Remembering 9/11- 14 Years Later…
By: Brittany Bevis
While it might be hard to believe, today marks the 14-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States that took place September, 11, 2001.
In total, when considering the first two plane crashes at the World Trade Center, the third plane crash at the Pentagon, and the fourth plane crash in a Pennsylvania field, close to 3,000 people died that day. 343 were firefighters and paramedics, 23 were New York City police officers, and 37 were Port Authority police officers. A whopping 10,000 people were treated for injuries ranging from mild to severe. By some reports, 3,051 children lost a parent during the 9/11 attacks and 17 babies were born to widows, whose husbands died on 9/11.
Why do we insist on reliving the events of 9/11, year after year, a day that conjures memories of such death, destruction, horror, helplessness, sorrow, and fear? We remember not only to honor those who were lost, but also because it brings to mind those incredible acts of heroism, stories of complete selflessness, and the sense of incredible unity present across the world during the aftermath. Simply put, we remember so we will never forget…
Today, on the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we asked our EquineChronicle.com readers three questions:
#1- Where were you and what were you doing on 9/11?
#2- Do you know of someone who was personally affected by the tragedy?
#3- What are you most proud of as an American?
Scroll below to check out their answers. Consider what you might say if asked the same questions. Share your memories by tagging The Equine Chronicle Facebook page with #WhereWereYou, #911, and #NeverForget.
Crystal Kovacs– “I was at Shane Rux’s house in Texas. We were hanging out for the weekend before we headed to a show in southern TX.”
“I knew a show manager from Michigan who was killed. Her name was Lisa Terry…”
“America was strong after that tragedy. People talked to each other, smiled when passing, and really became receptive to strangers. Sadly, I think that has past. I do however think that we should never let those memories die.”
Elizabeth Knabenshue- “How can anyone forget that day? I was at college, and we all left class to see the news. We saw the second plane hit. I remember driving home and thinking that this would be the only time in my life I wouldn’t see a plane in the sky. It was such a sad day.”
“My aunt was flying out of Boston that day. She was just getting ready to board when it happened, but so many were affected much more closely.
“What I am most proud of as an American are our soldiers. It is truly amazing what these men and women do on a daily basis for our country. They do all this and put their lives on the line while so many others focus on less important issues.”
Teresa Sullivan– “I had just woken up, as I’m on the west coast. The news was on and I thought it was all a dream. I kept saying, “Wake up!” Then, I just went into shock after the second plane hit and I cried. Not knowing what to do, I called my sisters and brother and ran to the barn to be with all my horses and stayed there all day in disbelief!”
“The thing I’m most proud of as an American is that, when such a tragedy hits the United States, we all bond together. It doesn’t matter if you’re black or white, we all unite as one…”
Kyle Defreece- “I was riding my 3-year-old preparing for the Congress at our old place in Dacula, GA. I heard a bit on the radio. As more reports came in, Dad and I went to the house to watch the coverage on TV.”
“I’d have to say the freedoms I’m provided with as American are what make me most proud.”
Jason Wanderer- “I was sleeping in Los Angeles. I remember a friend calling and screaming into my answering machine that I needed to get up because the world was ending.”
“I know several people who worked in the World Trade Center and lost their lives.”
“I am proud of our rights as Americans that allow citizens to affect change.”
Dee Redenius- “I was in Queen Creek, Arizona riding horses for a friend.”
“One of my friends had a cousin who was in the World Trade Center towers.”
“I am most proud to be an American because we have the right to make choices in our lives. We have so much more here than most countries.”
Adrienne Cober- “I can remember where I was very clearly…I was 20 years old and was driving to my college campus to attend class when I heard the news broadcast over the radio.”
“In college, I was dating a young man, whose father was the County Commissioner at that time for Somerset County, PA. That’s the county where Shanksville, PA is located. I was able to experience firsthand the challenges a political figure has to deal with during a time of national crisis.”
“Being an American has so many privileges that we take for granted on a daily basis. Without my freedom I wouldn’t be able to train some of the best horses in the country with the man I love.”
Click here to visit The Huffington Post’s page dedicated to pictures, videos, and stories from 9/11.
Titles include
- 9/11: Building a Legacy of Service
- Support the Undocumented Workers Who Risked Their Lives After 9/11
- “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death”: The Loss of Our Freedom in the Wake of 9/11
- Heroic 9/11 Ground Zero Rescue Dog Returns to Site For First Time Since Accident
- and many more
If you’re interested in learning more, visit The History Channel’s page dedicated to 9/11.
Remember to share your memories of 9/11 by tagging The Equine Chronicle Facebook page with #WhereWereYou, #911, and #NeverForget.
