Every year on September 11, I think back to that morning in 2001. Prior to the attacks, I was preparing to cover the New York City Mayoral Primary. But by 10 that evening, I had been on the air non stop for six hours as my station in New York gave people the opportunity to show pictures of loved ones missing since that morning.
That type of coverage went on for nearly two weeks, as courageous people continued to send in pictures, or come to the studio themselves holding posters and pictures of their loved ones.
They must have feared the worst; however they had the courage to keep looking and keep asking. In a way, they were also paying tribute to those missing.
Today, seven years later, thousands of photos hang on the tribute wall at the visitor center near Ground Zero. However, for families of more than 1,000 of the victims, those photos represent bodies still not identified.
Every year I've blogged about memories, but looking back, I'm always surprised at what I've forgotten since each anniversary.
In my 2006 blog post, (scroll down to the 11th) I posed the question, "Can the average American name at least one of the nearly 3,000 people killed that day?" Unfortunately around here so many people have close personal ties to many killed on that day. But I had forgotten the name of someone I'd heard so much about until I looked back on last year's September 11th posting.
Something I will never forget is how America showed its love and support after the attacks. Remember the flag on every car?
Usually I delete "pass me on to 10 friends" email, but here is one I think is worth reading.
THE PROGRAM: On Thursday, September 11th, 2008, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this seventh anniversary of one our country's worst tragedies. We do this in honor of those who lost their lives on 9/ 11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.
In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the in credible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.
Action Plan: So, here's what we need you to do . ( 1 ) Forward this email to everyone you know (at least 11 people). Please don't be the one to break this chain. Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you. (2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11 . Honestly, Americans should fly the flag year-round, but if you don't, then at least make it a priority on this day. Thank you for your participation. God Bless You and God Bless America !
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