FEMA: A Nation Remembers, A Nation Recovers

Your Comments One Year Later

Heartbroken is the only word I have to express my feelings since September 11. Raised in a family of volunteer firemen, taught to help others without wanting something in return, taught respect and tolerance for others feelings and beliefs, I can not even comprehend the motivation behind what has happened. And now, one year later, to still fear for safety, wait for the next attack, crossing the street constantly because the approaching stranger has too many secrets. It's all so heartbreaking that this would happen in our great nation. We have taken not only freedom but also safety and security for granted for so long. But then, how could we not? This is America -- the land of the free and the home of the brave. I am thankful for all the brave men and women in this country and I will keep thoughts of the lost in my heart forever.

Claudette
Grafton, New York
September 10, 2002

Thank you for the pictures, it was hard to see them again. But we must remember those who were hurt and are still fighting to recover, they must live with each and every day with these painful memories. We need to send encouragement to those, but how? Where do we find the information to send them get well cards and cards to cheer them up and help them with their lives today?

Carol
Seattle, WA
September 10, 2002

I felt compelled to share my own feelings about this event in history of our great nation, one year after the tragedy of 911. I just finished viewing the "Remembrance Gallery" that was compiled on your website. I was directed to your site after viewing your interview on the Today Show this morning, while lounging in my Illinois log home living room sipping a cup of coffee with my dear husband.

I cannot view a single moment of coverage on the TV from any news, documentary, or talk program without a tear forming in my eye. I was not touched by this event in any way personally as far as a family member, friend, or acquaintance being harmed in anyway. But, I was touched as a fellow American.

None of us, regardless of geographical residence, in this country were unscarred. The scarring was different for each, depending on how directly it came in contact.

I could not help but reflect on the sorrow. The people who were directly affected are suffering horribly. But, so are the loved ones and family members of Korea, Vietnam, Pearl Harbor, Desert Storm, Oklahoma City, just to name a few.

I am so very thankful to be born here in this great land. I view it as a true blessing. So many opportunities we have that other nations only dream about. Regardless, however, where we live, we still are living on this planet filled with war, hatred, anger, insanity, and true evil from many sources.

I loved the photo of the sun breaking through the dust and rubble. "The darkest hour is just before dawn." The sun that is shining on our nation now as a result of this horrible event will alter it's future events throughout it's existence, just as it altered us after all the other horrors of our history.

Not dimming any of the light from the great heroes that came forth in the midst of this disaster, but, if this nightmare had occurred in any city in America, the results would have been the same as far as the people coming together and working together and praying together.

It was truly a "wake-up" call for many of us as Americans to not take our nation for granted. It sparked a spirit of patriotism like a slap on our face. It screamed at us, "Wake up, Americans! See the sunshine. Band together. Quit complaining and worrying about issues that are trivial in comparison to the freedoms that we are so blessed to possess!"

I am proud to be an American. I am proud of the character trait of heroism that is in the soul of every true American. We cherish life, family and nation, under God, indivisible.

Norma Jean
Apple River, IL
September 10, 2002

My name is Samuel from Brisbane, Australia. I'm attending High School, grade 10.

September 11th made me a better person. It made me to realize in my history lessons how precious FREEDOM is especially the freedom of speech, religion and is.

My prayers are with those families who lost their loved ones and also your leaders especially President Bush and his staff.

With heart and soul.

Samuel
Brisbane, Australia
September 10, 2002

One year later, I still cry. I feel for all of the women who now raise their children alone, all of the fathers that do the same and all of the people who weren't able to start that bond with a spouse or children as their lives were taken too soon. I feel for all of the parents who lost their children as they must live with the harsh reality that their children were taken from them before they were taken knowing that, that is how it should be. I remember getting calls from friends to tell me their stories and I remember the day we took to have our friends together at our home to join in fellowship. I know where I was the moment I heard of this and I remember grabbing my little girl and saying a prayer that she may too live in a world where it is safe just like when I was a child. Our prayers continue and our hearts are touched by the countless angels who helped in rescue, medicine, blood donation, and countless others, no matter their part. I know that there is no going back and changing this part of our history, but I choose to change the future by loving my child, my husband and all of the people to whom I come in contact with. A gentler attitude is in order and each small gesture makes this country a better and stronger place. May the terrorists see our love and strength for each other and be discouraged. I LOVE THE USA.

K.B.
September 10, 2002

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Your Comments
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•	What the world had to say after September 11th