253/365: Never Forget

There were several hot air balloons flying over Lincoln today and one of them had an American Flag hanging from it (although I couldn't get a picture of it). The man who was flying that balloon actually called over to Seth's parent's home earlier in the afternoon to see if Seth knew anyone in the Armed Forces who was home so that they could let them know that they were doing this as a tribute to those who serve in the armed forces.

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I know I will never forget where I was when I found out or how it made me feel. I was a freshman in high school and was sitting in an Introduction to Agriculture class.It was the class I had right before homeroom, which was right before lunch. It was probably 11:30am. I was sitting in the back left corner, near the teacher's desk. I was quietly doodling in my notebook since it was near the end of class and the announcements would be coming over the intercom anytime. Most of the others in the class were carrying on loudly and it was difficult to hear the announcements. Or, maybe it was the really old speakers. 

I remember hearing something about planes being flown into buildings and the evacuation of  national landmarks, as well as the state capitol building in Springfield. I remember feeling like it was not real and that it was all made up. The reality of what had happened had not sunk in. I don't remember what else was announced, or if anything was announced. I vaguely remember the teacher saying something about it, which made me realize this was real. But, really I still didn't get it. We talked about what had happened in english class that afternoon. It still didn't seem real.

I think my dad picked me up from school that day. I remember riding in the car with him and my twin brother. I remember the streets of our small town being packed with cars (for probably the first and last time) as everyone was trying to get the the small gas station in our town. I remember trying to reconcile what had happened in my fourteen year old mind. I couldn't do it. It seemed like the world around me was going crazy.

I remember later that week, being in science class and hearing "I'm Proud to be an American" over the intercom. I did feel proud, but I grew to loathe that song since it was played so frequently. I remember going to church later that year, near Christmas time. One of the preacher's sons, who was like an older brother to me was back from finishing college. I remember him telling me that he had joined the Marines and was being deployed the next month. 

Unfortunately, I also remember that as the days, weeks, and years passed I thought less and less about how we were a nation at war and more and more about my own life. It didn't really sink in how fortunate a nation we are that we do not have daily reminders of the war we are involved in. Several weeks ago, I began to notice that every monday when I drove to Springfield I would see Army vehicles. Seeing Army vehicles really freaks me out. The war is suddenly real. High school classmates of mine are out there on the front lines. This is very real. I don't want to forget the reality of what is happening around the world. I don't want to forget about all of those who serve in the Armed Forces who fight so that you and I can have freedom.