Like most Americans, I have quite vivid memories of the events of this day 8 years ago. It started as a normal, run-of the mill day during my senior year of high school and by the end of it, the whole world had changed. I happened to turn on the news that morning before leaving for school, just in time to watch Diane Sawyer and Charlie Gibson reporting that there had been some type of explosion at the World Trade Center. It's amazing now to think back to that time and all of the unanswered questions that began reeling through the media: What was happening? Who had done this? Who would be next? Would America ever be safe?
After the events of that day, our entire country pulled together. For months afterward, you couldn't go anywhere without seeing tons of American flags blowing in the breeze, or yellow ribbons hung on trees or pinned to a lapel. Now, eight years later, it's easy for the "average American" to forget that we are still dealing with the ramifications of that day. There are soldiers fighting overseas and protecting our borders; firefighters and police officers who stand ready to answer the next call, whatever it entails; military and government officials trying to figure out just how to protect us from our enemies; and families who are still dealing with the loss of their mommies, daddies, sons, and daughters.
Today I had the blessing of getting to thank a few of those men and women. There were about 50 Colorado firemen and women participating in the 9-11 Memorial Firefighter 14er Challenge, whom we inadvertently ran into on our hike today. These people work tirelessly to save lives on a daily basis and they represent some of the bravest souls who laid down their own lives on 9/11 for people they did not even know. It was an honor to hike with them.
Today I heard a lady say that she wishes the media wouldn't put all those "sad" videos on TV every year, because it just makes her too heartsick. But I, for one, am thankful that there is a collective remembrance on this September 11th. I'm thankful for all of the brave men and women, civilians and civil servants, who fought for us that day and who stand ready to fight again if need be. God Bless America.
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