Remembering 9/11
Remember the past. Commit it to memory. Use it to shape the future.
Years ago I saw this quote at the Holocaust Museum while with our 8th graders in Washington D.C. It stuck with me not only because it was such a strong quote but even more creates an important recipe for building a better future for ourselves and generations to come.
I clearly remember where I was on 9.11.2001. I was at my office desk in the seminary getting ready to go into a meeting with the Bishop. When I heard of the attack on the World Trade Tower, I quickly called my youngest brother who worked downtown and encouraged him to leave…quickly. Then I headed into my meeting with the Bishop and we stood together watching the news on T.V. Neither of us could fathom what we were seeing. Even more, no one had a clue as to what this meant or would come to mean for ourselves, our country, and our world.
– Father Bob Stec
Remember the past. Commit it to memory. Use it to shape the future.
Where were you on September 11, 2001?
We remember all the events of almost twenty years ago not just to remember history but to reflect deeply on how all of us can learn to build a more just, peaceful and caring world. Take some time to ponder these questions, especially this year, so we can be instruments of God’s peace while we work to strengthen the bonds of faith, family and community at Saint Ambrose.
We invite you to share some of your memories and reflection.
- What do you remember most about that day?
- How did it impact your life?
- Remember a loved one lost that day.
Remembering 9/11
Memories of September 11
I was at work. We heard the news. Brought a TV into the office to see what was happening. We saw the first plane hit immediately. Soon the 2nd. and knew we were attacked. But by who? We were scared and devastated! We all called the schools to go get our kids. Then went home to be with our families and pray. – Donna
Was coming out of a weekly children’s Mass and heard the news. As a teacher, we prayed all day for those who were hurt and those helping. My favorite day was Sept 12 when every flag was flying and our nation was truly United. – Mary Ann
Never, ever will I forget that day! I was packing up my home that I had just recently sold – and getting ready to move to Brunswick. I had the tv on, and the news reports of what was happening started. The first thing I wanted to do was just hug all of my children – and know that they were safe…..which they were. I had also wanted to quit smoking for a long time. When the plane hit the first tower, is the moment I quit. I decided to “offer it up” for all the victims. It has been 19 years since I quit – and every year on September 11, I pray for all the victims and their families. – Chris
I was in high school. They stopped classes and turned on all TVs so everyone could see what was happening. It was so quiet and eerie as everyone watched. A friends dad was in New York City for work that week, and I remember feeling so worried with her about him being anywhere near what was happening. He called to let the family know he was OK. It’s hard to believe so many years have passed. We have since taken our children to NYC to see Freedom Tower and the 9/11 Memorial Pools. Very beautiful and powerful. – Christie
I was supposed to be in nursing clinicals at Hillcrest Hospital that day but my teacher was sick so they were cancelled. I fell back to sleep and woke up to see the second plane hit the towers. I remember being so afraid. My family lived an hour away, I was by myself not really knowing what was going on and then seeing people lose their lives was just devastating. I will never forget those feelings or what I saw. – Heather
I remember holding my 5 month old son in my arms, looking into his innocent eyes, as I listened to my mom on the telephone crying for the lives that were lost. The plane that crashed in PA had just flown over my parents house and my mom described how low and erratic it was flying! My children and I knelt down before our crucifix and began praying. – Alene
I was driving to work when I heard the second tower was hit. I called my husband and I remember telling him we are under attack. I went to work—I am an occupational therapist and had to see my patients for treatment. It was so hard to try and act normal with them, focus on treating them, when all I wanted to do was go home and watch the news. I got home in the late afternoon, my three young children were home from school and my husband was too. We called everyone in our families to tell them we loved them. We will always remember that day. We still watch the 9/11 television specials every year on the anniversary…I feel we owe it to those we lost that day. It is the saddest day of the year for us still… – Amy
Instruments of Peace
Join us for an outdoor concert on September 11 at 7:00pm
A night of inspiring patriotic music featuring the Academy Brass Quintet from Perrysburg, Ohio. At a time when we need it most, join us for uplifting songs and scripture readings. We will gather at the Grotto, please bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket.
