Today is the 16th anniversary of the day that both Andrew and I first experienced a nation-wide tragedy. Before September 11, 2001, we had only heard stories of the past American or world events that our parents and grandparents had experienced. The events where they knew exactly where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news. The events that changed the way they looked at the world.

Below is a quick look at what we experienced as mere nine-year-olds.

Jory:

A typical morning as a 4th grader involved rolling out of bed and bringing my clothes to my parents’ room so I could sleep a little longer. As they got ready they always had something on the TV, whether it was news or cartoons. Today it happened to be the news, and my parents were in a solemn mood. We watched the towers in flames and heard the warnings of more plane hijackings in the works. They (in simple terms) tried to explain the little they knew about what was going on to my sister and I, but I don’t think at that point we really understood. We just knew something very bad and very big was happening to OUR country, that we were taught was pretty much invincible.

We got ready and went to school where my mom was the principal. I think that is where it finally sunk in. There were a lot of phone calls calling kids out for the day, and my mom was busy figuring out how to address this with students and teachers. We were so far from the actual attacks, but Arizona has a very large nuclear plant and it was thought we might become a target. I don’t quite remember the rest of the day, probably because it was a blur, but I do know it was all my friends and I discussed.

Over the next few weeks all the coverage of the rescue missions was constantly on our TV. One of the biggest things that hit me was all the pregnant women that no longer had a father for their unborn babies. My mom was pregnant at the time, due with my brother in November. Talk about a reality check. Those images will be forever imprinted.

Andrew:

Like most, I vividly remember the details of that day like it was yesterday. I awoke on September 11, 2001 and strolled downstairs to eat before school. We were expecting a delivery of couches that day so our living room was empty other than the movie case and the TV. I stepped off the stairs and could see both of my parents frozen, just locked into the TV. As I came closer I quickly realized what was happening as they played and replayed the planes crashing into the World Trade Centers. It was death and destruction the likes of which I had never seen in my life, and it hit me hard. At some point, it was decided that we would cautiously go about our days as normal as possible. So off to school we were.

Once at school, it was a madhouse- teachers and students were lost and not a thing was instructed that day, as the catastrophic event took all the attention. While watching media coverage in my 4th grade classroom, it was clear that many of the kids did not fully understand what was happening. I am a very empathetic person and I quickly became upset during recess when classmates were joking and laughing about the atrocities that had taken place only hours before. I went up to the office and made a call to my mom to come pick me up. We then went home and spent the rest of the day as close together as a family as we could and just spent time sending thoughts and prayers to those affected most.

September 11, 2001 will always live in infamy, but it also showed how strong the American people can be when they stand together and united. This should be the American standard of excellence always, not just in times of great adversity. We are all Americans together and that pride and unity should show every day.

–Andrew & Jory