Thankful, Think About It Thursday
On September 11, 2001, the biggest act of terrorism on United States soil took place. Four planes were hijacked. One plane was intentionally flown into the Pentagon in Washington DC. Two planes flew into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York. A fourth plane crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Economic impact was immense. National and international policies were affected. In 2002, President George W. Bush proclaimed September 11 as Patriot Day.
Part of the goals of those who Join the Quest at Family Tree Quest is to "Glean Wisdom from the Past". As you reflect upon that day, what qualities did you observe in others or find coming forward in yourself as America faced this crisis? (Compassion, Resilience, Leadership, Longsuffering, Patriotism, Fortitude, etc.) Did you notice that sometimes in times of personal crisis we find strength? Were you called upon to strengthen yourself or comfort your family during that event and the times that followed?
Have you included your memories of 9-11 in your personal history? Perhaps this weekend would be a good time to do so. Memoirs can have a deep impact on the lives of others.
What do you remember about that day?
What were you doing when you heard the news?
Did you see the filming as “breaking news”?
Did you notify your family or did they notify you?
How did you feel?
How did you console your children?
Did you know someone who lost their life?
What were your feelings connected to those who lost loved ones?
Did you take steps toward emergency preparedness in your home?
Continue to ask yourself probing questions and answer them, as you seek to record your memories of that day for posterity.
Have you developed any new traditions to keep the memory alive of those who were injured or who lost their lives?
Do you fly the flag that day?
Do you observe a moment of silence at 8:46 am (Eastern Daylight Time) which was the time that the first plane flew into the World Trade Center.
Do you visit memorials?
Do you attend church or prayer services or offer your own prayer?
Some families look for memorial activities near their home in which to participate.
Whatever you choose to do, find a way to record and remember this heart-wrenching, historic day. The stories in your personal history will make history come alive and have meaning for those you love.
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Note from Family Tree Gal, Carolyn: Have you joined the Family Tree Quest at http://www.familytreequest.com ? I also invite you to join me on Facebook and Twitter. Check out my Family Tree Quest Blog if you haven’t done so already.
