9/11 In The Eyes Of A Ten Year Old
I was in the 4th grade, Mr. Nilges class. Probably learning some math, or getting ready for recess. When he rolled a TV in to the room, and we all became excited because we thought it was a movie day.
Mr. Nilges said, “What I’m about to show you is going to be very graphic, but I want you to see this because this will be American History…”
ATTACK ON AMERICA
That’s what the lower thirds said, as the camera panned to the twin towers. Still confused, the news network replayed the plane hitting the second tower. I remember the class was dead silent, you could hear a mouse squeal. Then the first tower started to go down…
I think my teacher didn’t expect that to happen, because he looked at us to make sure no one freaked out. Then the 2nd tower came down, and the TV went off.
Mr. Nilges said, “Everyone say a prayer”
I was ten years old, and I just witnessed one of the most tragic events to ever hit U.S. soil. I am so thankful he let us see that, because one week later I saw young men, and women swearing in. I knew right then I wanted to serve my country.
My entire youth was centered around 9/11, and I became the man I am today because of it.
Because of 9/11 I decided to join the Marines
Because of 9/11 I got to serve my country with some of the best men god created
Each and every single one of us wanted revenge, and to fight for what happened on that day.
Every single man in the picture has a story about how 9/11 made them want to sign up. There are 24 men pictured here, but what you don’t see is the 2.7 million Americans who signed up to fight for the people who died on 9/11.
What you don’t see in this picture is almost 5,000 service members who didn’t make it home.
What you don’t see in this picture is almost 32,000 service members that were wounded.
For each and every single first responder, and service member 9/11 put a fire in all of us. Whether they were children when the attack happened, or adults we all wanted to do our part.
9/11 brought out the greatness in ever American, and for me it started when I was just 10…