Remembering 9/11
- Kelly Stewart
- Sep 13, 2016
- 2 min read
On Sunday afternoon, I walked in silence around the area where, fifteen years ago that day, the United States of America was forever changed by the acts of pure evil.
September 11, 2001, was a day that changed my life, and the lives of so many others who have also lost friends and family members to acts of terrorism, in ways I could have never imagined. Being there, standing in the place that changed everything, brought tears to my eyes.
While it was a dark day in American history, during that walk, I couldn’t help but feel an immense pride for my country. In the days and weeks following 9/11, the American people came together like I had never seen before and haven’t seen since. The images of city streets lined with American Flags will forever be embedded in my memory. The stories of heroism and kindness following the attacks that day are ones I will never forget; ones that continue to inspire me even fifteen years later. As I stood looking up at the Freedom Tower, the new One World Trade Center, I was reminded of how strong America is. How we came together and rebuilt, even in the midst of tragedy.
“A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.”
— President George W. Bush on 9/11/01
Sunday marked the first time I spent the anniversary of September 11, 2001, in New York City. It was an honor to be there and to remember that day while standing among so many other proud Americans. I can’t describe the feeling I had as I stood before One World Trade Center with the sound of bagpipes ringing in the air and a cool, soft breeze blowing down the blocked off streets. My heart swelled with emotion.
Although it’s been fifteen years, I pray our country continues to remember the men and women who, despite what is placed before them, spend their days fighting for our freedom and ensuring that days like 9/11 don’t happen again.
Here are a few photos I snapped on Sunday afternoon:
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