As we remember the 15th anniversary of 9/11 this past weekend, it is important to reflect on the emotions and memories of this tragedy as an American citizen.

Although I was only five years old when it happened, I still remember the overwhelming confusion I felt at the time. My mom picked my brother and I up from kindergarten as she did every other day, but I immediately noticed a deep sadness in her voice the moment we got in the car.

At a young age, most kids view their parents as “super hero” figures so to see them cry or appear helpless is very unsettling. Yet, on September 11th, 2001, I remember my mom trying to hide the shakiness in her voice and the tears in her eyes as she began to explain to her two five year old children what had just taken place on American soil that morning. I do not think I even knew what a “terrorist” was until that day and the idea that someone else could willingly take so many innocent lives was basically culture shock to me.

I remember my dad calling us because he was visiting the east cost for work and could see the buildings burning down after the attack from across the water. His flight would be cancelled along with millions of other Americans who were unable to travel due to the safety precautions enforced after that day.

To be exposed to such a terrifying event at such a young age is something that no parent would ever want for their child, but it is inevitable. My mother never wanted us to know the harsh reality of it all, but feared what we would think if we were to hear it somewhere else first. She refused to turn on the television for days after tragedy struck in an attempt to shield us from the horrific details Although I did not understand it all at the time, I will never forget the day terrorists attacked the twin towers and the pentagon.

I will never forget seeing the lists of names of those lives lost, or the burning smoke from videos on the news. I will never forget my recent visit to ground zero where my childhood memories of this tragedy where once again evoked in my mind. I may have been a confused child at the time, but now I am an angered young woman who writes with tears in her eyes as I refuse to forget the cataclysm that has an everlasting impact on our great country.

With all the tragedy occurring across the world this past year, I am constantly reminded of how evil some people truly are. Yet, I know that this type of attack will not destroy the good hearts of many Americans and other people across the world. In fact, as devastating as times like these may be, they only bring the nation close together as a whole.

We must not forget the hardships, as they allow us to hope for a brighter and better future. No matter how difficult times may have been or may be in the future, our nation will forever be stronger than an act of evil and terrorism. God bless America and those lives lost, as they will not be forgotten.