I was in the 7th grade on September 11th, 2001. My mother woke me up at 6:30am and quietly asked me to come watch TV in the living room. This was unusual. I knew something was wrong.
Two planes had struck the twin towers in New York. I asked my mother with confusion, “Don’t pilots have lots of training? How could two of them had made this mistake?” She calmly explained that this was not an accident. She told me there were people in the world who wished to do evil deeds to others for no reason besides deep hatred. At 11, I knew people did bad things but this idea of terrorism had never occurred. How could someone intentionally want to cause this kind of immense, lasting pain to an entire country?
18 years later, I’m riding in a fire engine with the Chico Fire Department. I’m doing a civilian ride along and we’re heading to a city wide 9/11 memorial service. I’m spending the day with these brave men and women to see what they see, to experience what they experience. As a civilian, it’s not easy but it’s essential to understand and appreciate.
Almost 3,000 people lost their lives that day in a cruel display of senseless hatred. 343 firefighters, 23 New York City Police Officers, 37 Port Authority Police Officers were killed evacuating the World Trade Center when it collapsed.
These first responders run toward danger as we run away, defying every natural inclination of human self-preservation. On 9/11, as tens of thousands ran from the World Trade Center, they ran toward it. We flee while they stand and fight with the Herculean strength of a warrior. It’s something for which I will never be able to fully express my gratitude. I am humbled to be support this brotherhood, this family of brave men and women who risk their lives, without a second thought to protect our lives and our freedoms. Thank you all for doing the work that you do.
Take a few moments to reflect today. Reflect on the things for which you are grateful, reflect on the people you love and have lost. Enjoy the breaths you breathe. Any day could be our last. Don’t take any of them for granted.