On September 11, 2001 I was standing at the front desk of a small dental practice in Sugarland, Texas. I had just opened the office and turned on the TV in the waiting room. Life in America changed at 8:46am Eastern Time.
It seems silly to me to ask if you remember where you were and what you were doing. But 20 years have gone by and more adults haven't a clue about where they were and what they were doing on that day at that time.
September 11 just so happens to be my youngest brother's birthday. I have to say I never considered referring to that date as 911 before 2001.
My oldest brother went to Marine Corps bootcamp on Parris Island, SC in 1979. One of his Drill Instructors, Michael S Curtin, bravely responded to the attacks of 911. SGTMAJ Curtin USMC (retired) NYPD officer gave his life serving his country on September 11, 2001, he remained missing until March 6, 2002. He, like so many others that day, died a hero. September 11, 2001 was not the first terror attack in the USA that Michael Sean Curtin had responded too, in fact it was the third. Please click this LINK and read about this great American hero.
This month American troops were pulled from Afghanistan. There are heated debates over what was done, right or wrong. Well, I'm not here to debate, yes I have my opinion and it may differ from yours. That's ok. I hope that by writing this just one more person will remember.
The very first Memorial was actually online, soon after, other temporary memorials emerged. The first major physical memorial was the Tribute In Light.
This memorial started in 2002 and has been on display at least annually since the attacks. The permanent World Trade Center Memorial with the reflecting pools is breathtaking. I've been to it twice and will go again when the opportunity arises.
The Sphere, the world's largest bronze sculpture, stood between the Twin Towers from 1971 until the attacks and was the only remaining work of art to be recovered. The Sphere is now on display in Liberty Park overlooking the September 11 Memorial.
I found this image on Wikipedia along with the next one and the one of the Tribute in Light above.
There are many memorials that are proudly displayed across the world to honor the loved ones lost. Some have giant pieces of metal from the WTC, some have bricks and stone from the Pentagon and some have bits of earth from Shanksville. These areas of destruction are sacred grounds and for many, places to reflect. The memorials set up across our planet serve as reminders for some and points of interest to others. Go visit, go pay your respects
As I write this, I'm hearing news reports of two more 9/11 victims being identified. I'm so thankful that our country is still sensitive enough to continue the search for answers for the loved ones left behind. Every single victim should be honored by continuing to find answers.
The First Responders that get up and put themselves between us and harm's way hold a special spot in my heart. If not for our service men and women and the other first responders we would not enjoy the freedoms we have today. There are so many things that can be improved upon in our society but I am forever grateful to the ones that secure our systems, flawed or not.
Photo: David Stuckel/Alamy - Pentagon Memorial, Arlington, Virginia
Photo: Xiaoling Keller - Flight 93 National Memorial, Shanksville, Pennsylvania
Photo: Clarence Holmes Photography/Alamy - The Rising, Valhalla, New York
Photo: Clarence Holmes Photography/Alamy - Boston Logan International Airport 9/11 Memorial
Photo: Richard Radford/Getty Images - September 11 Memorial Garden, London
Damian Dovarganes / AP - "Reflect" in Rosemead, California
Luigi Costantini / AP - "Memory and Light" in Padua, Italy
There are so many images out there, I hope to visit as many as I can. Our Canadian neighbors were of tremendous support, here is a link to some of their memorials. I'm in awe at how many memorials have emerged of the last 20 years.
Go in Peace and go in love.