The Day Everything Changed 9/11 – Sharing The Impact

Just like any other American you felt really sad, upset, angry and patriotic. We were always Americans – we just went about doing our own thing not really knowing (or caring) what others were doing. That day changed us all and our sense of patriotism soared. I had always had an American flag in my garage in my apartment in Portland, OR but never really displayed it until the attacks and then it was hanging off of my balcony with pride.

I lost faith in humanity – that eventually the right thing would always happen – the outcome would be positive. I am still angry that my children won’t have the security I had always felt as an American citizen until that dreadful day. Honestly I would rather my children who are Canadian citizens travel under a Canadian passport when going abroad so that they are not targeted as potential hostages. I could tell you a long boring story about how the attack in New York played a huge role in hampering me trying to get my kids through the immigration process

9/11 had such a huge effect on me. It's not a day that I will ever forgot or that will ever be easy on me. I always associate 9/11 with my birthday. I also have 4 uncles who have been fighting in the war, because of this event. It showed me how truly valuable life is and how much I take for granted. I have a new sense of perception of America and our country.

9/11 made us all lose a little of our innocence. It made us all realize that we have to be on guard against the enemy…now on our own soil.

Since 9/11, I have realized how blessed we are to have an awesome military that works tirelessly to protect our freedom. Coming from a military family, I gained an even stronger appreciation for our men and women in uniform. I’ve also learned that if I’m taking a trip and flying on an airplane, to definitely get to the airport at least two hours in advance to departure. On the serious side, 9/11 changed me the most by making me remember to always express to my loved ones and friends that I love them because you just never know if it’s the last time you will get that chance to do so.

I didn't feel like I was in any danger. But my heart broke that day for all the families who lost someone. No one could have know that the morning of 9/11 would be the last time they saw their loved ones. They never got to say 'good bye'. There will always be a whole in their hearts. 9/11 is a reminder for me to tell the ones that I care about that I love them and they mean the world to me... because you just never know what tomorrow will bring.