My recount of September 11th 2001, a Tuesday, was hearing news of a plane hitting some building in NY from a classmate in my Physics class as we were packing up to leave class. Someone had heard the news from a radio report. As a college student in his Sophomore year at the University of Hartford away from home, I couldn’t appreciate what the news meant until I reached our Gengras Student Union building where our cafeterias were and saw the panic that was on other student’s faces. Following their gazes, I looked up to the television screens that showed ominous pictures of the Twin Towers and the Pentagon on fire. I remember seeing students on their cell phones, some with tears on their faces as they tried to call their loved ones . . . some who actually worked in the Twin Towers. Amidst the commotion, we all were glued to the television screens. My parents and two younger siblings lived in Falls Church, VA, just outside of DC. None of them had any business with the Pentagon, so I was not so worried. Still, I wanted to make sure they were alright as soon as the phone lines were freed up. At the time when we were learning of the attack, there was a general fear from everyone that we didn’t know how bad it was going to get. This was prior to my having a cell phone, so I probably called on a land line somewhere. Word got out that classes were canceled for the rest of that day and that student services were to remain available for students who needed assistance. I was with a dear friend from NYC, a sister in Christ, who I recall mentioning to me a conversation with a friend or family member who had awoken from a dream or something with a strong conviction to pray for all the people he or she loved. This was a reminder to me that there is a spiritual realm that we live with. After the reports were in, I believe there was a candlelight vigil that took place. The President of our University, Walter Harrison, addressed the student body on a few occasions with words of consolation and leadership. Post 9-11, we were all given little hand bells with a picture of a Hawk with the words “We remember . . . 9-11-01” written on them. Little did I realize then just how much the events of this day would impact my life. Now I work as a contractor to help ensure that another 9-11 never happens again. I will never forget. In fact, I am learning more about what happened that fateful day. We will never forget. The stories of love and bravery that came to light amidst the darkness. Never forget.