Fast forward to 2012. I sat this morning, again watching those towers fall, but this time as a 1st grade teacher in Japan, on a military base. September 11th has such a different, deeper meaning for me now. I remember with sadness the heroes who so bravely sacrificed their lives for each other that day, and the swelling of American pride that emerged from the rubble of the towers. Today my heart is heavy in remembrance for those lives lost, those left behind, and for the families who are still feeling the loss of life and presence of their loved ones who are off serving in the deployments that began as a result of that day. But in the midst of so much pain and fear, I remember feeling hope. I felt hope for humanity, as I recalled the firefighters fighting their way into burning buildings, policemen and volunteers scouring the wreckage for signs of life, the passengers on the hijacked planes, the bravery of the thousands of people within the towers, and the outpouring of American support after the attack. We are one country, full of diversity, but united. I love my country. I love it's colors, and my flag. As I experience so many cultures and people around Asia, I am humbled and so, so proud to be an American.
I also find myself thankful, because Turf finally made it home safely from Afghanistan three weeks ago.
