9/11

Everyone always poses the great question: "Where were you on 9/11? What were you doing when you found out?" and so forth. Where I was on 9/11 is of no significance, I was in the 6th grade, in the Principal's Office at Haysville Junior High. No, I wasn't in trouble (yet) but yet I was still there, saw the image of the first tower being hit played repeatedly, and watched, in shock, awe, and strangely a slight sense of amusement as the second plane flew into the other tower. I do not recall why I was amused, only that in reflection I realize that I did not fully comprehend what was happening at the time. My next class was a computers class, and I recall that we did nothing but watch the T.V. Living near Wichita at the time, I recall the air as being tense, as many believed we may have been a target due to McConnell AFB and the numerous airplane manufacturers located in Wichita. The moment that I recall more than 9/11, however, was a few days later. The whole city, as well as the country, had swelled with patriotism. Signs said "God Bless America" flags flew, people seemed more alive, friendlier, as it may have been. Looking back, I am saddened that it took a national tragedy to invoke these feelings of pride in one's country, sad that it took this to get people to accept the word "God" on a billboard without the ACLU suing the every living shit out of the company, because that is what it was before, and that is what it is once again. But I digress. The moment I most recall from the weeks following 9/11 was the day I was returning to school from a doctor's appointment. My mother was driving, and we were listening to some country station in Wichita. As we were driving down the road, I saw numerous flags being flown, some at half staff, others at full staff, some with POW/MIA flags below, others with "Don't Tread on Me" flags below. "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood started playing on the radio, his tones, that haunting voice, full of sadness and pride at once. I recall my chest swelling with pride, as I listened to the lyrics and saw the flags pass by, one by one. I recall that day when I have days of depression, days of sadness. It reminds me why I do what I do, why I am where I am. So, ask yourself, not where were you on 9/11, but what did you do as a result of it?