Eight years ago today became one those non-erasable moments in history. A “Where Were You When?” moment like the attack on Pearl Harbor or the assassination of President Kennedy.
I vividly remember where I was and what I was doing.
I was driving on the interstate on my way to work and was thinking to myself what a gorgeous day. Then all of a sudden the radio station I was listening to made an announcement that a plane had crashed into one of the World Trade Centers in New York City. At that time, the radio broadcaster sounded matter-of-fact and shocked (as if it was a horribly freak accident).
A short time later however, that radio broadcaster’s message became high pitched and alarming as he announced that yet another plane had crashed into the other Twin Tower and that this was obviously some sort of terrorist attack being executed upon the United States.
I was totally stunned! I know I kept driving, but I honestly don’t remember my foot being on the gas pedal or steering the car. I do remember calling my Mom & Dad’s house on my cell phone and when my Dad answered the phone I just started crying and relayed what I had just heard.
My parents had not yet turned on their T.V. that morning so I was the first one to break the news to them. As former member of law enforcement and a military man, I knew my father would take such a blatant attack on innocent people particularly hard.
As I was talking to my Dad, he said, “Dear Lord, another plane has hit the Pentagon! Tracey, we all need to pray like we’ve never prayed before!”
By the end of our conversation and prayer together, my Dad too was overcome by emotion.
Of course, we all know it did not end there as yet a fourth plane believed to be headed toward Washington, D.C. crashed in a Pennsylvania field after those courageous passengers tried to thwart the hijackers attempts.
In just minutes, thousands of people lost their lives that day. I don’t think that any of us could understand the full impact of how 9-11 would change American life in the years ahead.
Ironically, before that dreadful day, my husband had decided to join the Army Reserves and become a member of the Judge Advocate General Corps. His paperwork was already being processed and we were just waiting for his final approval. That approval came just two days after September 11, 2001.
I remember standing there when my husband took this oath:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God."
Never had words held such meaning. I was filled with pride that my husband was willing to defend HIS country, MY country, OUR yet unborn children’s country, THIS country...THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Remember when I said I didn’t think that any of us could understand the full impact of how 9-11 would change our lives in the years ahead?
Little did we know how it was going to change ours.
After our son was born in 2002, my husband was called to active duty about a year and a half later. And while he did not serve overseas, he was gone (with only infrequent visits home) for a total of four years. For the most part, I was a single mom from the time our son was 19 months old until September of 2008.
I am not telling you that to complain. I would do it again if I had to.
I am one of the lucky ones. My husband is home with us alive and well. Sadly, so many other families cannot say the same.
Nevertheless, they, like me, are proud of the fact that they have/had a service member freely ready to defend and protect, not only willing to give their life in order to do so, but also willing to help to make this world a safer place so that no such attacks will ever happen again…especially on American soil.
Thank you my sweet hubby!
I vividly remember where I was and what I was doing.
I was driving on the interstate on my way to work and was thinking to myself what a gorgeous day. Then all of a sudden the radio station I was listening to made an announcement that a plane had crashed into one of the World Trade Centers in New York City. At that time, the radio broadcaster sounded matter-of-fact and shocked (as if it was a horribly freak accident).
A short time later however, that radio broadcaster’s message became high pitched and alarming as he announced that yet another plane had crashed into the other Twin Tower and that this was obviously some sort of terrorist attack being executed upon the United States.
I was totally stunned! I know I kept driving, but I honestly don’t remember my foot being on the gas pedal or steering the car. I do remember calling my Mom & Dad’s house on my cell phone and when my Dad answered the phone I just started crying and relayed what I had just heard.
My parents had not yet turned on their T.V. that morning so I was the first one to break the news to them. As former member of law enforcement and a military man, I knew my father would take such a blatant attack on innocent people particularly hard.
As I was talking to my Dad, he said, “Dear Lord, another plane has hit the Pentagon! Tracey, we all need to pray like we’ve never prayed before!”
By the end of our conversation and prayer together, my Dad too was overcome by emotion.
Of course, we all know it did not end there as yet a fourth plane believed to be headed toward Washington, D.C. crashed in a Pennsylvania field after those courageous passengers tried to thwart the hijackers attempts.
In just minutes, thousands of people lost their lives that day. I don’t think that any of us could understand the full impact of how 9-11 would change American life in the years ahead.
Ironically, before that dreadful day, my husband had decided to join the Army Reserves and become a member of the Judge Advocate General Corps. His paperwork was already being processed and we were just waiting for his final approval. That approval came just two days after September 11, 2001.
I remember standing there when my husband took this oath:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God."
Never had words held such meaning. I was filled with pride that my husband was willing to defend HIS country, MY country, OUR yet unborn children’s country, THIS country...THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Remember when I said I didn’t think that any of us could understand the full impact of how 9-11 would change our lives in the years ahead?
Little did we know how it was going to change ours.
After our son was born in 2002, my husband was called to active duty about a year and a half later. And while he did not serve overseas, he was gone (with only infrequent visits home) for a total of four years. For the most part, I was a single mom from the time our son was 19 months old until September of 2008.
I am not telling you that to complain. I would do it again if I had to.
I am one of the lucky ones. My husband is home with us alive and well. Sadly, so many other families cannot say the same.
Nevertheless, they, like me, are proud of the fact that they have/had a service member freely ready to defend and protect, not only willing to give their life in order to do so, but also willing to help to make this world a safer place so that no such attacks will ever happen again…especially on American soil.
Thank you my sweet hubby!
My Captain
The memories of that day have not faded, nor should they ever pass from the national memory.
Today as we remember September 11, 2001, please pray for our country, pray for those who died on that fateful day, for their friends and families, and for the hundreds and hundreds of military men and women called upon to protect and defend freedom for all.
God Bless You and God Bless America!
P.S. On Monday I will post the answers to any questions I get from yesterday's blog post.
4 comments:
Thank you Tracey for today's blog. I am in tears. I remember 9-11-01 like it was yesterday.
I was at work, when one of my co-workers sitting next to me got a phone call. I could hear frantic in her voice....."What!!!???? OMG! Are you serious?!? There's another one!! What is going on???" Her voice getting louder. After she hung up she explained what had happened and the thought of terrorists being to blame was terrifying. Time past as we all couldn't concentrate on work anymore and suddenly a scream! A cry so loud it took over the entire office! Another co worker got a call that the Pentagon had been hit, this womans brother worked there. The emotions in the office that day will haunt me for internity. People didn't know what to do but cry. I was shaking.
Office personel were told to go home if we wanted to, so I did. The drive home was the scariest & longest hour in my life. All I wanted to do was get home to Tom and be with him. Be with my family. I kept looking up at the sky over my steering wheel...knowing if I saw a plane it was probably a high jacked one because they had grounded all flights. No planes should be in the air. I was petrifide.
I cried this morning on my way into work as I listened to Lee Greenwoods "Proud to be an American". I will never forget the emotions and turmoil of that day. I said a prayer for all the innocent souls that were lost that day. For their families who have to live without their loved ones because of such selfish acts. And for all the military mothers, fathers, sons and daughters who did not come home from serving in the war that followed. Our lives will never be the same.
Tell Michael 'Thank You' from the bottom of my heart for serving our country.
Love you,
Lorrie
I certainly will. Thank you Lorrie for your sweet heart and sincere words. That day affected us all in so many ways.
Love you!
Thank you Tracey for sharing that. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I was late for work and trying to get out of the door when I found out about it. I sat on the edge of my bed and cried while I watched the second one hit the other tower. I was frozen and shocked. I'll never forget and I'll continue to pray.
Love,
Kami
Thank You Tracey for your touching post. So glad your hubby is home with you now. Many Blessings,
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