I was in college on 9/11/01. It was my freshman year, and I can still remember watching this national tragedy unfold before my eyes on live TV. Like many Americans, I was scared, I was angry, and I just couldn't understand how something so horrific could happen. My eyes were opened to the evil in this world that day. I was made more aware of the hatred that exists between groups of people- be they radical or religious or even both.

I was heartbroken for NYC- a city that I truly love, and feel is a small part of me. The towers that I enjoyed visiting, that my dad worked in when he was in college, and saw built when he was growing up- gone, and all of the people who worked in them (many around them, and those brave first responders) along with them. As the morning minutes and hours began to float on, we learned of more attacks on our homeland. These despicable acts of terror forever changed us as Americans. Growing up, I thought that we were untouchable- that no other country in the world could ever do us harm, and I was wrong. I'm aware of the frailty of human life now more than ever.

I remain afraid- for my children, for the future of the world we live in. The hatred being bred is so piercing to the soul. And the thing is, I'm proud to be an American. I am proud of the way our country came together on 9/11, and thereafter, but what has happened since? We stand together on this one day each year, in memory of those who lost their lives that fateful day, but the rest of the year, we're fighting- sometimes even killing each other- disrespecting those first responders we rely on to protect us. I can almost understand why other countries look at ours they way they do, and I pray for true change. I pray our hearts change, and that we wake up and realize that the world is in great need of love and care.

 No, I'll never forget 9/11 - I'll never forget our patriotism and the ways that we came together to support each other. I'll never forget those downright shocking images from the television that day- they are forever ingrained in my mind. I will never stop praying for the families of the victims of 9/11, as they relive this tragedy once more. More than this, I will never stop praying for peace, and awakening in our hearts. May God continue to hear our prayers, and bless and protect our land. 

God bless America, and all of you. May we never forget.

What are your memories of 9/11?