09/11/2022
I remember.
I remember seeing the first Tower in smoke from a plane strike.
I remember thinking, that’s odd, a plane flying on that pattern.
I remember not realizing the scope of what was unfolding.
I remember being mesmerized from the live news feed.
I remember the kids heading to school as I drove off to the shop.
I remember driving a block to the 3 minute light, when the second Tower strike as reported.
I remember calling Cheri and telling her to keep the kids home.
I remember the gut feeling that something wasn’t right.
I remember sitting in my car at the shop, when the Pentagon attack was reported via radio.
I remember the anger and helplessness burning within as we were attacked.
I remember the silence around O-Hare Airport after the executive order was given to ground all planes.
I remember staying outside with other shop owners, when we heard a sonic boom and loud turbines of a fighter. Possibly heading back to Chicago.
I remember people of all creeds and races helping one another in the streets of New York
I remembered Republican and Democratic leaders uniting together
I remember other World Leaders condemning the attack and showing unity
I remember all cargo ships where stopped at sea and had to dock else where
I remembered Revelations chapters 18 and 19
I remember seeing brave responders entering a burning building, and seeing that same building collapse on them.
I remember praying for those that would perish on this day
I remember Flight 93 crashing into a field. Not knowing that the passagers decided to “roll and fight”
I remember watching the second Tower collapse live
I remember going to DEFCON 3, with DEFCON 2 on standby, for 3 days
I remember looking up later that evening around midnight and seeing one airplane flying high above.
I remember thinking, that has to be a Fighter Jet on patrol and nothing is getting past him.
I remember wanting to be up there with them keeping guard
I remember all the uncertainty of things to come.
I remember thinking, this is a daily norm in Israel.
I remember joining the Church Security Team to do my part
I remember wanting the children to see the Security team walking around
I remember wanting them to have the same sense of security, I had when I saw that plane high above at midnight.
I remember the team, armed only with a call to His duty.
I remember our mind set, Nothing is getting past us.
I remember thinking that our country was indeed in a United State.
But I also remember thinking that some day most would forget.
I remember.
Lou Valadez
