My feelings on what happened during September 11, 2001, gave me an overwhelming feeling of confusion and grief. To this day, I still do not understand why these terrorist attacks were propelled against New York City. I watched the news all day on September 11 and learned as much as I could. I called my mom after the attacks occurred, knowing that she was working right in town. There was just that security of hearing a mother’s voice, no matter how old one may be.
In school, students were crying, petrified of the possibility that their parents did not make it out in time. It baffles me as to how these terrorists got onto a plane with these so called weapons. Envelope openers and plastic knifes passed right through security, something that will now be changed forever. They were walking around Newark airport just like anybody else, with one word on their mind, kill. Newark airport is about 20 minutes away from my house. New York City is about 40 minutes; I could see the smoke emerging from the World Trade Center. My aunt, whom flies almost everyday, could have been standing right next to the terrorists. Or ever worse, she could have been on one of the hijacked planes.
A few days after the attacks, crowds of American citizens gathered in the streets, waving American flags, singing songs, and rejoicing. Tying American flags to cars and houses gave me a feeling of patriotism. However, it is sad that such a tragedy has brought our world together this way. This is a time when families come together. The most touching moment was when I attended a candlelight vigil here in my town. There was an amazing turnout, everyone praying and remembering together. From the songs to the speeches, no one could have put it better. Our country suffered a huge loss, these were repulsive acts, and I hope that our country stands up for itself, and fights back.
By MR age 17