Where were you on September 11? Let us never forget.

I remember exactly where I was and exactly what I was doing on September 11, 2001. The time and place have been indelibly etched in my brain.

It was Washington, DC where I heard the announcement. I heard the sirens and saw the army helicopters fly overhead and patrols of army vehicles in the street. It was am image of a city under siege. The burning, crumbling Twin Towers and the caved-in Pentagon were replayed on the news channels. Eventually the reality of it all sank in--our homeland was attacked.

Then the news came out about Flight 93 downed in Shanksville, PA. "Let's Roll" became the rally cry of my personal heroes onboard the plane that fateful day. I was within spitting distance of the Capitol Building at the time, the likely intended target.

I passed many makeshift memorials on my walk to the train station for my failed attempt to find transportation to just about anywhere. The Capitol flag was at half-mast. People milled about. Strangers talking to strangers. I felt anger and pain for our country.

The memorial service at the National Cathedral was going on in the Admirals Club the day I was able to fly out of Dulles. Travelers turned their chairs to face the television. Little-by-little the club turned into a sanctuary. There were tears. There were prayers.

Nothing would be the same, other than our resolve to not to let our enemies take away our lifestyle. I felt a surge of patriotism and a sense of duty, and I knew that I would never be the  same.

So in honor of September 11th and all those who gave their lives--and my heroes buried among the ashes in Shanksville--I am getting on an airplane.



The QA Pharm