September 11th.. A Day to be Remembered

          

        The whole Country was greatly affected on September 11^th 2001; it’s the day we will never forget, and a date that makes us all cringe.  At this time I was living in New Jersey just 15 miles from New York City.  I remember the day very vividly; I remember the panic at my elementary school, and the fear in my teacher’s eyes.  But what I remember most is my Dad walking through the back gate in my yard he was covered in dirt. Hurt, confusion and fear were evident in his expression and eyes.  As young as I was, I understood something was terribly wrong. 

          Its difficult to find any hint of hope from this day but in this article I came across shines light on tiny details from that day; “the head of one company survived 9/11 because he took his son to kindergarten, Another fellow is alive because it was his turn to bring donuts. Another lady was late because her alarm clock didn't go off on time. One more survivor missed his bus. One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change. One's car wouldn’t start. One went back to answer the telephone. One couldn't get a taxi”.  All these survivors were truly blessed, the last one strikes me the most, Taxis are everywhere in New York!  Not only do these little incidents bring a tiny bit of hope to this disastrous event but the many, many heroes that arose and the unity of our country does too. 

     One brave heroes name was Welles Crowther, he was an equities traded on the 104^th floor in the South Tower, he had experience as a firefighter from his youth and he fully manipulated his abilities on this day.  Crowthers sacrificed his own life so strangers could live.  What bonded them together is the fact that these strangers were fellow Americans, as one of the woman he saved said; “He’s definitely my guardian angel — no ifs, ands or buts..”  And she goes on to explain why he did it ”In his mind, he had a duty to do — to save people,” recalled Judy Wein.  This to me represents an American, someone who is willing to sacrifice his or her own life so someone else can live.  A selfless person determined to take a stand.  Although September 11^th is a day full of sorrow, sadness, and fear I truly believe that underneath it all there are glimpses of hope due to the bravery and sacrifice of true American Men and Woman. 

                                                                Welles Crowthers