When Lady Liberty Wept

The day Lady Liberty wept, I remember being at work and watching the towers fall on a tiny portable TV because that was the only office TV. One of my co-workers made a profound statement. She said, “Nothing will ever be the same.” I remember the office closing, and we all went home. I needed gas, and the lines were crazy because no one knew what would come, and the gas station had raised the price to $5 a gallon. I filled it up just in case.

I remember Walmart selling out of American flags.

All the TV stations stopped broadcasting and only showed the rescue efforts.

One month later, I visited New York City for the first time to attend a conference. On the Sunday before Halloween, my co-workers and I explored the city, walking down to Wall Street and the harbor. We got lost and unexpectedly found ourselves very close to Ground Zero.

The smell was awful. Just walking down that street made me feel dirty. The buildings were covered with soot, but oddly, the street was empty. Then we heard an angelic voice singing “God Bless America” acapella and it eerily echoed. We accidentally found ourselves at Ground Zero during the first memorial ceremony. It is one of the most profound memories of my life. I will never forget it.

I pray for all those we lost and for our police and firefighters, especially my son-in-law, Craig Coats, and sister-in-law, Melanie Arthurs Elliott.

We who lived through 9/11 must ensure that our children and grandchildren know what happened that day. Our children need to know the truth of history, untwisted by any momentary political rhetoric. The simple truth is that terrorists hijacked planes, attacked buildings, killed thousands, and forever changed America. We cannot afford to forget, for if we do, the terrorists have won.

God bless America and all first responders.