The first thing I remember about that day was wrapping up family scripture study before 6 AM. We prayed and less than forty-five minutes later, I was at the church building for early morning seminary. I remember the bishops walking through the halls. I had no idea what was happening. The seminary teacher told us about the planes striking the tower. The rest of the class seem to get it, but I admit I didn’t even know what towers they were talking about. I never heard of the World Trade Center before.

At school, the TVs were on all day. I don’t remember as much cover about the attack on the Pentagon or the plane that went down in Pennsylvania. I would find out more that day (and of course years to follow.) There was an assembly that day. It had been planned in advance with a great motivational speaker. He included what the nation was facing and was sensitive to the day’s events.

The Young Women’s activity that night was volleyball in the backyard of a leader’s house. When my dad picked me up, he was listening to the radio, and it was the first time I heard of Osama bin Laden. My dad said, “This is who they think did it.”

And of course it was. I learned so much about the evil organizations that year. I was sheltered naturally, but I think a lot of people were learning too. No matter what you think of him, President Bush did inspire me with the confidence that we would get bin Laden.

I am so grateful for the 9/11 heroes and those that are protecting the United States. I pray today we will be safe.