What do you remember?

I remember exactly where I was on Sept. 11, 2001. I was working for Bass Pro in Springfield when my supervisor asked my associates and I to gather in the break room. They told us that the United States of America had been attacked.

That was so hard to understand. I think we all thought we were being pranked until they brought in a radio and allowed us to listen as a reporter described what the skies looked like in New York City as the first tower came crashing down. I remember feeling horrified. I remember wondering if our city would be attacked next?

As soon as my shift ended I rushed home to watch the television. The national news media broadcasted images of people running, firefighters and policemen covered in ash, people jumping from windows in the World Trade Center. I watched the live coverage as the second tower came crashing down. Even today my memories of that day send chills down my spine.

Later, news coverage showed people searching for their lost loved ones. Flyers and photos pasted on top of one another on bulletin boards. I cried many tears for those who had loved ones who would never come home.

We must never forget the thousands of innocent lives that were lost on Sept. 11. We should never forget what it felt like to see a terrorist attack occur on American soil. This is part of our history. A traumatic lesson that we should always hold close to our hearts.

On Sept. 11, I learned a lot of things, but I think the most important thing I learned was to make the most of every second that I have with my loved ones. I also learned to never pass up an opportunity to show them how much I care about them.

Let us know how you remember Sept. 11 and how that traumatic day changed your life.