I’m just a small voice from the Midwest United States. That morning began as so many others, I was coming home from teaching Color Guard for the local high school band. This is something I’ve been doing for years as a volunteer and my son Steve was assisting me. We stopped at my beauty salon so I could check on the appointments for the day and Steve stayed in the car. He had been listening to the radio and told me something happened to the WTC. I really didn’t think about it much because I had so many others things on my mind. After we arrived home Steve disappeared to his room and I proceeded with my usual day. He ran upstairs at one point and said, “Mom, I think you need to turn on the TV.” We did and saw the second plane hit the tower. Way too many feelings swept over me, surprise, horror, sorrow, deep sadness and anger. Then with unbelief we heard about the Pentagon…

What a sad day; I went to work as usual and did my clients hair but nobody had their heart in it. The pall that this cast over everyone was disheartening. Churches held prayer meetings and people were sad for a long time. The children talked about it for days with their parents, teachers and friends. Then we started reaching out for each other, flags were flown, blood was donated and money sent.

People seem stronger now, there is a resolute feeling among them along with the sorrow felt for the victims and their families.

Steve who had already been in the Army Reserves for several years had decided earlier last year to join the regular Army. He left just after Christmas for Germany and was promptly sent to Kosovo. As for the next place, who knows. I am proud of him for being a soldier for this great country and pray that he never goes in harms way. I also pray that our country stays resolute to the terrorism around us. God Bless America!