9/11: A Year of Introspection

[Captain Rooster]

How many times a day do the images cloud our thoughts?

Do we see our role in the world any differently?

I can say this: I love my family in a deeper way than I ever could have realized prior to 9/11.

I know many of the members have lost family and friends in the attack and I mourn for you and with you.

I was there. I stood and watched my fellow Americans jump. I felt the heat as the second plane roared into the second tower before my eyes.

My friends, I love and appreciate all of you.

If you need to vent, feel free to share those feelings with your friends here. I have and do daily.

Remembering can be cathartic. Venting can be cathartic. Friends can help to carry our burdens each day.

Thank you for being there for me. I hope I have reciprocated the love I have felt from you.

Life has changed.






<CENTER><img src=http://www.ltrooster.homestead.com/files/911Eagle.jpg></center>
<CENTER>Remember Our Fallen Brothers and Sisters</center>

[fiestygal]

I love NYC sooo much...whenever i would take the train form trenton id know if i was near NYC by the twin towers...I honestly can say I MISS THEM TERRIBLY..I MISS THE PEOPLE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES TERRIBLY- i may not know them but i miss them..im tired of seeing the images...everytime i see them i get goose bumps....

<IMG SRC="http://rfnetearth2ron.50megs.com/images/fiestygal.jpg">
this pic is thanx to E2R..I'll get off my SOAP BOX now!...
I am a goofball & swell to boot

[EffMeBoobs]

A year has passed and I still
can't believe this disaster
happened here, in America?

Three hundred and sixty five
days have gone by and it feels
just like yesterday.

My heart goes out to all those
who lost loved ones.

I honor all those who put their
life second to the safety of
others.

I hope one day we all can live in
peace and harmony.

God Bless America and We Will
Never Forget.



http://
members.hometown.aol.com/
_ht_a/kiestune/images/
effmesig1.gif
Thanks Sheepy!!

[JerseyRich]

It's now 12 months after I woke up on that Tuesday morning and turned on the TV to see a scene that I could not believe...
Tears welled up in my eyes as they are right now...and I said to myself...HOLY SHIT! All those people, all those families...all those lives.
I reached for the phone to call Helen and got a message saying all lines are busy...

I could hear my mother's silence downstairs.

It's now less than 10 hours away from the anniversary and I plan on thinking of everyone that is gone...and reflecting on what the world is and what it will be in the future.

Thank you Rooster for this thread.
I love you all.
God Bless America

<img src=http://home.ix.netcom.com/~camman/_uimages/USAflag.gif>
I'd like an order of UH UH!
With a side of some UH UH!

This message was edited by JerseyRich on 9-10-02 @ 11:55 PM

[Tazz]

I can still remember where I was when this all happened, both physically and in my life. I was already down, and the events of that day certainly didn't help. But in the weeks and months that followed, things starting getting better. I met people that I can finally consider friends. People I can trust, people that trust me. You know who you are. I love each and every one of you.

<img src=http://tazz1376.homestead.com/files/tazz.gif>
Thanks J.R.
I Don't Care About Anyone Else But Me - Drowning Pool

[HordeKing1]

We must never forget this heinous act of terror or the people who committed this attrocity. We must never forget the pain we all felt as we watched the planes hit, the towers burn and then collapse. We must never forget the empty shellshocked feeling we experienced listening to the reports or the growing realization of the thousands of direct victims and the untold number of people less directly affected.

We must never forget the lost feelings of the families of the victims or their inability to comprehend, much less accept what happened to their husband, wife, mother or father, or child.

We can never forget the many sufferers of post traumatic stress disorder and how that has affected their lives.


There is one caveat however. For many people, the actual images I've described and that we've all seen are too fresh in our minds. I know that I cannot see this footage again without losing it (and thus being helpful to no one). Remember. Never forget. But don't feel that you must watch the footage at the one year anniversary. For some, the wound is still too fresh. The footage will be there for you to see when you are more able to deal with it.

<img src="http://members.aol.com/rnfpantera/hking1">

[Gvac]

My life was turned upside down and inside out last year, and if not for the love of friends and family, I don't know where I'd be right now.

The attacks on our country, and particularly the one right in my own back yard (NYC) were positively devestating to me. I never thought it was possible to feel such pain and grief for people you didn't even know, I now know differently.

I've learned quite a bit about myself and the kind of people in my life through all of this, and I suppose that is the only "good" to come out of such an awful day.

<img src=http://www.ltrooster.homestead.com/files/911.jpg>

Another Rooster Masterpiece

[gone]

i remember the smell.. the way people looked, like the world had ended and we only had eachother.. the way we all tried so damn hard to be apart and help in some way, the way it felt like a dream, and still does in away... the fucked up things i did to my coworkers, and how much i hated this country until i really talk to 2 very special men on this board... the way i thought i would never stop crying.. the images of people trying so hard to find their loved ones... how devistated i was when i couldnt find my uncle (who is unharmed)... how vulnerable we felt as a nation.... new york forever bar crawls...

let us not forget..
we as a nation need to be strong...


C*U*N*T "That's just it. The logic is fucked up here. There is something inherently wrong in this." JTHM
DARK PRINCESS of the coven.
<img src=http://members.aol.com/inkgrrrl99/images/bink&inkysig2.gif width="300" height="100>

[gone]

September 11th 2001
Taken from a letter to Nathan


Today was the weirdest day of my life. You may have heard by now someone flew jets into the world trade center in NY. I didn't hear about it until it was way later in the day. Something like 3000 people injures and like 4 of 5 thousand dead. Every radio station was taken over by up to the minute updates. Every airport was shut down cause the planes that were crashed were hijacked flights from local airports. One of them being the airport in my state. At first the twin towers stood on fire with up to 60 thousand people it waiting to be rescued until suddenly on of the buildings came crashing down. A good portion of NYC covered in a thick black dust. A lot of the victims were even rushed to hospitals in my area since there aren't enough doctors on the island of Manhattan to tend to them all. It was so scary Nathan and the worst part is we aren't totally sure who is responsible. Since whoever was flying the planes are now dead, we aren't sure whom to blame. If you've seen the news you'll have seen the devastation and many of my friends have lost people today. But since its hard to get in and out of NYC noone is sure who is dead yet. I want out of this god-forsaken country so bad. As an American citizen I get peace and freedom yet I also get to fear for my life on a daily basis. Every other country in the world hates us and is willing to kill us innocent civilians to prove it. We are going to war here. And it started 30 minutes from my home.

9/14/01- Things are complicated in this part of the world. I have spent a lot of time with my family mostly because I can. Tonight was a night of prayer and mourning. At 7pm everyone in the area stopped what they were doing and went outside to light a candle. I was amazed to see all the light coming from every house and street corner. I don't think I have stopped crying all day. Every house hangs an American flag. Many businesses have a flag in their window. We declared war yesterday. Baby, it's so weird. The whole area smells like death.

its scary how much ive changed in a year... oh i guess i forgot to mention i wrote this a year ago.. nathan is my ex bf

C*U*N*T "That's just it. The logic is fucked up here. There is something inherently wrong in this." JTHM
DARK PRINCESS of the coven.
<img src=http://members.aol.com/inkgrrrl99/images/bink&inkysig2.gif width="300" height="100>




This message was edited by inkgrrrl on 9-11-02 @ 11:55 PM

[Aggie]

.......

<IMG SRC="http://www.silentspic.com/images/911/911sig.jpg">
'I know not what course others may take; but as for me,
give me liberty or give me death!' ~Patrick Henry

[blakjeezis]

Now more than ever, we must hold true to the idea and ideals that make our country the greatest on the Earth. Enjoy this Freedom, flaunt it, because those monsters tried and are still trying to take it from us and, Goddammit, we're not gonna let them.
Mourn and honor those who perished in the attacks, cry for them and their families. They were murdered for being free. We must not allow their deaths to go unnoticed. Our tears are testaments to their lives.
Put away any bitterness, any squabbling, any political disagreements. The Eleventh isn't a day for division, it's a day for unity.
Love each other, respect each other, hold each other in sadness and happiness. If we grieve together, we heal together. If we heal together, we fight together.


<IMG SRC =http://blakjeezis.homestead.com/files/sabretooth.gif>
Thanks to PanterA
<marquee>White people are so scared of blakjeezis</marquee>

[TheMojoPin]

The worst part was the fear in between when the planes hit and when the Towers fell. Everyone was saying that there were still planes in the air, carbombs were going off in DC...it was absolute chaos, and the feeling of helplessness was the absolute worst thing I've ever felt. Even more than sadness, I feel this enraging frustration watching the replays and video footage. I can see the plane headed towards a building full of people just working about their lives, and for some reason it feels like I should be able to yell at them, "Get out! Now!" That's the worst part for me...and it'll really take a lot and a long time to make that go away...

<img src=http://www.ltrooster.homestead.com/files/themojopin.jpg>
"You can tell some lies about the good times you've had/But I've kissed your mother twice and now I'm working on your dad..."
-TMP

[Jobberific]

This is something I've never brought up until today. I lost a cousin in the towers. I never brought it up becuase we weren't particualry close, and it felt kind of insulting to all the people who lost husbnds, wives, children, close friends for me to mention it. But as we get closer to the exact hour one year later I think I've been doing a disservice to his memory. He was still family. His name was Kenneth Cubas. He had a wife that will never see him again. His wife has said that she recieved many phone calls from his co-workers that day that said he helped them out of the 2nd tower and returned inside to help more people when the tower collapsed.
I don't really know why I posted this but I just needed to get it off my chest.

"DANCE MONKEYS!!!! DANCE FOR OUR PLEASURE!!!"

[Gwen]

In some ways I can't believe it's already been a year. Though I did have people very close to me in NYC and DC at the time I was fortunate to not lose them, however I often try and imagine how devastated some people are who have lost loved ones from this event.

Although I wish this day never had to happen as many do, I feel it was important on so many levels. Personally, it showed me what it was like to truly be scared. This is the first time in my life that I could really comprehend the concepts of war, attack, terrorism and devastation of that magnitude. I was alive for the Gulf War, but what can a 3rd or 4th grader really understand? This was important for us as a country because it showed us that we're not invincible, but that we will only come together united and stronger. Finally it showed the world that a hero isn't the latest pop star or an athelete, but that a REAL hero could be your parent, friend, neighbor or even a total stranger who was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to save others.

There is not a day in my life that I don't pray for peace for those who lost someone and some sense to come from all of this, today will be no different.

<img src=http://robie.nine-zero.com:443/files/dynamitediva/usf26.gif>

<b>One Nation, Under God with Liberty & Justice for all.</b>

[Cybersoldier]

I remember waking up going online and see the a window with one of the towers on fire. I rushed to the living room and turned on the tv and shock just hit my face. Then see the second plane it just turnned to anger and then sadness when they fell. I feel an emptyness after a year, I miss the twin towers and the lost of life is just ...My life has changed more for the better I hope.

<IMG SRC="http://cybersoldier.iwarp.com/images/cyber.jpg">
thanks earth2ron

[fatty]

Out of all the sadness I must say this, I try to not take for granted any thing i have, because i now know how quickly it can be taken away.

i love you all my friends, God bless us all through these trying times and please help to give us strength.

<IMG SRC=http://www.silentspic.com/images/sighost/biggie2.jpg>
Aggie is the money!

[jestah]

They say a picture paints a thousand words...

I have seen more images, heard more sounds and been told more stories than I could have ever possibly invisioned. I will never be able to hear a soda can hit the ground without shuddering (for those of you who did not see the 911 special on CBS I think it was, watch it tonight. You will understand what I mean - the sound, not the actual act), I will never be able to hear a plane off in the distance and not immediately look skyward or sit in an airport and not look around nervously at my fellow passengers.

I have seen photos from the rubble, taken by my cousin in his down time who as a Volunteer Firefighter, spent 1 week of his life sifting through the carnage. I still hear of his occasional nightmares and awaking to a cold sweat.

I get weekly updates from my brother acrossed country to let me know if he's been recalled to the Navy. I heard the fear in his voice when he told me that he was ordered to report to Fort Lewis in Washington but he didn't know for what reason. He's been there for combat twice already and couldn't fathom having to leave is two little boys yet another time, but would if asked.

Live each day as if it were your last. No regrets, nothing left unsaid. Tell the people that mean the most to you that you love them daily. Support your local civil servants, whether they be Volunteer or Professional. But most of all, never forget...



<IMG SRC=http://blakjeezis.homestead.com/files/image2.gif>


thanks blakjeezis for the sig

[fiestygal]

well i woke up today and looked outside my window and i feel the breeze...todays weather was EXACTLY the same as it was a yr ago...the strong sun, the breeze, everything...last yr i remember walking around campus(which i never did) and feeling the warm sun against my skin and the warmth threw my clothing..i live in the philly area and as i crossed the street there were not many cars on the road because at that time the mayor advised people to stay inside and to not venture out( for safety precautions)....i remember just wondering how it could be so peaceful on campus(as in quiet) and then trying to FULLY grasp what happened/ happening in NYC at that moment..my heart sank and i felt alone and wanted in some way to help or add SOME contribution...

<IMG SRC="http://rfnetearth2ron.50megs.com/images/fiestygal.jpg">
this pic is thanx to E2R..I'll get off my SOAP BOX now!...
I am a goofball & swell to boot

[Aggie]

A thoughful mind, when it sees a Nation's flag, sees not the flag only, but the Nation itself: and whatever may be its symbols, its insignia, he reads chiefly in the flag the Government, the principles, the truths, the history which belongs to the Nation which belongs to the Nation that sets it forth.
--Henry Ward Beecher

Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women: when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it.
-- Judge Learned Hand

Let every nation know,
whether it wishes us well or ill,
that we shall pay any price,
bear any burden, meet any hardship,
support any friend, oppose any foe,
to assure the survival and success of liberty.
--John F. Kennedy





<IMG SRC="http://www.silentspic.com/images/911/911sig.jpg">
'I know not what course others may take; but as for me,
give me liberty or give me death!' ~Patrick Henry

[Freeze]

I had one crazy dream from 9/11 a blimp crashed and planes were diving into my back yard. It was creepy.

Its pretty cold in here.......

[brodieman]

I woke up this morning and went outside, i could feel the beautiful sun on my face, fest the cool breeze, i heard bells from the church near me. i thought to myself 'it's a beautiful day'

it truly is a beautiful day
as we try to move on, we must never forget. the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.

take care today everyone, make sure you tell the people you love just how much they mean to you today. spend sometime with your family and friends. never forget what happened and never forget how to live

god bless america, god bless us all

<IMG SRC="http://publish.hometown.aol.com/brodieman3001/myhomepage/fdny.jpg?mtbrand=AOL_US">
Never Forget
God Bless America

FDNY

[TheMojoPin]

Down here in DC, it is indeed a beautiful day. Hardly any clouds in the sky, a slight breeze, the sky is brilliant blue, the temperature is just right.

It's absolute perfection, and I can't think of a more perfect tribute.

<img src=http://www.ltrooster.homestead.com/files/themojopin.jpg>
"You can tell some lies about the good times you've had/But I've kissed your mother twice and now I'm working on your dad..."
-TMP

[CreepyGyrl]

This morning (12am) Rev and I lit our candles for all those who lost a loved one. We also intend on comemorating this anniversary with our community.

Up until 1 year ago today, I wasn't particulary interested in government issues, not to mention very patriotic. However, about this exact time last year I was still waiting to find out what happened to my father. It wasn't until about 4 pm that he managed to find a phone, call me and let me know he was okay. My father was lucky. Just 4 or so months prior to the disaster, my father's office was reloccated to building number 7. He never bothered to tell any of us because it wasn't a big issue or so he thought. Now he is retired, living through both bombings of the Trade Center has been enough for him.

As I woke today, even though I was lucky enough not to loose anyone, I was filled with fear and sadness. I have been glued to the radio since, shedding tears here and there in the privacy of my office. When Howard Stern rebroad cast last years show starting from the time it all began, I felt physically ill.

Although I am still filled with fear and sadness now, I am displaying my pride in being an American in any way I can, for now its just wearing the colors, but after work I hope to do more.

I will NEVER forget the events of last year, nor do I believe anyone will. I am very grateful to my love Rev, with out him I wouldn't have been able to make it. He was my support, and continues to be today. I hope that all who feel the same have someone special like Rev to lean upon for support.

Can't we all just get along!!!


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