15th Anniversary of 9/11: Remembering Light in the Dark

LAND O’ LAKES, FL — It’s been nearly 15 years since terrorists launched a coordinated attack on American soil, rocking the country to its core while inspiring incredible acts of heroism in the process.

Nearly 3,000 people died in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks orchestrated in New York City, Washington, D.C., and in a field just outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. While seemingly a million miles away from the Tampa Bay area, residents here watched the events unfold in horror, glued to their televisions and radios for the latest updates.

My oldest daughter, Chelsea, had celebrated her second birthday only two days before. Little did I know then how dramatically the world would change. I recall putting her in a playpen early that morning so I could get ready for work.

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As I was buzzing around, readying for the day ahead, the phone rang. My husband was on the line. He sounded frantic, demanding I turn on the television. Everything after that point is a blur of sorts in my memory. I recall feeling horror, fear, tremendous sadness and uncertainty. What I remember most of all, however, is how the Tampa Bay area responded over the next few hours, days, weeks and months.

At the time, I worked as an editor for a print publication in Tampa. I packed up Chelsea and brought her to work that day. Together we watched as people lined up to donate blood, organize relief efforts and simply say prayers. I was in awe at the number of phone calls my office fielded from residents asking how they could help.

On that darkest of days, the people of Tampa Bay (and hundreds and hundreds of other communities across the country) insisted on shining a bright light by coming together as one to simply offer hope and help.

Now, 15 years later, Chelsea is about to turn 17. The 9/11 events are nothing more than pages written in a history book to her, her younger sister and others from their generation. While the topic of 9/11 hasn’t made it directly into the teaching standards for Florida schools, my husband and I have shared our experiences with both girls, in hopes they, too, will never forget.

And, while the subject isn’t a requirement in Florida schools, the topic of 9/11 most assuredly comes up this time of year.

In Pasco County, for example, high school U.S. and world history classes address modern-day terrorism, school district officials say. Understandably, the events of 9/11 are intertwined with these discussions.

The county school district has also created resources to support age-appropriate instruction on the topic of 9/11 for all its grade levels, the district said in an email.

“Overall, teachers do recognize the day, and many secondary schools do honor the day as Patriot Day and National Day of Service,” the district said.

To me, that seems like a fitting remembrance of the day many Americans came together as one to shine a light through the darkness.

Be sure to share your memories and stories of 9/11 by commenting below!

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