Ten Years...

Two Sundays ago, on September 11, 2011, I thought all day about what that day meant and the events that occurred 10 years ago meant. Two very distinct events revolving that horrible day are never far from memory. The first was how I found out about the acts of terror. I was in band class as a 9th grader. That day, it seemed like the faculty just mentioned what happened. But in reality, they were trying to convey to us the importance of what was going on. However, I wouldn't fully understand the significance until the following Sunday.

I remember the congregation being larger than ever on Sunday, September 16. People must have been searching for some sort of solace in their religion, considering the wide range of emotions we all experienced those five days prior. Pastor Steve started the sermon in a calm manner. For the most part, I felt that is what people were looking for: to be calmed. But after about five minutes of soothing speech, he began to scream, yell, and convey anger, hurt, and grief. While this seemed to amplify my feelings, it forced me to understand just how big of an effect the acts of terror had on myself and society.

The first Sunday Night Football game fell on September 11: Jets versus the Cowboys in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The pre-game show and National Anthem brought similarly intense feelings from that day, ten years prior. Lady Antellebum had the honor of sing the Star Spangled Banner. And since it made me shiver, I felt it more than warranted to reiterate it's passionate emotions here.