Ten years ago tonight, I sat on the fireplace in my parent’s home, watching the news with my grandpa, brothers and parents. My dad was shuffling back and forth between the kitchen and the living room, mumbling to himself under his breath. He does that when he is frustrated.
I remember thinking to myself as ABC News blared in the background, I hope this never happens again. Minutes later, President George W. Bush told millions of Americans that it wouldn’t, and I remember feeling comforted.
I think the fact that I now live in Washington, D.C., one of the cities that was attacked on that clear morning, is forcing me to actually reflect on how lucky I am. I am sitting down with my wife, watching Sunday Night Football. I can do that because ten years ago, millions of American’s became devoted to two words: “Never Again.”
Never Again: It is not a political charge or rallying cry. It is not a militaristic vendetta. It is a declaration that the 2,997 memories held by all Americans will not be forgotten.
These pieces come from the engines of the planes that flew into the World Trade Center buildings. They are on display at the Newseum, donated by the FBI. If you get a chance to see this exhibit at the Newseum, it is very moving and extremely well done.
This twisted heap of metal is the antenna of the WTC. It sits in a room with thousands of Sept. 12, 2001 front pages from around the nation and world. On the adjacent wall to the antenna, notes from people who were directly affected by Sept. 11 are projected onto the wall.
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