DUDE, REIN-O!

I woke up hella late this morning.  It was the most rainy mountain morning I’ve experienced in a few months.  As I tuned into the Fox News headz on Sirius, they were talking about a 9/11 memorial at the Pentagon.  I was surprised, because I hadn’t heard about such memorial ever before this morning.  Why today, out of nowhere?

Then the morning show newsman informed me “…as we spend today, 7 years after 9/11.”

Oh yeah.  After all, yesterday I was so happy to be celebrating 10 months with Vanessa, as we laughed about going at it for “double digits”.  I didn’t think about connecting September tenth to September eleventh, until now. I have to admit that I feel ashamed.

I DO remember that day.  I was living in room 21 of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity house at 919 Greenbrier Rd.  It was the third week of classes, in my Junior year, and I had an 8:30 chemistry class to go to.  Naturally, I slept in.  When I finally stirred near 9:00, I heard a commotion outside my room.  Then a knock.
“Reiner?!” my brother Obed said.  “What are you doing?  Are you awake?  Its world war three, man.”

I still remember those words.  I called my mother.  “Are you watching TV?  What’s going on?”  I asked.

“I don’t know, Adam, but whoever did is filled with a lot of hate.”  Her voice was comforting but trembling.

I spent the rest of the day at the fraternity house, sad, scared, and confused.  I feel blessed to have had the comforts of my friends and family on that day.

…

As I drove upvalley on this rainy morning, I silently listened to the readings of the names of the victims.  I learned something new this morning, that in addition to all the Americans that perished that day, citizens of 90 countries also died.  During the name readings, every single county was represented by a friend of family member of the victims.  (I had heard Colombia and Hong Kong).

Then I listened to a little bit of President Bush’s speech.  He reinforced his prime responsibility: to prevent another attack on American soil.  Say what you will about his attempts to capture Bin Laden, but he has so far succeeded in keeping us safe.  I give him props for that.

I was also happy to see the two campaignes cease fire for the day.  It is a good thing for the country.  However, it did not stop the pundits from referencing the event.  In the morning, I read an article by Keith Olbermann, and later listened to commentary by Glenn Beck and, separately, Sean Hannity.  Even the metal station on Sirius was paying tribute with classic songs about heroes.

What about you?  Did you remember this morning? If so, good for you.  If not, don’t feel bad.  We are only human, but we can give thanks to others for reminding us never to forget September 11,  2001.

Many of the video and images used to remember this day have been criticized as being too sensitive or controversial.  I have chosen an image that cannot be argued to be anything but positive and a fitting tribute.