Ten years ago I had something taken from me. It wasn't nearly as bad as some, but living in the DC area (30 miles outside of DC), at 16 years old, my world changed.
My sense of security was taken.
And life was never the same.
Between 9/11, anthrax mail, the sniper attacks; everyday life was changed whether I was ready or not.
The other day I had a conversation with my sister-in-law, Megan. We were talking about "where we were" on that horrible day, ten years ago. Megan, whom has moved to New Mexico, said that so many people ask her about her experience living in the DC area during 9/11 and the aftermath. We talked about how so many people that didn't and don't live in our area (or New York) really understand that terrorist threat we went through and still go through by living here day in and day out. How we had friends with parents who worked at the Pentagon and couldn't get ahold of them for hours and hours and the fear they went through. How my teacher's sister was on a plane coming home that day and watching her cry in front of our class after just a week of knowing her. How we just sat in awe watching the news and seeing the second plane hit "live" and not being able to leave school without a parental hand. How the words "terrorist attack" wasn't even in our vocabulary.
The sense of fear and unknown was not comforting and we learned how to live a new way. A way were you watch just a little closer, you look around when you pump gas, where you, as Megan said "had to run in zig-zags into the mall each day" in fear you were the next hit of the sniper, where you wonder if the plane your getting on is safe...ect! It just goes to show you that my first thought during the earthquake a few weeks ago, was another terrorist attack/plane crash.
Some might say I am over exaggerating; but you may not have lived here or live here and you don't quite get what I am saying. I'm sure the sense of fear in the middle of Montana is a little different than living in the nation's capital; a nation that so many hate. And yes, anything can happen anywhere, I know that. But as I sit here watching the news, I am reminded once again where I live and the threat that surrounds the area, the threat of more possible terrorist attacks.
And I just received this message via "Alert Montgomery":
This weekend will mark the 10th Anniversary of the attacks on the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001. Residents of Montgomery County may be aware of recent warnings issued by federal, state and local agencies regarding potential attacks that may occur during this time. Police Chief J. Thomas Manger would like to assure residents that the Montgomery County Department of Police has plans and resources in place to address needs as they occur. The police department would like to remind residents of ways they can assist in preventing future attacks of terrorism.
"See Something, Say Something"
The Montgomery County Department of Police joins our federal and local partners in the “See Something Say Something” campaign. This campaign is a simple and effective program developed to raise public awareness of indicators of terrorism, crime, and other threats and to emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activity to the proper transportation and law enforcement authorities. Remember that the suspicious activity does not need to be criminal in nature to report it to the Montgomery County Police.
A video titled The 7 Signs of Terrorism, regarding terrorism awareness, can be viewed at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/police. The seven signs of terrorism are listed below:
1. Surveillance: Records or monitors activities. May include drawing diagrams, note taking, use of cameras, binoculars, or other vision-enhancing devices, or possessing floor plans or blueprints of key facilities.
2. Elicitation: Attempts to obtain operation, security, and personnel-related information about a key facility by mail, fax, e-mail, telephone, or in person.
3. Tests of Security: Attempts to measure reaction times to security breaches or attempts to penetrate physical security barriers or procedures in order to assess strengths and weaknesses.
4. Acquiring Supplies: Attempts to improperly acquire items that could be used in a terrorist act. May include the acquisition of explosives, weapons, harmful chemicals, flight manuals, law enforcement or military equipment, uniforms, identification badges, and the equipment to manufacture false identification.
5. Suspicious Persons: Someone who does not appear to belong in a workplace, neighborhood or business establishment due to his/her behavior, including unusual questions or statements he/she makes.
6. Dry Runs/Trial Runs: Behavior that appears to be preparation for a terrorist act without actually committing the act. Activity could include mapping out routes and determining the timing of traffic lights and traffic flow.
7. Deploying Assets: Placing people, equipment, and supplies into position to commit the act. This is the last opportunity to alert authorities before the terrorist act occurs.
Montgomery County residents are encouraged to contact the police if they observe suspicious situations by calling 9-1-1, 1-800-492-TIPS (8477), or the police non-emergency line at 301-279-8000.
I hope with everything I have that my children will only hear the stories of that day and never have to experience what I and so many others went through on such a tragic day for our country.
I will never forget all those lives that were lost and all that gave there lives to save others and continue to do so, so that my family can be free and be safe in our country. My children will not grow up in complete security, but I will do my best to teach them how lucky we are to live in this country. Life before 9/11 was different, just as life is now. It's a difference I wish we didn't know, but one we live with and adapt to.
I am such a proud American and will always teach my children just the same. Our flag has flown outside of our (my parents) house since September 11, 2001 and it will always fly outside of our home too!
God Bless America today and everyday.
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