Rumors swirled at school, home, and on the news.

The daughter of my adopted grandma was listening to the radio as she drove back from the airport. She turned right around as soon as she heard about terrorist activity and picked up her mom and aunt. The girl trip was delayed a week or so.

My friend had one of the worse birthdays ever because everyone came to school sad.

Rearrangements and changes were made on the Madonna tour. One concert’s proceeds went to the 9/11 relief efforts.

My family worried about my brother who was serving his mission at the time in New England. My dad remembers it was around three weeks before we received a letter from him. (Snail mail was the key way missionaries would contact their families weekly—quite different now!) It makes sense that the mail was checked thoroughly though. A few months later, the wife of his mission president told my parents that nearly immediately after, people were attending church. Unfortunately, as time went on, church attendance decreased.

On May 2, 2011, United States Navy SEALS shot bin Laden’s in his compound is Pakistan. It was glorious news.

Terrorism still continues, and sadly, some U.S. government officials and media outlets are removing the blame from those responsible.

However, there are still proud Americans who won’t forget. I never will. I also want to take time to thank America’s military for their service. Words can’t express my gratitude.

And to those who have their birthdays in September, you are very special. You are a symbol of hope and life.

Let us all seek peace but be ready to defend ourselves against evil.