For many, 16 years ago today on September 11, 2001, was going to be the first day of the rest of their lives. A day that will live in infamy. It was a dark day in US history, as nearly 3,000 people died when hijackers commandeered airplanes and slammed them into NYC's World Trade Center, US Pentagon and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, hating Americans into a new consciousness and the real threat of international terrorism.
All travelers, who were trying to return home to America or any visitors who were coming here from many other countries, like my wife and son, who were re-routed to Vancouver, BC and others to a small Canadian town, on an island in the North Atlantic Ocean. In total, nearly forty planes and 700 travelers were stranded as a result of this criminal act, which must be thoroughly investigated, and we can apply justice for all.
The travelers were at a loss of what to do, where to go and how to get essentials from their inaccessible luggage, most of these travelers found overwhelming hospitality. My wife and son, who was then five eventually entered the United States days later inside a bus. It was a difficult experience, which prepared them for a future, which is not always fair and fearless.
Today, while Americans deal with with the destruction caused by two ferocious hurricanes in the past three weeks, the US observes the anniversary of the nation’s most difficult days.
Thousands of 9/11 victims’ relatives, survivors, rescuers, and others gather at the World Trade Center to commemorate the deadliest terror attack on American soil.
Sixteen years later, the quiet remembrance may have become customary to some, along with the recitation of all the names of the dead, but we must never forget and continue these moments of silence, along with the tolling bells, and these powerful light beams that will shine through the night.
AP Photo
The Falling Man http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a48031/the-falling-man-tom-junod/