Alicia and I have been friends for many years and worked side-by-side for several years. On 9/11, I called in because I was going to be a little late for work. The traffic was backed up in all directions. I was not listening to the radio that day because I decided to play a CD. When I called in, Alicia said “Are you listening to the news?” I replied, “No I’m listening to a CD.” She immediately told me to turn on the news and updated me on the very tragic events of the morning. I listened and just couldn’t believe what I was hearing, but I proceeded to work.

When I arrived, several employees had gathered in an office where there was a television. I entered the room and the look on their faces made me immediately assume that even more had happened. Well, I was right. By then, a plane was flying into one of the twin towers and the Pentagon was struck. This is one of the most tragic events that I have ever known to happen in my lifetime.

Minutes later, we were told to go home. The traffic was again, bumper to bumper, so Alicia and I, driving in separate vehicles, decided to take the long way and drive uptown. The traffic was still horrendous, so we decided to stop at the Cheesecake Factory and have something to eat until the traffic would subside. The main dining room was closed and only the street level café was open. We were seated directly in front of the television where we watched the devastation that was being broadcasted by CNN. That day, we decided to order martini’s. Once our drinks came, we gently raised our glasses to the lives of those lost, their families, and thanked God for the safety of our families.

So, every year when September 11th comes around, my dear friend Alicia and I contact each other for a moment of remembrance. We will never forget the lives lost, the devastation that effected the entire Nation and the efforts of the emergency service providers. I am so proud to be an American! May God continue to bless the United States of America.