Remembering 9 11 is a thought-provoking title. I remember that day very well. At the time I worked in the church I attended. It’s Financial Secretary, I had an office just a few steps away from the pastor’s office.
On this day the pastor and associate pastor were in Washington D.C. standing in line to take a tour of the White House.
Remembering Their Not Knowing
As they stood in line waiting, they had no idea that America was under attack. But as time went on, they noticed some of the guards whispering among themselves and the looks of concern. Eventually the truth came out and everyone went back to their hotels.
Remembering at Church
I was at work doing my job. I am not sure why I went back to a classroom (we had a Christian school) but I may have been requested by a teacher. In any case, I went back to the classroom and discovered the teacher had a small radio on. I could hear people talking about some accident.
Walking up to the teacher’s desk, I asked what was going on.
“A plane crashed into the World Trade Center.”
As I left the classroom I had this odd feeling. It didn’t feel right. There was something more.
What I Saw1
As I headed back to my office, I decided I wanted to see what was happening. I was aware that our pastor and assistant pastor were in Washington D.C., and I wanted to know if they were alright.
Entering the pastor’s office, I went over and turned the tv on. What I saw were several men and women talking about the day’s events and speculating on the cause. Listening to them, I detected their own skepticism. The crash into the tower was strange. What video they had did not show any attempt to avoid collision.
Remembering the 2nd Crash
The second plane was suddenly on screen and heading straight for the second tower. It was at that instance that I knew, and probably the whole country knew, we were under attack!
The plane flew right into the building and exploded. Although many were killed instantly there were others within the tower who were alive and trapped. Before that day was over some 2,977 people died not counting the terrorists. This count included firemen and others who were trying to rescue those still alive.
This Cowardly Act of War Initiated Retaliation
The United States was shaken but not brought down. It shook off the aftereffects and began going after the Taliban. Eventually the leader would be found and killed as the coward he was.
A long war ensued. Our forces went into Afghanistan and fought them face to face. We also trained the nation army and eventually left. Our leaving however was one of the most shameful I have ever watched, and it resulted in the deaths of brave soldiers left behind.
Remembering the Fallen
As you go about your life today, pause in remembrance. Almost 3,000 people died that day. Some were Christian brothers and sisters. They are now in heaven. Others were people who had never accepted Christ as their Savior. They never got another chance to receive forgiveness.
Pray for those left behind. Pray for the saved and the unsaved. Pray for their families that they might know Christ, His redeeming love, His sacrificial death, and the guarantee of heaven for all who accept Him.
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R. Frederick Riddle is an author, teacher, publisher, and the owner of T&R Independent Books. The website is at Home – T&R Independent Bookstore (trbookservices.com).
