Tomorrow is the anniversary of one of the worst days in the life of Americans everywhere.
I remember the first time I went to Ground Zero. I had happily volunteered to help feed the rescue workers and was honored to be able to contribute in that small way. It was the least I could do. After all, I wasn't a member of the police, fire or rescue teams, I wasn't in construciton or clean-up. I just wanted to do something to help. I was ready, willing and able to dish out soup, deliver coffee, serve the meals, anything. I'd seen all the footage, was familiar with the sight of the rubble and the carnage. I was prepared.
Or so I thought.
Just seeing the hole in the skyline was troubling enough, but it was the smell of death that hit you when you pulled up at the site that really shakes one to the core. It was everywhere. No escaping the odor. Though you got used to it and the odor siminished, it did not go away. A newscast could not even begin to describe that aspect of the clean-up nor preapre you for it. It was disturbing after only one day there. Can you imagine being there every day?
When I got home, my husband could smell it as soon as I walked in the door. It premeated my clothes, hair and skin. It took a long shower, a lot of perfumed bath gel and a few spins through the wash cycle for my clothes to get ride of the smell. It was the smell of 9/11 and I'll never forget it.
I'm not going to get on my soap box and tell everyone to never forget. Some people will. But I won't. Never.
God Bless America.
picture 1 - ground zero
picture 2- dad and I getting ready to serve the meals
Picture 3 - dad, sis and I just before leaving - picture taken by a member of NYPD who dubbed dad "Soup Boy" and was making us laugh.
What a wonderful testimonial. I too was affected by that day in more ways than one. It was the day of one of RWA/NYC's Wine and Cheese galas and everyting in and out of the city of course was closed down.
ReplyDeleteIt was a cruel and sad day,and like you I will never forget.
A few years later I had the honor of reading some of the names in a televised ceremony held by Cantor Fitzgerald who lost the lion's share of people in the attacks, although EVERY life was precious. I count my blessings, because I was almost on the plane that went down in PA.
Kathy, I don't believe there was anyone in any country in the world that was not touched by 9/11. It was heartbreakingly horrendous just watching it on television. Thinking of all those personally touched by the tragedy today...
ReplyDeleteI remember watching it happen on TV. I don't think I saw the original, but rather the repeats, as I was at work. How horrifying it was! I cheered the people who stopped the other plan from crashing into the White House. I was sad they died, but cheered their bravery and self-sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteI don't think anyone will ever forget--and they shouldn't. It was an awakening as to our vulnerability. As a country untouched by modern warfare, we'd grown complacent. I hope we will never be again.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post--and for your service on behalf of those who couldn't be there.
Hi, Kathye. Just seeing what had happened on TV on that fateful day was disturbing and heartrending. I can not imagine having worked the site also. The act was so cruel, that it seemed unreal. Thank God there are still good people out in the world. You are to be commended for all that you did.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for renewing my faith that we will never forget all the new angels God received that day.
ReplyDeleteThanks you all for remembering with me
As you say, some will forget. Most of us will not.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that wonderful post. GOD bless you for helping. GOD bless all who helped. And all who were lost.
Thank you for volunteering and for the post. I was in NYC and saw first hand what was happening from my Midtown office. For months afterward, I cried as hope faded for all the people whose smiling faces were plastered on posters all across the city. Never forget. Never stop being vigilant.
ReplyDeletethat's amazing Kathye, you are such a good person to have gone there to volunteer your time. To me that is a wonderful gift back to the world. Cool Kathye!
ReplyDeletecome over and visit us Kathye! See if you are interested in getting roasted. http://authorroastandandtoast.blogspot.com
Thanks for posting this, Kathye. To ever forget would be the biggest sin of all. Today I taught the National Anthem to children who weren't yet born when it happened. Trying to explain Patriot Day without tearing up was very hard. Most of the faculty wore red, white and blue. I sang in Tower One when it was first opened.
ReplyDeleteAnd one 'little boy' I taught in 1975 was a marine who lost his life in the Pentagon that day. As a country, as a member of the human race, we must never forget. These innocent victims of hatred should remain in our prayers. Their families as well.
Hello, i think everyone was touched by this. I certainly will never forget. -Laura
ReplyDeleteI came by to thank you for visiting my blog, Kathye, and found a wonderful and inspirational post. I will certainly never forget.
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