Sunday, September 11, 2011

Remembering: September 11th, 10 Year Anniversary

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It's one of those days that none of us who were old enough to remember will ever forget.  It's a day that will be forever scarred in our memory.
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On September 11th, 2001, I was 24 and I was on the other side of the state in meetings at an elementary school we were remodeling.  I remember the principal of the school coming into the conference room and telling us what was happening, but I remember her seeming somewhat nonchalant about the whole thing.  There wasn't a TV in the room so I wasn't able to see any of the coverage.  I remember being upset about having to continue the meetings - I wanted to know what was going on.
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That night I was staying in a hotel.  I had a friend who lives somewhat close to where I was staying, and thankfully he came to stay with me.  That is a night I would not have wanted to be alone.
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What I remember most about the days and weeks following that awful day is the way our country came together.  It didn't matter if you were a Republican or Democrat - we all stood together for our country.  We were all in it together.
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On the one year anniversary, I again had to travel to the other side of the state for work.  I was listening to the radio who was broadcasting a special on the anniversary.  At 8:46 AM, the moment that the first plane hit, I passed a man on the expressway who had pulled over and was standing along side the road waving a huge American flag.  It's something I will never forget.  It still brings tears to my eyes when I think about it.
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I took all these photos yesterday at a memorial called the "West Michigan Healing Field".  There is a flag representing every person who lost their life that day - 3200 flags.
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Each flag has a tag with a name and information about those who died.  There are flags without tags, representing those who have not yet been identified.
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Reading the names attached to the flags was a moving experience.
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Each flag is available for sale, with the proceeds benefiting first responder charities.  If you are interested in purchasing a flag, or to learn more about the healing field, click here.
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I hope we never forget September 11th, or the patriotism that we felt afterwards.
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"A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.

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America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.
. Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature. And we responded with the best of America — with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could."
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- President George W. Bush; Address to the Nation, September 11, 2001

13 comments:

  1. This is really a neat idea, Alissa. Is it a temporary thing just for the anniversary? What a fitting and heartfelt memorial for those who lost their lives.

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  2. So moving...that field of flags is so impactful. Wow. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. A beautiful memorial to honor lives lost.

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  4. Beautiful tribute. Those flags are amazing. I too will never forget where I was when I heard the news. My husband is a pilot for United Airlines.....it felt good to know he was safe, grounded in Cincinnati when they ceased all flight operations in the US.

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  5. What a fabulous tribute. Being Canadian, we still felt the fear and anxiety that our neighbours felt because it was an attack on ideals we all hold true in North America. Now after having had the most amazing privilege of living in your country for a few years I admire and understand the American resolve and patriotism you all hold so dear.

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  6. What a powerful memorial. Thank you for sharing this with us. Have a good day.Blessings...Mary

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  7. Great post, Beege. The healing field looks very cool, great way to do a tribute. You got some really nice pictures too.

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  8. what a great tribute to everyone, thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts 10 years ago. you are right whether Republican or Democrat it doesn't matter we come together as a country one and united, and don't let people with violent plans destroy us as a nation

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  9. What impactful images. God Bless America.

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  10. Thanks so much for this tribute and thanks for Geo. W. Bush's speech. I will always think he was one of the main reasons we didn't all just fall apart after 9/11. :)

    I'll come back later to link for tomorrow.

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  11. this is a great post, alissa. i love to see really meaningful tributes and next to the nyc memorial, this is definitely my favorite. i love that each flag is personified by providing information about individuals who lost their lives.

    thanks for sharing!

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  12. Thank you for that post, so moving.

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