Print Issue: September 12, 2002

It Isn't So Much About War . . . It's About Living Each Day To the Fullest

By Erika Anderson, Staff Writer

ATLANTA - The billboards that once read "God Bless America" have been replaced with car dealership advertisements. Flags that cling to car windows, once a majestic red, white and blue, are now faded by a year of sunlight.

A year has passed since Sept. 11. During this time, many are looking back and reflecting on the events that forever changed our nation. They look ahead, too, with hope and faith in a God who embraces all his people.

In their own words, three teens from different parishes in the archdiocese share their memories of Sept. 11, 2001 and express their hope for the future.

Paola Flores, Senior,
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Atlanta

Looking Back

I remember how unreal it was watching what took place on the news. I was in my second period class, chemistry. A teacher came into our classroom to tell us what was going on and I remember how nobody took her seriously. I was in shock; I was very worried and scared for my sister because she lives in Washington, D.C.

A Time of Crisis

It took some time for the whole thing to sink in. I felt the need to help, but I didn't know what to do. So I figured if I couldn't do much physically, then I would pray. I prayed for the victims of the attack and their families. I also prayed for those who were involved in executing the attacks.

A Year Later

I'm more aware of how we shouldn't take time for granted. Each day is a gift we should use to honor God and share His love and truth. I try to let my loved ones know that I love them as often as I can. I think that when you have a deep appreciation for a person, you should let him know how special he is and how much he means to you.

John Crockett, Junior,
St. Theresa Church, Douglasville

Looking Back

The morning of Sept. 11 was just like any other school day, but as the day progressed, I got to third period and I heard about the plane crashing into the twin towers. I was in R.O.T.C. that period so all we watched were the very disturbing video shots of this plane crashing into a building. At first . . . I wasn't all too scared or anything like that. I mean, I felt bad and all for the people on those floors that the plane crashed into, but it really didn't hit me until the building crashed completely into nothing. Then I felt a little shaken as far as my overall well-being of safety because if something of this magnitude could happen to the twin towers, what's to stop these kinds of people from destroying normal houses or any other building they wanted?

A Time of Crisis

In the surrounding weeks I felt a little less stressed and watched news reports on TV and read things in the newspapers about the many, many people who were killed, and about the military and how they reacted. I also read about Osama and his affiliation with the terroristic threats on the United States. I felt a little more devoted to my country, and as I learned about other people's reactions to this, I felt as if what happened on Sept. 11 had a reverse effect on what it was intended to do. It brought the country together and gave hope to the United States and told us to not tolerate terroristic threats on our country. I didn't wear a ribbon, but I do remember praying for all the victims of 9/11, and still do; and I just hoped for the best for each and every one of the families who had to go through the terrible misfortune of losing a loved one.

A Year Later

In retrospect on 9/11, I've learned that terrorists have very little power over the honor and respect that Americans have for their country. I've also learned that the United States needs to keep an eye on the al Qaeda and other terroristic groups that plan to harm any more U.S. citizens. Overall I've learned that there are bad people out there and that we should recognize that. It's just like a saying I heard from one of my earlier priests - "Trust in God, but lock your car."

Ashley Arominski, Senior,
St. Philip Benizi Church, Jonesboro

Looking Back

My teacher was absent that day so we had a substitute. We were watching a movie and the substitute had a little TV so he saw it all go down. It was very odd to me. I was thinking it was some kind of movie. The principal came over the intercom and told everyone and we started praying. I don't know how I would have reacted if I didn't know about it and just heard the principal. It was unreal. You don't think you have to worry about any of that stuff. You think you're safe. I was worried because I have family in New York. All I could really do was pray. It was my first year in Catholic school . . . With the whole school praying, you felt like your prayers were really heard. We got sent home to be with our families. That was definitely a time to be with the people you loved.

A Time of Crisis

There was not much we could do. I know a lot of people were very upset and angry, but I didn't feel that. I just kept praying. I had a lot of questions in my mind.

A Year Later

After all the hype about the war, you realize that it isn't so much about war. It's that you don't really know what's going to happen the next day, so you have to live each day to the fullest. The patriotism has died down a lot, but I think a lot of people have realized that we do need to stay close together as a country. Hopefully I'll always remember my feelings about Sept. 11 and I won't lose that whole feeling of being unified and be able to be everyone's friend and reach out to people that I wouldn't have before.