11 September 2001

Thing that I remember most about September 11, 2001, is that I wasn't at work near the Navy Yards in Washington, DC that day.  My husband and I were in the Prince William County (Virginia) Courthouse in the town of Manassas on that morning.  As we were sitting on the benches, waiting to be called, a man said something about a plane being flown into the World Trade Center.  I cringe now, remembering that I shrugged that report off, saying that planes had flown into the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings in the past.  It was another thirty minutes before we heard that it was a airlines jet that hit the building, and another 15 minutes before we were told about the second plane.  Soon afterward, we were all dismissed from court.  When we arrived at our car, we heard about the crash into the Pentagon, and, from then on, the day was total chaos.
   As we were driving home to Lakebridge, the classical music station we normally listened to was switched over to a "sister station" that gave 24-hour news in the District.  We heard that all phone lines were tied up in the DC, northern Virginia, and southern Maryland areas.  We heard that the subway system and bus systems were closed down.  I was amazed that they aired "unconfirmed reports" that the Mall had been bombed and that part of the Smithsonian Institute had been "wiped away."  We stopped at the local grocery store on the way home and loaded up on items that we thought we might need.
  I think we spent the next 48 hours watching the Cable News Network.  CNN is the only logo that sticks in my mind when I think of those days.  It was a good thing I was not at work that day.  One of my co-workers commuted from Baltimore each day.  It took him 32 hours to return home, once our work force was dismissed at noon.  Two of the ladies I worked with had to walk across the District to get home - they left the office at 12 noon and arrived home at 8:30 that night.  I always took a combination of bus and subway into work, switching from one to the other at the Pentagon.  After 11 September, I could no longer travel that route.  I took a bus into L'Enfant Plaza and changed to the subway system there.
   Today I honor all those who passed away in the planes, and on the ground, and in buildings that day 14 years ago.  I also honor all the people who assisted strangers in the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, and all of the canines who worked with their handlers, trying to find survivors in the aftermath.  I honor all those who have passed from respiratory failure and cancers they received while simply helping others.  All of your lives were not in vain.  You are all American Heroes.

September 11, 2012

Eleven years ago, America learned that it was not immune to international terrorism.  It was a truly awful day in the history of our nation.  All of those who died that day, or due to injuries from that day, or from incurable illnesses that resulted from the attack, or happened because the person was one of those heroic first responders, should be praised, prayed for, and thanked from the bottoms of our hearts. 
   America came about because the first settlers wanted religious freedom - it is extremely sad to think that religion was the cause of the attack on this date.  America has lost many citizens in wars and in terrorist attacks.  I salute all of you.  You have all given me the life that I am able to freely live today.  Thank you.

A Busy Day Already - Memorial Day

Normally, I would be standing, or sitting in my chair, alongside Folsom Street and yelling encouragement at people competing in the Bolder Boulder 10K right now.  Instead, I have just finished a late breakfast (I consider it late because I've been up and going since 5) and am starting to blog...  I have the screen panels in place at the French doors, so I can hear the waterfall, as well as the interior water feature, gurgling gently.  I've watered the organic garden and all of the potted flowers and plants outside, have fed the koi, have fed and played with the cats and dog, have walked the dog, and have taken Jim and Kathy to a drop-off site near the Start line of the Bolder Boulder.  Jim's running group was to leave at 7:15, and I dropped he and Kathy off at 7:00, 6 blocks from the starting line.  Kathy is walking the course, with her arm in her sling, as her arm and shoulder still give her some twinges.   I'm about to go over to their house and "dognap" Boo and Mona to come play with Tessa in the back yard.  I have to admit to allowing Tessa to stay in the back yard with minimal supervision; if she starts barking, I'll bring her in, but the owner only allows the dog outside to use the bathroom - and I think Tessa needs time to run and play and just be a dog.  I'll go home and spend time with Lovey and Nedi later this afternoon or evening.

   Today is Memorial Day.  A day to give respect to those who have fought for our country, and those who have died serving our country.  The majority of my family arrived in the United States back when it was a British colony - where the dissidents, trouble-makers, and those seeking religious freedom came.  People on both sides of my family have fought for (a) the British Colonies, (b) the Continental Army during the Revolution, (c) the War of 1812, (d) the Mexican War, (e) on both sides of the Civil War, and so on and so on...  I am extremely proud of my ancestors who fought and bled for this country, and of everyone else who has served the United States.  The armed forces of today deserve every one's respect and thanks.
    I humbly thank all members of the United States armed services, whether they have served us in the past, are serving us now, or will do so in the future.  America depends upon  it's citizens who, willingly, serve our country.  God bless you, and thank you.