Remembering 9/11

For all of us living on September 11, 2001, no doubt we remember many details of what happened, what we felt like, and the mood of our country. In many ways, the events of that day were horrific – more about that in a moment. On another hand, the events of 9/11/2001 brought the country together, unified under as fellow citizens who cared for the people in New York City, at the Pentagon, and those on the flight 93 that crashed in the Pennsylvania countryside.

During the Attack

I remember walking through the administration building on the campus of Baptist Bible College. I was in my third year of teaching at the seminary. Mrs. Shirley Hackler, the executive secretary of the school for years, motioned me over to the television with another young man. The first plane had hit 1 WTC at 8:46 a.m. (EST). There we watched Charlie Gibson and Diane Sawyer try to wrap their minds around what happened. I remember them interviewing people on the phone as we watched live a second plane hit the twin towers at 9:03 a.m. (EST), 2 WTC, the south tower.

Along with millions of Americans, I stayed glued to the television. The president of the United States came on television to tell us what we could see plainly on our televisions; that is, it was an attack on the United States.

At 9:37 a.m., another hijacked flight hit the Pentagon. We started seeing pictures of fire in the Pentagon. Shortly afterwards, live pictures of people running down the driveway of the White House from the west wing.

Then, the FAA shut down all flights.

I recall Anne Compton reporting from an Airforce base in Nebraska explaining what was happening with President Bush.

As I was standing there watching the coverage, I felt for the first time in my life it was impossible to protect my wife and new baby. Helpless.

I remember seeking refuge in God’s character carefully reminding myself of His sovereignty, providence, and care.

 

The Day After

The unity of our nation, across every demographic, across the political spectrum, and regardless of age, was dramatic. The nation grieved together. We collectively prayed for God’s help.

The magnitude and breath of what happened was incredible. The unity displayed remarkable.

The sense of loss of all those who were first responders immense. Men and women who gave it all to serve others who also were in the image of God.

 

On this Day

Since that day, now twenty-two years, I recall these events still with incredible humility.

Remembering these events reminds me of the uncertainties of that day. Who knew what was going on in those moments? It was full of uncertainty.

On this day, we remember again the sacrifice of all those who served that day. As we do, we thank all of those who continue to serve us every day still. Stories of courage. Stories of valor. And, every day since then.

We remember. Thank you.

 

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