12 years ago today, September 11th 2001, a city, a country, and let's face it, the world were changed to a degree that nobody could ever have foreseen.I don't want to dwell on the event itself but more the aftermath.
First some background. Approximately a month before 9/11 I was in New York on vacation. I'd previously visited the city once, and since the event I've returned twice. When I visited in 2001, I took a trip to the observation deck in the World Trade Center. The views were extraordinary.
I was at work when I heard about the attack. I finished my shift, went home and became transfixed with the news coverage. CNN, BBC News. I was watching both at times, trying to get my head around how and why an event like that could occur. Of course, in the days to come, the world would learn who caused the tragedy.
The other thing that occurred to me, was how resilient the people of New York are. I'm on Twitter and I'd say probably 80-90% of my 700+ followers are American and more specifically from the Tri-State area. It probably has a lot to do with my avid interest in American sports. Today I found myself thinking of how New York used sports as a method way of trying to resume some form of normal routine, and two sports events sprang to mind, both of which are featured in videos below.
New York Mets after 9/11 http://youtu.be/XCWlPDlOQ9k
New York Yankees after 9/11 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8WhoiuU3Og
It doesn't matter which team you follow. Either of those videos are enough to give anybody goosebumps. When I watched them today, I got chills and my eyes welled up. No matter what happens, togetherness and normality will always triumph over evil.
To summarise. I LOVE NEW YORK, and I always will I envy the people who call it home and one day, I hope to call it home for myself. To be surrounded by the magnificence of Times Square. To stroll down Broadway. To stand on the Empire State Building observation deck and watch the city streets below.
I, like many other people, will never forget 9/11 and nor do I think I ever will forget it.
Well I'll also always remember is New York, its inhabitants and their fantastic attitude in the face of such tragedy.
New York, you have a large place in my heart and you always will.
Cannot wait to visit the city again next year
NEVER FORGET
