Never Forget

the Manhattan Skyline post September 11, 2001
photo courtesy of urbanpeek.com

This morning I snuggled with my roommates in front of the television watching the 9/11 memorial in Manhattan.  Ten years ago, while home from school with a stomach ache, I snuggled with my mom in front of the television and watched as the second plane hit the South Tower of the World Trade Center.  Tears rolled down my cheeks today as they rang the bells to symbolize 10 years since the moment the North Tower collapsed, just as tears rolled down my cheeks 10 years earlier when I watched in happen on live TV.

Gettysburg College hosted a beautiful ceremony this evening for the campus and community to come together to remember and reflect on the events of September 11, 2001.  A memorial service was held on the lawn in front of Pennsylvania Hall followed by a candlelight vigil at Quarry Lake.  The ceremony concluded with a gun salute and the playing of “Taps”.  That song gets me every time!

the American Flag flying at half-mast over Pennsylvania Hall at Gettysburg College

Today, as I rode the roller coaster of emotions, I reminded

myself what is most important in life:

my love for my friends,

for my family

and for my country.

P.S. To my family – I miss you, today and every day while I am at college, and I love you more than you will ever know.  To my roommates – thank you for making me smile today, as you do every day.  I love you girls, and the brownies, wine and homework party that we’re having tonight is the perfect ending to an emotional day.