FEMA: A Nation Remembers, A Nation Recovers

Your Comments One Year Later

Hello, we here in Wisconsin cannot imagine the horror those in New York went through. In my little town in Delavan, Wisconsin there is only 7,000 people and to imagine on this one day it would take half the town. For us that live in small cities and only have one 5-story building we cannot even begin to relate to something that is 109 stories tall. There is a majority of people that have never left this city. We are all greatly saddened by this event and will participate at our post office and hear the ringing of the bells. We pray for everyone in New York and let them all know we are with all of them in prayers and spirit. God bless you all!!!

Sue
Delavan, WI
September 10, 2002

As most Americans, I was at work when word of the first strike hit the news. We have a small TV in our shop so all employees were gathered around watching the destruction of the first tower when in front of our eyes the second one was hit. My first reaction was "Oh my God, all those people...WHY? Then the news of the Pentagon being hit..."what was happening"? One of our technicians was on the road and he called in the news about Flight 93 going down in a small rural town in Pennsylvania, about 70 miles from were I was working even before it was on the news. It's getting close to home but again my mind was on the people of New York. We kept running back and forth to the shop to watch the news coverage but it didn't matter if you missed something because you would get another thousand chances to see what had happened. I couldn't cry at work but when I when home for lunch the tears would not stop. My heart hurt for the people killed and injured and their families. The days that followed were as if I was in a fog. I didn't want to work, I wanted to stay home and watch TV...hoping that by some miracle they would find hundreds of people alive. Then the horror stories of what some people endured started being broadcast. Again more tears and being upset with God for letting something like this happen.

I watch as Firemen, police and thousands of rescue workers worked day and night to save even one life while the agony of what they were going through shown on every one of their faces. I watched as the people of New York and the World embraced the brave men and women that were risking their own lives to save others. I felt a twinge of guilt because as we all should of known, THEY WERE THERE ALL ALONG! There were always there, waiting to save our lives, to rescue us from disaster so how do we thank them now? Does the fact that every man, woman and child in the United States has a new found respect for what these people go through everyday make a difference to them? Probably not. That what they call "just doing their job" effects every person in these United States at one time or another, directly and indirectly? Probably not. They are everyday heroes and they don't even know it. They lost so many of their own that fateful day, but yet they go on. They go on for people like me...someone who someday just might need her life saved by a modest hero. America can rest a lot easier knowing now that these men and women are willing to risk their lives for us. It doesn't matter to them how rich you are or how poor....if you live in a mansion or a shack, they'll be there for you. Sadly, it had to take a disaster of tremendous magnitude to help us see what these brave men and women do for us and for that we should all be ashamed...I know I am. They are silent heroes that were taken for granted until we needed them....BUT NEVER AGAIN!

Even after a year, I still cry for the loss, the pain, the sorrow of that day. All who were lost and their families are in my prayers every night. None of us can change what happened on September 11, 2001, but I don't think there is one person out there that wasn't touched in one way or another because of it. Myself, I've learned not to take nothing for granted...especially our silent heroes and what they do for us everyday of their lives. THANK YOU ALL

Patty
Pittsburgh, PA
September 10, 2002

I am shaken still by the events of that day. Although I didn't personally know anyone who was lost, I have been mourning for them. I watched the events unfold on live TV and knew instantly that America would be changed forever not to mention the utter human devastation and suffering. I cried for two weeks and I am still crying today. I can't understand this kind of hate that would cause people to murder. We as humans are superior? The most intelligent species on the planet? I think not if hatred fuels this kind of abomination.

September 10, 2002

I hope with all my heart and soul, that as we remember those who lost their lives one year ago, we remember our resolve to obliterate terrorism. Unfortunately, as our lives have gone on this past year, some people have managed to suppress the emotions experienced that horrific day. Let's revisit the strength we discovered, the humanity for all others sickened by these acts, and our Patriotism, and stand united for justice, and for peace.

September 10, 2002

Thanks and what a beautiful job with the pictures you did. We will always remember Sept. 11, 2001! God bless America and all the Nation!

September 10, 2002

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