FEMA: A Nation Remembers, A Nation Recovers

Your Comments One Year Later

It was a beautiful clear day in Winston-Salem, NC and I was just thinking to myself how blessed America really is. As I started to shut off my radio and exit my vehicle, a news alert came across the airwaves that would shake the World to it's very core. The first flight flew into the WTC and I thought what a tragic accident and wondered how could something like this really happen. While I was still in shock from the first attack and trying to figure out what in the world could have gone so terribly wrong, the second flight crashed into the second tower. I knew our Country and all of the loved ones that would be effected by these tragedies would never be the same. While still reeling from the first two attacks, I soon learned of the next attacks on Washington and the flight that went down in PA. To this day I still remember it like it was yesterday. I immediately began to say a prayer for what was to come.

I know I wasn't near any of the disaster locations, but I can sincerely say that my heart and spirit was. My heart sank into the very deepest pit of my stomach, and I thought to myself it felt as if the World came to a sudden stop. To this day I can only imagine through the News Media, Internet, and Radio what the people who fell victim to these horrific events must have been thinking in those last few seconds, and it absolutely touches my deepest heartfelt sympathy. I can only reevaluate my own life and priorities and try to be a better person in every possible way and to others as well. You just never know when it could be you in that position. I would like to honor those who perished that day, and all the brave, caring, unselfish heroes that dealt with the tragic aftermath of September 11, 2001.

God looked down on us that day, the days since 9/11, and is still watching to see how we will change our lives to make things better for our families, friends, and fellow human beings. Pull together America like we have never pulled together before. Look at all the ones around you in a different light. Pray for Peace America. Remember our Fallen. Remember our Service Men and Women and their families. All of the brave individuals in our Police, Fire, and Rescue arenas and all of the support from the Medical Facilities. Try and make a new difference in your life and the lives you may effect each day. May God Bless America and keep us Safe, Vigilant, and always Free.

Jeffrey
September 13, 2002

We sat in a conference room preparing for business reviews when someone burst in to tell us someone bombed the WTC. We went into the lobby where about 75 people were watching a silent screen. I went through the crowd to get the remote. I wanted to hear what was going on. The room was silent. We watched as the first tower fell. It was if I was watching a clip from an old movie. My mind could not comprehend what my eyes were seeing. I looked around the room -- several people were trying to make calls on their cell phones. I went to the area of the pay phones -- there many standing in line. Some people couldn't get connected. Luckily I used a calling card and got an open line. I passed it to the man behind me and said use it and the phone had a dial tone. I never saw the card again. Strangers linked together through such a horrible tragedy. All I could think of is what is going to happen next? How are my children? How am I going to get home? Will I ever see my family again? Then I thought OH MY GOD! all of those people in that WTC. We did not know what to do -- whether or not to continue with our meeting -- what else could we do. We sat for a while; everyone quiet taking inventory of their lives, everywhere you looked you could see the worry and despair on their faces. It took us a few days to get home. Luckily our travel department was able to reserve a car for us in Charlottesville, VA, but we were in Baltimore, MD -- we just had to get there. It took me about 3 times the normal time to get home. I was on a mission, but when I finally got home I sat quietly and just watched the TV for Hours. I thought about my family throughout all of this and the family members that lost their loved ones so tragically. I was blessed to have everyone alive. I have never had someone taken away in such a horrific way. As a result of all of that, our family had its first family gathering (without a death) in over 20 years. 85 people gathered together this summer to pray for those families that lost their loved ones. I encourage everyone hold, kiss, and laugh with your family -- you never know when someone will be taken away. There are a lot of people who wish they could have just said goodbye or that situation that they wanted to clear up. I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT DAY. WE SHOULD ALWAYS REMEMBER!

September 13, 2002

Just a note to say how great the pictures of the Pentagon were. Very interesting and well done.

Joanna
Gardner, MA
September 13, 2002

I wonder what went on in heaven on 9-11-01. What happened to cause such a violent reaction on this earth. Satan's time is getting close to being up and he's not happy. However.......God is in control... Some believe that and some don't. Some people don't believe that it will be 20 below in Minnesota in January either, but just because they don't believe doesn't mean that it doesn't happen.

God Bless America. I am in prayer unceasingly for us all.

Linda
September 13, 2002

It makes me more and more proud to be an American since last year's events. Red, White and Blue has always been my favorite colors and I were them with pride. I dedicated a room to American flags-long before last year. Now, I feel real good standing in that room. Patriotic songs always bring tears to my eyes. Why would anyone want to live anywhere else but AMERICA! I am proud to see everyone pulling together for a common goal. We need to stick together and now we are again.

I am proud to be an AMERICAN.

God Bless US, EVERYONE.

Pamela
Beaverton, MI
September 13, 2002

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