A Day of Reflection and Remembrance

Image courtesy of archives.gov

21 years ago today a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks struck the U.S. Roughly 3,000 people lost their lives that day--let us never forget those who sacrificed and paid the ultimate price. I remember 9/11 vividly. I was stationed at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma. We were watching the events unfold on the tiny TV in our shop. At first we were confused. Why were those planes flying so low?

And then the first plane struck.

Shock and horror spilled over our faces as we realized what was happening.

They hit the Pentagon.

And then the brave passengers and crew on Flight 93 thwarted another attack.

Things went swiftly into action on the base. We went from peaceful FPCON Alpha to Delta in what felt like a matter of minutes. I was put on the night shift to keep a watchful eye on our equipment and monitors. I remember the tears and the utter shock. It felt as though it had ripped our world in two. 

Let us have a moment of silence in remembrance.

Never forget.