I didn’t see the burning buildings with my own eyes. But I’ll never forget the images on TV or the burning smell from my NJ office 30 miles away.
I don’t know what a terrorist is supposed to look like or act. But I find myself more aware of my surroundings. A little less naive, a little less free.
I understand that Americans pride themselves on personal independence. But I also saw a united country that remembered what community means and instinctively helped strangers in need.
I thought I knew what a hero was. But I learned the true meaning of hero through the brave firefighters, first responders, selfless citizens, and the passengers of flight 93.
I have been flying an American flag outside my home for 10 years now. I also remember flags being hard to find at a store 10 years ago.
I cry whenever I sing the national anthem. And I’m not embarrassed. And yes, I cried as I wrote this.
God Bless America.