Pause for a moment of silence, honor those whose lives were lost
Friday September 7, 2012 | By:Kori Sciandra |
THE TONAWANDAS - As the 11th year anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 approaches, I can’t help but feel that the memories of that day have yet to fade.
A blurred vision of the attacks is something I would expect to feel more than a decade later. But instead, it’s still clear as day in my memory.
It’s often questioned if people ever really move on after they witness a tragedy. Yet, I find it comforting to believe that this tragedy will never be forgotten.
Although in my 26 years of living I was not exposed to the tragedies that many of those among me were, the impact of the terrorists attacks opened my eyes to a reality that terrible things can happen in the blink of an eye.
Sept. 11, 2001, is my generations tragedy. It, among other devastations our nation has endured, was the turning point for those of us who only knew of the terrible events that occurred in American history, as “history.”
That day not only changed the lives of American citizens forever, it also changed our views.
Terrorism became a reality to those of us who only knew it as the “possibility of threat,” rather than something that we might actually experience on American soil.
It was not just another news segment, or something to discuss at the office, it was history happening before our eyes.
Although I may have thought those images would be blurred, I am proud that my memories of that day are still so clear.
Those images are where the strength, courage and pride come from when we are able to stand tall and say, “I am proud to be an American.”
On Tuesday, whether it be in the silence of your home or surrounded by others, take a minute and remember those victims and first responders who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and those servicemen and woman who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, while fighting for our nation since those events took place.
The City of Tonawanda Fire Department will host a small remembrance ceremony the morning of the anniversary of Sept. 11. This Tuesday, at 8:59 a.m. (the time the first building was struck with a plane), the ceremony will involve a flag lowering and moment of silence. A second ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. for those who cannot attend the first ceremony. It will be similar to the morning ceremony, but may include an extra speech and prayer.
A blurred vision of the attacks is something I would expect to feel more than a decade later. But instead, it’s still clear as day in my memory.
It’s often questioned if people ever really move on after they witness a tragedy. Yet, I find it comforting to believe that this tragedy will never be forgotten.
Although in my 26 years of living I was not exposed to the tragedies that many of those among me were, the impact of the terrorists attacks opened my eyes to a reality that terrible things can happen in the blink of an eye.
Sept. 11, 2001, is my generations tragedy. It, among other devastations our nation has endured, was the turning point for those of us who only knew of the terrible events that occurred in American history, as “history.”
That day not only changed the lives of American citizens forever, it also changed our views.
Terrorism became a reality to those of us who only knew it as the “possibility of threat,” rather than something that we might actually experience on American soil.
It was not just another news segment, or something to discuss at the office, it was history happening before our eyes.
Although I may have thought those images would be blurred, I am proud that my memories of that day are still so clear.
Those images are where the strength, courage and pride come from when we are able to stand tall and say, “I am proud to be an American.”
On Tuesday, whether it be in the silence of your home or surrounded by others, take a minute and remember those victims and first responders who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and those servicemen and woman who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, while fighting for our nation since those events took place.
The City of Tonawanda Fire Department will host a small remembrance ceremony the morning of the anniversary of Sept. 11. This Tuesday, at 8:59 a.m. (the time the first building was struck with a plane), the ceremony will involve a flag lowering and moment of silence. A second ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. for those who cannot attend the first ceremony. It will be similar to the morning ceremony, but may include an extra speech and prayer.
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