~8:00 AM September 11th 2001
the phone rings in the kitchen of the place I am currently living.
"Jay, turn on the television."
"Which channel?" I respond.
"Doesn't matter, just turn it on."
"Ok, gimme a min..."
"...just crashed into the north tower of the world trade center," the newsman says on whatever channel I am currently watching.
I stare dumbfounded at the television as I watch smoke pour out of the top floors of one of the two towers of the World Trade Center in New York. Unable to take my eyes from the television, I back up and go to sit down on the couch, yet miss completely and flop down onto the floor instead. "I'll call you back", I say into the telephone before I hang it up.
Completely stuned and aghast at what I am witnessing on the television, wondering if this is some national hoax the likes of which W.C. Fields would be proud to call ingenious, I sit transfixed. Not sure what to think, I wonder what kind of grevious error could have been made by the pilot and air traffic controller to have caused such an accident, when from nowhere, on live national television, a second airliner seemingly enters into the side of the South Tower of the world trade center only to emerge from the other side as a bright orange ball of flame and mangled detritus.
Without realizing it, I shout out, "Oh My God!!" as I move closer to the television to inspect this seemingly incredulous footage of destruction. The newsman is saying things like "please god, no" and "this can not be happening", but I barely hear him as my mind races and rages at this insane image which I am purvey to.
I am completely unaware of the time as I sit staring at this box which is bringing me these horrific images of smoke and flame, and as I stare, something new happens...
something unexpected...
something which shocks the world.
The Towers begin to collapse. With amazing clarity I watch this spectacle of unimagined destruction as the towers inexorably deteriorate and disintegrate from te top down. The collapse has a sick yet seductive grace as they fall in on themselves, turning these structures of unyeilding steel and stone into piles of twisted metal and jagged rubble.
Sitting in the living room on the floor, I finally realize, well after these twin behemoths have crumpled to dust and ash, that I have been crying. Tears fall freely from my face like raindrops from a spring shower.
~8:00 AM September 11, 2007
Six years later here I am sitting in front of a computer, working on some network problem which has been eluding my grasp for the better part of a week, when I realize exactly what day it is and sit back and remember the events of years gone by.
Today I am in Baghdad, serving my country in it's endeavors to stop Terrorism throughout the world, and I am reminiscent of those heroes of September 11th 2001. The Firefighters and Police Officers of New York put their lives on the line that day in a way which none of them ever should have had to, and they did it without hesitation.
The civilized nations of the Earth banded together that day in one voice which cried out into the night saying, "We are not afraid of you who use fear as a weapon"
These are the people we should remember on this day, as it is them who protect us on our own soil.
We should also never forget those we have lost in this global fight for freedom and justice in this battle against tyrany and terror, for it is the military who have given us the rights we so often take for granted in this wonderful country we lovingly call home.
I for one am proud of who and what I am.
I am proud to put on a uniform and serve my country and her people.
I am proud to take up arms and place myself "in harms way" so that other people may have the right to live their lives in peace and freedom.
I am proud to serve next to the thousands of brothers and sisters I have nearby who put on the same uniform as I.
I am proud to call myself an American Soldier.
//Please forgive this post for being 2 days late from the day I am talking about, but I have been having what I consider a writers block, and I believe I have finally overcome it.//
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4 comments:
It's so good to read your blog today. As you know Julie was here recently visiting. She found a great home for the kittens. Prom Date! I knew it once she saw them. They were wicked cute. I wish I could have kept one! You'll be able to visit them next time your here. I'm so glad your writers block is gone. You know it's not always necessary to be so prolific. I'd settle for a little game of Marco Polo....get it? You type "Marco" then I would type "Polo". Funny, eh? It was nice to see you via webcam. You're starting to look more like me...skinny! Heat & humidity can sure curb the appetite. Anyway, be on the look-out, Mom is sending a wicked difficult Sudoku puzzle book & a few other things I picked up for you. Let me know if there is anything special you want. I'll hook you up!
Love you oodles!
Wow, guess you're writers block is gone! But let me add to RedInMe's comment that just a hi, i'm still here! would be enough for everyone back home.
Jim and I had a wonderful time with Julie (although much to short). Jim and Julie went fishing and had a great time. She came out Sunday for church and then we went to lunch with a small group from church. Lots of laughter. Julie got a good look at how crazy Mainers can be. We were sorry to see her go, but hope she'll be back for Thanksgiving if possible.
The package RedInMe mentioned will be mailed tomorrow. Had to wait for some stuff people at church were bringing to me.
Love you lots,
Mom
I, for one join you in the pride you feel as you serve our country. I am proud to be one of the brothers that once wore it as well. There are many here that just don't get it, but they have always existed and I suppose they always will. They don't seem to realize that if it were not for those that serve they would have no outlet for their foolish demonstrations or whatever. People are executed every day for much less than many of our own elected officials seem to say and do. In any event the prayers of so many are with you every day.
And by the way,Julie is an excellent fisherman, or fisherwoman as the case may be.
It was great having her visit. Hopefully we can do that again soon. Take good care and God Bless
Hello Ralek Talen,
Your writers’ block was worth waiting for. I remember the moments following that grievous time in our history. I recall leaving my workstation to view the scenes streaming over the screen. Later I went to the Red Cross to give blood. Standing in a LONG line with others doing what we believed was the best action at the time. In finding myself in a state of confusion I sat at the curb amongst the crowd and simply asked GOD to help this great nation in the hour of challenge. Thanking Him for the blessings He richly pours out on each and every one of us. Pleading for the wisdom to know the right direction for our leaders, mercy for the victims: heroes and innocent and, yes, mercy for those who did this awful thing. I don't know that I can ever really comprehend the service in which you are called to do. D & I are very proud of you and all the warriors on the front. THANK YOU!
We had a wonderful visit w/J this past weekend. You have precious jewel there;). Pastor Booboo is an appropriate name. You may not know who this is, recently P & D Cav... sent cards and a package for you. The report of your receipt of these items was nice. If there is anything you need let us know and we'll pass it along. The big G is always looking over us and can be contacted by a simple request. HIS waiting to hear from you! For now this introduction is enough. Know this, everyday someone here is lifting you and all the uniformed servants up in prayer.
With much love and faith, P & D
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