I'll never forget 11 years ago today, I was running late to school; okay I was sleeping in, when my mom ran into my room to wake me up to the news that the 1st twin tower had just been hit. I jumped from my bed since I had just returned from a trip to NYC. We were glued to the news when we watched the 2nd plane hit the 2nd tower. I felt as though I had been punched in my stomach. Tears fell from my eyes, and I knew that American was under attack.
I think that was the 1st day that I really had to grow up and be an adult. I learned that my life could be threatened at any moment. But the most important lesson I learned that day, is that I live in the most amazing country on the face of the earth.
In the days following I was so grateful to be an American. To watch endless news casts as the people fought to find survivors but turned out none. The way those firemen and policemen ran into those buildings knowing they wouldn't come out, and the men and women who raced into the army just so they could defend my freedom. I knew I wasn't brave enough to do that. I was so grateful, and continue to be so grateful to those brave men and women who fight for my freedom, and my rights, on a daily basis.
As I sat at the University of Utah yesterday waiting for my husband to finish taking his test, I looked up and saw the American flag swaying in the middle of presidents circle. It was an overcast day, and so peaceful. I grabbed my phone and actually snapped a picture of old glory to post to Facebook. I was rushed with pride, just as I am every time I take a moment to look at old glory.
I will never forget the 1st time I truly remember being a grateful American. I was on a trip to Gettysburg, PA and I had the opportunity to visit the place where Lincoln delivered his famous speech to the troops in the civil war. As I stood on that sacred ground in absolute silence, again tears fell from my eyes and I quietly thanked my Father in Heaven for sending me to this great country, and giving me the opportunity to be an American Citizen.
I'm so grateful for my freedom. I'm so grateful that I can walk down the street and not really have to be worried that I am going to be kidnapped and sold into slavery. I'm thankful for all of the freedoms I have as a woman that so many countries don't have. I'm grateful for my right to vote, and am proud to say that I have voted every year that I have been eligible and will continue to do so. I'm grateful for the amazing men and women we have in the military who fight on our front lines and defend our personal freedom. And last but not least, I'm thankful for the freedom that I receive from so many things just by being born in a free nation.
I live in the greatest country in the world, and although we are still finding our feet and learning how we fit in this big world, this country is ours. It is ours to decide how we want it to be, and how we want to play a part in it. Every opportunity in the world is ours, and I'm thankful for that. I truly am proud to be an American.
