I Pause to Remember

10 years ago today I was sitting in early morning seminary. I was a freshman and my brother a junior without his license. My dad would get up in the mornings for our carpool and drive us to and from seminary, over Goode, listening to NPR. While I would say the talk radio gives me headaches, and I wish he would listen to something else, that day I was glad he was listening. The morning started off like any other and then my dad walked into the room to whisper something in Sister Pulsipher’s ear. She excused us all and on the way out to the car my dad told my brother and I the Pentagon had been hit. I had no idea what he meant or what he saying. The drive to school felt like forever, we listened to the chaos unfold on the radio, and everyone wondering what had happened in NYC and Washington. I went straight to English and we watched the news as they broadcasted live from New York. It felt unreal; I couldn’t believe what was happening. The day passed in slow motion, the minds of teachers and students alike were not focused on school, our thoughts and many prayers were with those directly impacted by the terrorist attacks. The weeks that followed were tense, people hoping to find their family members, search and rescue teams being sent in, volunteers from all over, firemen, police officers giving their lives, and the nation on edge. Amid such pain and sadness I was impressed with how united we came to be. I have always been proud to be an American, and had a profound respect for the men and women who serve our country. The naval service record of my family has engrained that sense of service and pride. I knew other people were just as proud as I, but the manifestation of unity was overwhelming. You couldn’t go anywhere without seeing a flag, often many flags lining streets, bumper stickers, overheard conversations. We were compassionate and understanding with others and united in a cause for freedom and justice.
“Tragedies are not merely opportunities to give Him a fleeting thought, or for momentary insight to His plan for our happiness. Destruction allows us to rebuild our lives in the way He teaches us, and to become something different than we were.” - President Monson


I will forever remember the thousands who lost their lives ten years ago today, their sacrifices, and the sacrifices of many who are considered heroes. I will remember those who died in New York, Washington DC, and Shanksville. I will remember those who, in response to the attacks of 9/11 chose to serve their country and fight for our freedom. I mourn for the loss of life we have experienced ten years ago and since. I am deeply grateful for their sacrifice. President Bush spoke at the WTC Memorial today and shared this message from Abraham Lincoln…



On this 10th anniversary I too ‘can not refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the republic they died to save…and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.’ I am so proud to be an American, and am grateful to live in a ‘land of the free’ because of the brave.