It's Tuesday. And it's just like any other day. Except it isn't. I'm seventeen, a senior in high school, and on top of the world. At least, that's how I see it right now. I'm in my first class of the day -- AP English -- and suddenly we're turning on the TV. There's been a tragic accident in New York involving an airplane. We watch the news the rest of the class period, thinking nothing of it, and then I head off to band. We're having our pictures taken today so it's chaotic when I enter the band room. I roll my eyes when I see my band director, who I don't care much for, sitting on a chair in the middle of the band room watching TV instead of helping people get ready. I head off to get my uniform and get changed and next thing I know we're all heading over to the stadium for our pictures. It seems to take forever. When we're all sitting there after our pictures were taken, one of the parent helpers makes an announcement.
That tragic accident was no accident at all. A second plane is involved. And there is no doubt this was an act of terrorism. The freshman girls cry. I feel nothing. Just this deep pit in the middle of my stomach. It's indescribable. Then again, I don't need to describe it because we all felt the same thing. And we all will never forget that feeling.
The next few days are a blur. There's tears. There's anger. There's feelings of helplessness in the midst of tragedy. There's a burst of patriotism like nothing I've ever witnessed. And there's an overwhelming sense of pride in knowing that I'm an American. Flags are displayed on cars, stores, homes. People are wearing red, white, and blue like it's the 4th of July. Lee Greenwood's "God Bless The USA" is being playing ad nauseam on the radio. And my life is changing in ways I don't even know yet.
September 11, 2001 was a life changing day for most, if not all, Americans. It was a day when the helplessness I felt went beyond what I'd ever felt before. A day when I knew that I was not content unless I was making a difference. It was a day when I gave up my dreams of being a writer or an editor or a photographer and started my journey towards my nursing career. When tragedy struck, I wanted to be there. I wanted to be able to help. I never wanted to feel that helpless again.
Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can't take that away.
And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA
