FEMA: A Nation Remembers, A Nation Recovers

Your Comments One Year Later

I am writing to you from a small, beautiful town in northwest Arkansas. I have lived in Arkansas over half my life but I was born and raised in Middlesex, New Jersey, only about 35 miles from New York City. It has taken the better part of this past year for September 11th to sink in to my brain. I've yet to make sense of it and probably feel more pain today than ever before. The images, the heroes, the babies born without fathers ... it's simply overwhelming. I will never forget. I will never understand. I will never stop praying for those who lost loved ones. I will never stop feeling the pride only we share because we are Americans. God Bless and keep us all.

Eileen
Bentonville, Arkansas
September 10, 2002

The following is a poem that my daughter wrote and read at a PTO meeting last night at her school (8th grade/Westview Middle School)

America remembers

America, a name that is strong and true;
A country that's admired, through and through.

We lost mothers, fathers, daughters and sons,
On this unforgettable date, 9-11-2001.

Nobody knew what was coming ahead;
Four planes taken hostage, many people left dead.

Firefighters and policemen died, what a sacrifice!
As our president said, "the terrorists will pay the price!"

They attacked the trade centers, and the pentagon too,
These terrorists left Americans angry and blue.

There were many heroes on flight 93,
We won't forget you, or what you did for our country.

On the anniversary of this tragic date, recovery is yet to be done;
As Americans, we will come together and remember, and will be united as one.

This act was a tragedy, the pain will never go away.
Now the world knows, America is here to stay!

As we're fighting this war, there is only one goal,
We're defending our freedom, America, "let's roll!"

Kaylin
Goose Creek, SC
September 10, 2002

I am going to become an American Citizen on the 20th of September. At the moment, I am Canadian. I feel so proud to be American and to realize how truly magnificent this country really is. I have 4 American children who are also proud that I will soon be a Citizen of this country.

The tragedy of September 11th affected everyone, everywhere in this country and in our home as well. We all shared the grief suffered by all who perished. Our grief soon turned to anger and then a sense of strength and defiance toward these terrorists.

Our family came to the conclusion that the twin towers of the World Trade Center should be re-built, just the way they were. We should show a stand of strength and courage and let these people know that we will not be pushed around and terrorized any longer.

We are a strong nation, kind and generous, brave and relentless. Let's prove it.

Sarah and Family
Redfield, South Dakota
September 10, 2002

Thank you for giving us, the people in North Dakota, a chance to see some of what happened to our nation. The photos are amazing. Once again thank you and God Bless America.

September 10, 2002

I am from Albany, NY and I was on business in Milwaukee, WI on September 11. My first thoughts after realizing that America was being attacked turned towards my 2 daughters (in school back in Albany) and my boyfriend, who was in New York City that day. September 11 was a wake-up call for me as to what's really important in life -- God, family, and friends. My thoughts that day never turned toward -- "Gee, I wish I made more money or did I remember to send that email at work?"

Terri
Albany, NY
September 10, 2002

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•	What the world had to say after September 11th