"Let's Roll"

I was 12 years old. I was a 6^th grader. I was taking a test. I was sitting in Mr. Rollins’ math class. It was a Tuesday in September. The principal came in, whispered something into the ear of my teacher, they then both walked out of the classroom appearing very upset. My teacher later came back and stopped the test. He informed us of what had happened.

At the age of 12, I did not realize the gravity of the situation…until I got to my next class. I saw the replays of the plane hitting the tours. I saw the smoke billowing from the towers. I saw the bodies falling. I saw the towers collapse. I saw that field in Pennsylvania, where some went down as heroes. I saw the Pentagon. I saw the tears in the eyes of New Yorkers, in the eyes of the students and teachers at Norwell, and in the eyes of the world. I saw classmates praying that I never expected to see praying.  

That’s my story. We all have one. No matter where we were or what we were doing, we are reunited every year on this day. September 11, 2011, we will never forget. Never forget the sight of the planes, never forget the tragic moment of the collapse. Nor will we forget those who have fought and bled and died to keep our freedom true. 

This morning, I got up a little earlier to take in the significance of this day. I watched countless videos on youtube, bringing back the images. The sight. The sound of the last call as the tower collapsed. I watched, through CNN, a ceremony in New York City as they read all the names of the loved and lost on 9/11.

In hopes that you will never forget...

 

The phrase "Let's Roll" you may remember came from Todd Beamer. Todd was aboard Flight 93 and he said "Let's Roll" as him and other passengers overpowered the terrorists.

That's my story. I would love to hear yours.