Never Forget. How many times have you read those two words today? Probably on every family and friends Facebook status, on pictures you see online, on TV, everywhere. This country will never forget the tragic events of 12 years ago and we are reminded all the time how September 11, 2001 changed our country.
I will never forget where I was or how I felt. I was in Boston; it was my first day back to college after summer break. I remember standing in the Berklee College of Music bookstore staring at the TV with a crowd of students confused and scared. What the hell was going on? I watched the second plane crash into the second Twin Tower and I watched the horror unfold before my eyes. The city went into a panic that day. Everyone was being evacuated and buses, subways and train stations were getting people out as fast as they could. I remember how crazy it was and how anxious I felt. It was a complete mob scene with people everywhere with same common thoughts and same goal. They were frightened and just wanted to get home to their families safe and sound. I remember my mother calling me practically in tears yelling, “Get out of the city! The planes left from Boston and we don’t know what’s going to happen next.” The mere thought runs chills down my spine. I truly will never forget that day; it is stamped and branded in my brain.
After safely leaving the city, I went over to my dad’s house. It was youngest sister’s first birthday. I remember a few people saying, “What an awful day for a birthday.” I can’t help but admit I felt sorry for her at first too. But, as the years have gone by, families, friends, strangers and this country have put our lives back together. Now, I think my sister is lucky to have her birthday today. Why? Because no matter how tragic September 11th was 12 years ago and no matter how it changed this country and the world, we all need to mend and move on. No, we will never forget, but we must move on. What better way to shed a ray of sunshine to a day that needs some extra happiness than to celebrate it with the birthday of an innocent child? I can’t think of better one to be quite honest. My sister is the happiest kid I know. She is literally always smiling, always laughing and always happy. Positive, upbeat, smart and full of life. I can’t think of a better person to bring happiness to a day that needs it.
Despite the horror of 12 years ago, life prevails. We have picked up the pieces, we have smiled and laughed again, we have found comfort in our family and friends and we have lived. While I will never forget that day or how it has forever changed us, I will not allow it to make me fearful and frightened to live. No matter how you were effected by the events of September 11th, I’m sure you too have mended your hearts and lives the best way that you knew how in order to move on and live life.