I remember vividly the day I was informed that two planes hit the world trade center. I cried, and I was only nine years old. My mother had to explain what terrorism was at such a young age because our world was being exposed to it in such a graphic way. One month before the attacks, I was on the observatory deck of the World Trade Center with my family, being exposed to the city I loved so much at such a beautiful height. One month later, I cried myself to sleep at the thought that ‘those two tall buildings’ collapsed, and all those innocent people lost their lives, including the only Chilean to pass on that day, whom was also my father’s friend. This is just my story, there are hundreds of thousands more. Tonight I write for New York City as well.
As many gathered to hear the names of those who lost their lives on September 11th 2001, the mood was once again somber, quiet, and melancholy. For the 15th time, thousands of family had to endure the pain and sorrow they felt on that Tuesday morning. Although it’s been over a decade, the pain will be forever.
Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives on September 11 when four hijacked planes slammed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and an attempted attack that left all 40 passengers on board dead when the plane crashed into a field in Shanksville Pennsylvania.
As his last term as president of the United States comes to an end, President Obama attended his last ceremony at the Pentagon speaking out, and encouraging to not let our enemies divide us, as we are one, and laying a wreath in remembrance.
As bells rang at important times of the day, presenters whom read the names of the victims shared personal stories about people they lost that day. The ceremony lasted about four hours with several of the victims families traveling to pay their respects and celebrate the lives of their loved ones they lost.
As they do every year, 88 searchlights illuminated the New York City skyline with the lights forming “Tributes in Light”, having the lights rise up to the sky in honor of the World Trade Center and all who lost their lives.
It doesn’t get easier, but the American spirit urges us to move on. We move on, but we don’t forget. Our city was attacked in a way that was unimaginable to millions. All over the world, time stopped. For once in this world, time stopped. The world stood still while millions of tv’s and news channels broadcasted the devastating images of 9/11.
15 years later, downtown Manhattan is as beautiful as ever before. With more buildings underway the Freedom Tower will always stick out. As a symbol of hope, freedom, and strength, it has given all of us New Yorker’s another reason to be proud of this amazing city.
Featured Image Via Wikimedia
