I woke up today, did my normal morning routine, got dressed in blue and white, and made my way towards the subway station. I swiped my metrocard and walked onto the downtown 2 train. There were more of us than usual. I got off the train at Park Place station and walked towards the 9/11 memorial. There were many people gathering together. Today was not your typical day in New York City. I do not think I could define community more perfectly after the experience I had today. Today, I had the opportunity to mourn and remember what happened 15 years ago at the World Trade Center. I might have only been in kindergarten at the time, but I still remember that exact day and moments that followed.
At the time, I lived about an hour away from New York City. I remember a bunch of kids being put into one room at school that became very crowded. I remember the teachers being concerned and having looks of worry, but staying calm in front of the oblivious children that filled the room. I remember my mom picking me up from school early that day. My mom would not let me look at the TV, but I remember her eyes being glued to the screen, shocked and disturbed. She was calling my dad and I remember him coming home from work much earlier than usual. I did not know this until I was older, but my dad witnessed the Air Force flying rapidly towards the city when he was outside. My mom would not let me go outside to play for weeks, and I did not understand why.
It is 15 years later, and I am a 20-year-old college student living in New York City. I am no longer a confused child who did not understand why they were not allowed to play outside during those few weeks. I am aware of what happened to this city on September 11, 2001, and on that day about 3,000 innocent people died, and thousands of people witnessed it happen firsthand. A lot of them still live in New York City, and I had the chance to meet some today while at the memorial. So many people made their way to the memorial today mindful and heavy hearted because they lost someone 15 years ago. It makes you realize you need to cherish life and the people involved in it, because realistically, we do not know when our last day will be.
After resonating on a life changing tragedy, and experiencing a very heartfelt moment with fellow New Yorkers and Americans, it was amazing to see everyone come together as one. It was a very sentimental moment we were all able to share; not something thousands of people would all have in common with each other. It was a day full of acknowledgment, remembrance, tears, and hugs at the national 9/11 memorial service. No one felt like strangers. I never felt so united in a community, and it makes me feel so lucky to be a part of New York. I could not be any prouder, and no matter what, I will always stand with New York.
