Lady Liberty Stands Tall

Dear Friends, September 11, 2001 is a day we will, as a nation, remember. Like during Pearl harbor, the Apollo deaths, the Challenger explosion, we will remember where we were. Tuesday I was at Liberty Island. I watched in horror as the first plane dove into the WTC buildings.

With shock and dismay I stood there unable to help or move. Then a few minutes passed until we were able to hear the faint sounds of emergency crews responding to the crisis. Hope for the survivors filled my heart.

Then the second plane came crashing in and a wave of nausea rolled over me, my knees grew weak. As I watch, from the place I consider my home, flames belched from the second tower. Tears clouded my eyes and made it hard to see.

Later I over heard someone say that another plane had crashed in Washington killing more. Another hijacked plane had crashed in Pennsylvania. Four planes in all.

Then before my eyes the towers collapsed like a glass house trapping rescue workers and victims alike, still I was unable to help. I was at work and could not leave. Anger and sadness grew inside as black smoke rose from the wreckage and yet I could not help those who were trapped.

That's when I realized that these madmen were succeeding if they were able to stop me from doing my job what I had been placed on the island to do. Storing my anger and sadness away I return to my duties.

And as I stood there unmoving, I held my torch higher, my back grew straighter, and my crown glistened in the sun.

What is my job you ask? I am the Statue of Liberty and I welcome all who come to this country seeking peace and freedom. I am also a symbol to all those who have died to keep that beacon alive. I now count those who perished on September 11, among those honored souls. I will always stand here as a symbol of their sacrifice and loss.

My fellow citizens join me by helping me bear the torch of freedom to all who wish for it and by standing tall in the face of adversity.

In God We Trust,
Lady Liberty

This story was contributed: Anonymous