateful for this. It was nice to finally be away from all the news and media that was 9/11. The news was depressing and sad.
I bet you didn't know I have grown up with fireman all my life, my dad joined the academy when he was in his early 20's. I have spent Thanksgivings and Christmases and Birthdays at the Fire house. When my family moved, my Dad's friends at the station were the one's who helped. When there was a party- you could count on the whole department (or at least the one's who had off) being there! And let me tell you, Fireman party harder than most my friends in college! Fireman have a brotherhood that cannot be understood unless you're apart of it or have witnessed it. They are family. Growing up I had a fireman sticker on my car, and thank goodness I did because it got me out of a few tickets! Everyone loves a fireman!... And how could you not?
Fireman at 9/11
My dad and Step-mom to be, 'Debster'
Me and my Daddy, Palm Springs 2011
When I moved to New York, my dad told me to stop by the nearest fire station and introduce myself. I did and within minutes of me telling them my dad was a fireman they were open armed and happy to help me with anything I needed which was appreciated living in a new and big city. Of course, not wanting to come to a fire house empty handed, I brought cookies. Which may or may not be the reason they were so quick to welcome me.
Me and Bestie Nicole Baking Cookies in my NY friend Andy's Kitchen
Visiting Engine 26 "The Bat Cave" FDNY
While I was living in New York I visited Ground Zero and I have to say it was unlike anything I had ever seen. In the area, the air was thick, gloomy and heavy. There was a sad feeling hanging overhead and glancing at the sight left me feeling empty. It was as if you could feel the souls that had been lost that day. I'm not kidding, my mom who was with me at the time claims the same thing.
Photos taken while with my Mom NY, August 2007
I know that Fireman were not the only heroes that day. There are many people that have not gotten the recognition that they deserve.
"Remember the hours after September 11th when we came together as one to answer the attack against our homeland. We drew strength when our firefighters ran up the stairs and risked their lives so that others might live; when rescuers rushed into smoke and fire at the pentagon; when the men and women of flight 93 sacraficed themselves to save our nation's Capitol; when flags were hanging from front porches all across America, and strangers became friends. It was the worst day we have ever seen, but it brought out the best in all of us." - Senator John Kerry
This is a powerful day, it's hard to believe that today marks a decade since the twin towers were hit. I will always remember where I was the moment I found out and although it was one of the United State's greatest tragedies I think it is also the greatest moment of bravery and self sacrifice the country has ever seen.
"Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11."- President Barack Obama
Happy Sunday Diary Readers.
Photos taken from Google Images and my own personal photo library.
Amazing. I remember going to ground zero a few years after 9/11 and I felt the same exact thing. It was the like the people who had been killed weren't ready to leave and they were still holding on to something in hopes of seeing their friends and family again. Hard to believe that was 10 years ago.
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