Do You Remember Where You Were? September 11th
Isn’t it an interesting feature of the human mind, people may not be able to remember what they had for supper the day before, but they will always recall the exact place they were when Kennedy was shot. That kind of event puts an indelible mark on your brain. I was not born yet when Kennedy was shot. But I do remember where I was when Elvis died, and of course we all remember where we were on Sept. 11, 2001.
I was sleeping when my phone rang; my brother was on the other end telling me to turn on my TV that two planes had hit the World Trade Center in what they were calling an attack on America. Well of course I thought he was wrong and that there was simply just a plane that had crashed, but I turned on my TV. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing it seemed like the United States was a war zone. Every channel I changed to was covering it and the pentagon had been hit to. A plane headed towards the white house had crashed.
I remember where I was and what I was doing for all the events above, but I don’t know the dates of all those events. But we all refer to the 9-11 tragedy by the date, instead of the event.
Maybe because it’s easier then saying, do you remember where you were: The day that our country’s long-held sense of security was shattered? The day that one of the most prominent and recognizable landmarks of our nation crumbled into rubble, on live TV? The day that the headquarters, and the symbol of our country’s defense was penetrated and damaged? The day that three men took the yoke of an airplane in their hands, and deliberately flew that plane into a building knowing that they, among others would die? The day that a handful of ordinary people, who were going about their business, decided to take fate into their own hands to make sure that a fourth man could not do the same? The day that hundreds of fire fighters and police officers charged into those burning buildings, perhaps not knowing of their fate, but aware of, and in spite of that possibility? The day that THOUSANDS of innocent people lost their lives in that pile of rubble and smoke? The day that thousands more lost their husbands, wives, children, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, lovers and friends?”
Indeed that is too much to verbalize. But maybe it’s also because the actual events are too horrible, too shocking, and too sad to completely wrap one’s mind around. So all of those horrible, too evil to speak of events are forever associated with that date. And for me will always be spoken about with that date.
A “Remember Me” Rose Garden will be created on or near each of the three sites to honor the spirit of the men and women whose lives were lost in New York, at the Pentagon, and at a field in Stonycreek Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania. The gardens are meant to uplift and renew the spirit of our nation, and will provide a beautiful sanctuary where the families and friends of all who died in this tragedy, and all who honor freedom, can come to seek comfort and peace and release the pain felt for those who lost their lives that day.
There isn’t an American who is unaffected by the events of September 11, 2001, or anyone who has not given, received, or grown roses at some time in their lives. Roses are the flower of love. Everyone who died in this tragedy left someone behind who loved them. The intent of “Remember Me” Rose Garden is to affirm love and life year after year with the blooming of each rose bush.
3,000 people were killed in the World Trade Center in New York City, 190 people were killed in the Pentagon terrorist attack. Not counting the 19 hijackers, 246 passengers and crew members aboard the planes that were killed. A total of around 3,469 people lost their life to a senseless act. And the life’s of those who loved and cared about them were changed forever. The victims of 911 stretch much farther then those who died.
