Sept 11, 2001 - 10 years later

As our Family drove to St. George today, we were reminded that it was the 10th anniversary of 9-11. Nate and I decided that we wanted to write down what we remembered of that day and our feelings. 9-11-01 was a Tuesday morning. I went to work at the shop at 6 am. I worked with my sister, Michelle that day. Most of my work was done and I was just doing some clean up when I heard a some gasps from the coffee drinkers and mall walkers. I stuck my head over the counter as Michelle heard the news on the radio in the back. I was confused at first. I saw one of the towers on fire and smoke everywhere. The morning news team seemed confused too(it was the morning news from New York) All the sudden I realized I was watching live TV, then a plane crashed into the second tower. I thought "what it that pilot doing?" All this happened in a matter of seconds. Work became a daze as I tried to listen to the news and understand what was happening. When I got home and realized the full extent of what had happened, I became scared and nervous. I remember standing in the hall of our little apartment looking at Jaxon who was not yet 1 and wondering what these events would do in the shaping of his life. Nate was laying on the flooring stretching after a run and looked me in the eye and told me that if our Country asked for volunteers in a war, he would go. I had never heard the name Bin Laden before and suddenly I wondered why I had never payed attention to current events before. That day I was going to Hagerman with my Grandpa and we listened to the news all the way there. Stories of Heros where coming to light, as well as the tragedies. Later that night, Pres. George W. Bush addressed the country. I was driving home and remember the peace I felt listening to him on the radio.I was also grateful for the Living Prophet that we have to guide and direct us. In the coming days ther was nothing else on TV, but images from New York. I tried to not dwell on them and go about my daily activities, but my heart and thoughts were with all those who had lost loved ones. All I could do was pray for them, and pray and I did. Instead of cowaring to our enemy, we stood strong. I remember being so proud of our Pres. when he threw the first pitch in the World Seried. Again, a couple months later was the Olympics started, there he sat in the opening ceremonies. He gave us all the message of go on, keep living, don't be afraid. Lots has changed in our world in the last 10 years. Mostly in the security and the way we travel. To be honest, that change has really not effected the way I live my life. The events of that day, did strengthen my desire to be prepared, to follow the counsel of our prophet and the things that he asks us to do. I was also grateful for the words of Pres. Hinckley in Conference the following month. His talk along with Pres. Bush's are following Nate's thoughts. As this year marks the 10 year anniversary of 9-11 I thought it would be appropriate for me to document how I felt that day. I had just started working at Convergys and was working 2-11 pm. I had gotten up at 7 am to go for a morning run. MyrLynn was gone to work and Jaxon was still asleep in his crib. I went for a sweet 6 miles and made my way home. I had to be back soon cause the cable guy was coming to install the cable as we had just moved into a new apartment, and of course cause Jaxon was still asleep. As I got home the phone was ringing. It was MyrLynn calling to tell me that a plane had hit the World Trade Center. I remember thinking it wasn’t that big of a deal probably some crack head that accidentally flew his Cessna into the building. At about the same time the cable guy showed up. It wasn’t two minutes later after he got it working that we both witnessed the second airliner slamming into the second building. I could not believe what I was seeing. I remember the day being a blur. I remember being at work trying to focus on the new material that was being presented to me. After that moment there are three things that I remember more than anything about that time. One was that evening when I got home. I was watching the news channels of all the footage of the disaster and they were showing shots of people that were looking for loved one. They scanned by a small child holding a picture and a sign saying “have you seen my daddy” I cannot express the feelings that came over this new father. Knowing that there were now hundreds of thousand without their daddies, I went through so many emotions at that moment anger, rage, sorrow, fear, but the feeling I had not truly felt was the desire to defend this great country. I did not know if it was the beginning of the 3rd World War but I was ready and willing to fight for my country and for the freedoms of my family. The second moment that resonates was that moment when President Bush was standing in the ruble with the workers and told them that he heard them and that the country hears them and the world hears them and that the people that brought down the towers would hear from all of us. I remember a sense of pride that we would not cower to these individuals that we would stand up and fight and defend the honor of those that were slaughtered. And finally everyone that knows me knows how big of a Baseball fan I am. That moment when President Bush took the mound at the World Series to through that first pitch is something that I will never forget. In fact whenever we talk about that horrific incident I remember how America moved on and continued her path. We could have easily put down our bats and balls and called off the series for the year to show respect for those that died, but in my opinion there was no better way to honor them then to have their Commander and Chief through that pitch. Fearless, determined, longsuffering in the path that is Freedom. Thank you to all those that have died defending this great country, and to my wonderful Grandfather that served us in the WW2 thank you for the freedoms that you have preserved for my family. Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley, General Conference October 2001, morning session: My beloved brethren and sisters, I accept this opportunity in humility. I pray that I may be guided by the Spirit of the Lord in that which I say. I have just been handed a note that says that a U.S. missile attack is under way. I need not remind you that we live in perilous times. I desire to speak concerning these times and our circumstances as members of this Church. You are acutely aware of the events of September 11, less than a month ago. Out of that vicious and ugly attack we are plunged into a state of war. It is the first war of the 21st century. The last century has been described as the most war-torn in human history. Now we are off on another dangerous undertaking, the unfolding of which and the end thereof we do not know. For the first time since we became a nation, the United States has been seriously attacked on its mainland soil. But this was not an attack on the United States alone. It was an attack on men and nations of goodwill everywhere. It was well planned, boldly executed, and the results were disastrous. It is estimated that more than 5,000 innocent people died. Among these were many from other nations. It was cruel and cunning, an act of consummate evil. Recently, in company with a few national religious leaders, I was invited to the White House to meet with the president. In talking to us he was frank and straightforward. That same evening he spoke to the Congress and the nation in unmistakable language concerning the resolve of America and its friends to hunt down the terrorists who were responsible for the planning of this terrible thing and any who harbored such. Now we are at war. Great forces have been mobilized and will continue to be. Political alliances are being forged. We do not know how long this conflict will last. We do not know what it will cost in lives and treasure. We do not know the manner in which it will be carried out. It could impact the work of the Church in various ways. Our national economy has been made to suffer. It was already in trouble, and this has compounded the problem. Many are losing their employment. Among our own people, this could affect welfare needs and also the tithing of the Church. It could affect our missionary program. We are now a global organization. We have members in more than 150 nations. Administering this vast worldwide program could conceivably become more difficult. Those of us who are American citizens stand solidly with the president of our nation. The terrible forces of evil must be confronted and held accountable for their actions. This is not a matter of Christian against Muslim. I am pleased that food is being dropped to the hungry people of a targeted nation. We value our Muslim neighbors across the world and hope that those who live by the tenets of their faith will not suffer. I ask particularly that our own people do not become a party in any way to the persecution of the innocent. Rather, let us be friendly and helpful, protective and supportive. It is the terrorist organizations that must be ferreted out and brought down. We of this Church know something of such groups. The Book of Mormon speaks of the Gadianton robbers, a vicious, oath-bound, and secret organization bent on evil and destruction. In their day they did all in their power, by whatever means available, to bring down the Church, to woo the people with sophistry, and to take control of the society. We see the same thing in the present situation. We are people of peace. We are followers of the Christ who was and is the Prince of Peace. But there are times when we must stand up for right and decency, for freedom and civilization, just as Moroni rallied his people in his day to the defense of their wives, their children, and the cause of liberty (see Alma 48:10). On the Larry King television broadcast the other night, I was asked what I think of those who, in the name of their religion, carry out such infamous activities. I replied, "Religion offers no shield for wickedness, for evil, for those kinds of things. The God in whom I believe does not foster this kind of action. He is a God of mercy. He is a God of love. He is a God of peace and reassurance, and I look to Him in times such as this as a comfort and a source of strength." Members of the Church in this and other nations are now involved with many others in a great international undertaking. On television we see those of the military leaving their loved ones, knowing not whether they will return. It is affecting the homes of our people. Unitedly, as a Church, we must get on our knees and invoke the powers of the Almighty in behalf of those who will carry the burdens of this campaign. No one knows how long it will last. No one knows precisely where it will be fought. No one knows what it may entail before it is over. We have launched an undertaking the size and nature of which we cannot see at this time. Occasions of this kind pull us up sharply to a realization that life is fragile, peace is fragile, civilization itself is fragile. The economy is particularly vulnerable. We have been counseled again and again concerning self-reliance, concerning debt, concerning thrift. So many of our people are heavily in debt for things that are not entirely necessary. When I was a young man, my father counseled me to build a modest home, sufficient for the needs of my family, and make it beautiful and attractive and pleasant and secure. He counseled me to pay off the mortgage as quickly as I could so that, come what may, there would be a roof over the heads of my wife and children. I was reared on that kind of doctrine. I urge you as members of this Church to get free of debt where possible and to have a little laid aside against a rainy day. We cannot provide against every contingency. But we can provide against many contingencies. Let the present situation remind us that this we should do. As we have been continuously counseled for more than 60 years, let us have some food set aside that would sustain us for a time in case of need. But let us not panic nor go to extremes. Let us be prudent in every respect. And, above all, my brothers and sisters, let us move forward with faith in the Living God and His Beloved Son. Great are the promises concerning this land of America. We are told unequivocally that it "is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ" (Ether 2:12). This is the crux of the entire matter—obedience to the commandments of God. The Constitution under which we live, and which has not only blessed us but has become a model for other constitutions, is our God-inspired national safeguard ensuring freedom and liberty, justice and equality before the law. I do not know what the future holds. I do not wish to sound negative, but I wish to remind you of the warnings of scripture and the teachings of the prophets which we have had constantly before us. I cannot forget the great lesson of Pharaoh's dream of the fat and lean kine and of the full and withered stalks of corn. I cannot dismiss from my mind the grim warnings of the Lord as set forth in the 24th chapter of Matthew. I am familiar, as are you, with the declarations of modern revelation that the time will come when the earth will be cleansed and there will be indescribable distress, with weeping and mourning and lamentation (see D&C 112:24). Now, I do not wish to be an alarmist. I do not wish to be a prophet of doom. I am optimistic. I do not believe the time is here when an all-consuming calamity will overtake us. I earnestly pray that it may not. There is so much of the Lord's work yet to be done. We, and our children after us, must do it. I can assure you that we who are responsible for the management of the affairs of the Church will be prudent and careful as we have tried to be in the past. The tithes of the Church are sacred. They are appropriated in the manner set forth by the Lord Himself. We have become a very large and complex organization. We carry on many extensive and costly programs. But I can assure you that we will not exceed our income. We will not place the Church in debt. We will tailor what we do to the resources that are available. How grateful I am for the law of tithing. It is the Lord's law of finance. It is set forth in a few words in the 119th section of the Doctrine and Covenants. It comes of His wisdom. To every man and woman, to every boy and girl, to every child in this Church who pays an honest tithing, be it large or small, I express gratitude for the faith that is in your hearts. I remind you, and those who do not pay tithing but who should, that the Lord has promised marvelous blessings (see Mal. 3:10–12). He has also promised that "he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming" (D&C 64:23). I express appreciation to those who pay a fast offering. This costs the giver nothing other than going without two meals a month. It becomes the backbone of our welfare program, designed to assist those in distress. Now, all of us know that war, contention, hatred, suffering of the worst kind are not new. The conflict we see today is but another expression of the conflict that began with the War in Heaven. I quote from the book of Revelation: "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, "And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ" (Rev. 12:7–10). That must have been a terrible conflict. The forces of evil were pitted against the forces of good. The great deceiver, the son of the morning, was defeated and banished, and took with him a third of the hosts of heaven. The book of Moses and the book of Abraham shed further light concerning this great contest. Satan would have taken from man his agency and taken unto himself all credit and honor and glory. Opposed to this was the plan of the Father which the Son said He would fulfill, under which He came to earth and gave His life to atone for the sins of mankind. From the day of Cain to the present, the adversary has been the great mastermind of the terrible conflicts that have brought so much suffering. Treachery and terrorism began with him. And they will continue until the Son of God returns to rule and reign with peace and righteousness among the sons and daughters of God. Through centuries of time, men and women, so very, very many, have lived and died. Some may die in the conflict that lies ahead. To us, and we bear solemn testimony of this, death will not be the end. There is life beyond this as surely as there is life here. Through the great plan which became the very essence of the War in Heaven, men shall go on living. Job asked, "If a man die, shall he live again?" (Job 14:14). He replied: "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: "And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: "Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another" (Job 19:25–27). Now, brothers and sisters, we must do our duty, whatever that duty might be. Peace may be denied for a season. Some of our liberties may be curtailed. We may be inconvenienced. We may even be called on to suffer in one way or another. But God our Eternal Father will watch over this nation and all of the civilized world who look to Him. He has declared, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" (Ps. 33:12). Our safety lies in repentance. Our strength comes of obedience to the commandments of God. Let us be prayerful. Let us pray for righteousness. Let us pray for the forces of good. Let us reach out to help men and women of goodwill, whatever their religious persuasion and wherever they live. Let us stand firm against evil, both at home and abroad. Let us live worthy of the blessings of heaven, reforming our lives where necessary and looking to Him, the Father of us all. He has said, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10). Are these perilous times? They are. But there is no need to fear. We can have peace in our hearts and peace in our homes. We can be an influence for good in this world, every one of us. May the God of heaven, the Almighty, bless us, help us, as we walk our various ways in the uncertain days that lie ahead. May we look to Him with unfailing faith. May we worthily place our reliance on His Beloved Son who is our great Redeemer, whether it be in life or in death, is my prayer in His holy name, even the name of Jesus Christ, amen. Pre. George W. Bush, evening ofSept 11, 2001, from the Oval Office Good evening. Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes or in their offices: secretaries, business men and women, military and federal workers, moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge -- huge structures collapsing have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong. A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining. Today, our nation saw evil -- the very worst of human nature -- and we responded with the best of America. With the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could. Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government's emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it's prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington D.C. to help with local rescue efforts. Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks. The functions of our government continue without interruption. Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for essential personnel tonight and will be open for business tomorrow. Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open for business as well. The search is underway for those who were behind these evil acts. I have directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them. I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and assistance. America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against terrorism. Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a Power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are with me. This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world. Thank you. Good night. And God bless America.