The Strength Remains

Eleven years ago, I was working in my office at school when a teacher from down the hall came in and said that a plane had flown into one of the World Trade Center Towers. While I was searching for information about the first plane, the second plane hit the other tower. It was only then that I realized we were under attack. I believe the trade center towers were chosen because they became an icon of American strength. Rather than weaken us, the attacks strengthened us in many ways. We proved our mettle immediately following the tragedy. Stories abound about how people rose to the challenge: from police and firemen risking their lives to politicians speaking with one voice as Americans. My favorite story involves St.Paul’s Chapel directly across the street. Somehow St. Paul's survived the shower of debris and was transformed into a round the clock hostel, providing care and support for eight months to the rescue and recovery workers. For months, volunteers came from all over America to work there. So many volunteers came that they had to be scheduled and their time helping was limited to allow everyone a chance to experience the blessing of helping. People cried when their time was up and they had to leave.

The towers came down. The strength remains.