I didn't experience this day 15 years ago as did those who were there in the very midst of it all, those who were near and far waiting to learn whether their loved ones had survived, or those who never heard from their loved ones again without ever learning what had become of them. No, I, personally was not there September 11, 2001 but I am one proud American soul amongst millions who was effected by the pure loss of life within just a matter of a few moments that erupted from this tragedy and because of that I have I learned to love a little more, live a little more, and appreciate even the little things in life a little more because in just a few moments, even the little things that cause us to love big can be wiped off the face of the Earth.
From the Universe to the Earth on September 11, 2001, and the crucial days of rescues following, America experienced both divine and human heroism like none of us had ever in our lives seen or heard before. To this day, many of those human heros who survived are still walking silently amongst us while still battling the horrors from that day and days following which are burned into their soul for the rest of their lives here on Earth. You may not recognize the human heros who survived because those men and women are so humble that they refuse to even see the greatness in their actions because they would rather owe that greatness to all the love that was swiftly removed by the hands of pure evil from their lives within just a few moments of time...
... The love of those who perished that day, the love and loss of those who survived, and the love of those who risked their lives to save others are the reason we should...
I was in the subway, heading to work in DC when it all happened. They evacuated everybody shortly after I got to work. I knew the subway would be crowded, so I wandered the city in a daze. I passed by the Capitol and people were running away from it. I had a Walkman radio so listened to news of another plane headed to DC. I saw a fighter jet high above. Then I heard the plane crashed in PA.
I saw smoke in the distance trailing away from where I knew the Pentagon was. I wandered over in that direction. I walked across the National Mall. I reached the Potomac. I started to smell the smoke, sort of like the smell of burning plastic. I shudder to think what else I was inhaling (like molecules of vaporized people!). Ugh.
I walked across the Arlington Memorial Bridge. I then walked on the shoulder of a freeway. So did many others, walking in a daze toward the blaze. I do not know why we all did it. But we did, in silence. The freeway was empty of cars. It felt apocalyptic. But the weather was perfect, the sun shone in blue skies. It was so quiet.
Then we reached the police line a distance away from the Pentagon. But close enough to see. I saw a side of the Pentagon on fire. Flames and thick black smoke. It was so horrible. I could not stay long. I left a few minutes later. I walked north, passing by the rows of headstones covering the gentle, peaceful slopes of Arlington Cemetery. I finally got on the subway and went home. Then I turned on the TV and saw what happened in NYC. I knew from the radio what had happened, but had not seen it. Oh, the horror.
Everything changed after that. Security tightened. Barricades went up everywhere. Men with assault rifles patrolled the city parks for years after. Before that day, during my lunch break, I sometimes would walk on the lush grass near the Capitol, and would even go up on the Capitol veranda and survey the Mall. I work nearby. Yet after that day I stayed away. You cannot go on the veranda anymore.
That was a horrible, sad time for all. I wept often because of it.
I will never forget that smell of the burning Pentagon, or those flames leaping skyward.
I understand you, my friend... Maybe one day you should write it down. You don't necessarily have to share it with anyone but write about your feelings and your experience because it's perfect silent therapy to ease your silent pain... 鉂わ笍
