First let me start this with a little disclaimer. I know this is a blog about The Simpsons Tapped Out and I also know that this is a blog read by more than just Americans. However, all of the Addicts writers are from America and we feel as though it just wouldn’t be right to let today pass with out something. This post will remain our top post until after the moments of silence, and we will return to our regular TSTO posts shortly after. Thank you for your understanding and respect.
Today is September 11th 2014, the 13th anniversary of the attacks on America, where 2,977 innocent people were killed while just going about their every day lives. Today the Addicts writers would like to take a moment to honor all those innocent lives that were lost in New York City, Shanksville PA, and Washington DC.
I ask you, the readers of this blog, to take a moment today to reflect on that day and honor those who lost their lives.
On a personal note, 9-11 has never been easy for me. Growing up as close to NYC as I did I had many family members that would travel in and out of the city for work on a daily basis. Including one, my aunt, who worked in the North Tower.
We lost my aunt that day. She was on one of the floors that took a direct hit from the first plane that hit. She never saw it coming.
I was a junior in high school on 9-11-01. 13 years and I can still tell you every detail of that day. Every word spoken by my teachers, being sent to the library and watching the South Tower crumble to the ground. My mom coming to get us from school. Every feeling, every emotion, every facial expression. It’s all there, etched into my brain. And it’s difficult for me to relive those memories. Even now.
What has been even more difficult for me was to even attempt to visit the World Trade Center site since. However, on a couple of Bunny’s trips back east she (along with my husband) encouraged me to go now that the Memorial was open.
And I’m glad they did. They did a wonderful job with the 9-11 Memorial. It’s a beautiful place to go and pay your respects. While it’s still hard to go, it helps. It helps with healing. If you’re ever in the area and have the chance to go (it’s completely free to go to the Memorial) I encourage you to visit and pay your respects. What follow are some of my personal photos from my first trip to the Memorial, including one of my Aunt’s name on the wall….
Noth Tower Reflecting Pool
North Tower
Orange County Chopper 9-11 Bike
Bunny, Wookiee & I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the police and fireman who saved lives that day, and everyday. We would also like to say a special thank you to all of our brave service men and woman, at home and abroad, who risk their own lives so that America can be safe. We would also like to honor all of the service men and woman from our allies around the world.
We encourage you to share your stories about 9-11 in the comments below.
Alissa, I am so sorry for your loss that awful day. I live in a part of New Jersey that suffered enormous losses (around Middletown) and from my home could see the huge plumes of smoke rising from the site across the bay. Your post was a beautiful tribute to the lives that were lost, to those who responded and tried to save them, and to those who continue to fight for our freedom. Thank you for writing it.
Thank you for the kind thoughts and words! 🙂
This is late, but Thank you Alissa for sharing (as you have every right to!). I am so sorry for the loss of your Aunt and as painful as it must have been, I’m glad you were able to make that step towards healing and visit the Tower site and memorial. I hope one day to be able to visit and pay my respects to all those who lost their lives there, those that have since in the service of our, or other, countries and everyone touched by this war on terror. Healing thoughts your way!
Thoughts are with you Alissa. I’m from the UK but remember that day so well. It was so unbelievable at the time xx
I remember that day vividly… I was a 16yr old kid…. a senior in high school… We were in band class and since it was marching band season, we were practicing our sets… Our band director broke the news to us… We all just stood there, trying to process what we had just been told… The silence from a large group of immature teenagers was deafening…
09-11-01 played the major part on my deciding to become a firefighter/paramedic… I felt so helpless that day and badly wanted to help, but wasn’t able to then…
I was living in DC about 5 blocks away from the Capitol building.
I was scared out of my mind all day that a plane might crash only blocks away from where I slept.
Crazy…
I Remember. Everything that day. I was working on a computer and watching Nova on PBS. They cut in and said one of the Trade Towers had been hit .That it was possibly a terrorist attack. I was stunned. Not here. We are the US. We are safe from this. Then I watched footage of the second plane hitting. I couldn’t believe it. Everything else went away. That this could happen on American soil. That this was real and happening.Blew my fecking mind. We all like to think that we are somehow privileged, that we are free and free to live our lives however we see fit. And for the most part we are, but this is a horrid reminder of what people are capable of. And how fragile our freedom really is. I’m so sorry for your loss Alissa. Know though that she will always be remembered, for her name on the wall and more personally for you sharing your story. I know it takes some guts to decide if you want to share something like that. Thank you for doing so. For all, those who gave their lives, those who responded, those who worked everyday to find survivors, Thank You. You Are what makes the U.S. us.