A 9/11 Tribute

To all those who lost a Mother, a Father, a mentor, an aunt, an uncle, a grandparent, a neighbor, a brother, sister, niece, nephew, or a friend ten years ago on September 11th, this is for you. For you and anyone else who was affected by it-which is every citizen of our nation and the whole world.

I was in fifth grade when it happened. I remember my mom doing my hair for school, and the news was on. I didn't really know what was going on, I saw the planes hit the towers over and over again and people screaming and the looks of disbelief on the news reporters' faces, but it was a picture on a tv, very surreal. Now, ten years later, I am still in awe at what happened that day.

Tragedy. It truly was a tragedy. Innocent lives were lost, and lives that were spared were changed forever. Heroes were made that day. Firefighters, police officers, emergency response teams. Of course, they were always heroes, but that day they proved it to the whole world. Those alive are respected more than I thought a person could be. And, those who are gone are angels, remembered and watching over us in the same way they did that day.

The lyrics to this song really inspire me and remind me of America's reaction to this whole event. It was so terrible, we were angry, empty, unwilling to move on. But then, something magical happened, and we pulled together as a country and now, ten years later, although loved ones are still gone and missed we are stronger, tighter, more dutiful than ever before. No matter what, we are proud to be Americans.

Sound the bugle now - play it just for me
As the seasons change - remember how I used to be
Now I can't go on - I can't even start
I've got nothing left - just an empty heart

I'm a soldier - wounded so I must give up the fight
There's nothing more for me - lead me away...
Or leave me lying here

Sound the bugle now - tell them I don't care
There's not a road I know - that leads to anywhere
Without a light I fear that I will stumble in the dark
Lay right down - decide not to go on

Then from on high - somewhere in the distance
There's a voice that calls, "Remember who you are"
If you lose yourself - your courage soon will follow

So be strong tonight - remember who you are
Yeah you're a soldier now - fighting in a battle
To be free once more - yeah, that's worth fighting for

I know that those who left you on that day are happy. They are in heaven, and they are looking over all of you. I know that you will see them again. Whether or not YOU believe in God, or heaven, or the plan of salvation, I personally know that it is true, and it will be an amazing day when everyone is reunited and all the pain and sorrow that we had to experience all these years will be replaced with joy and love.
God Bless America