by Nicolle Morales Kern
Remembering the attacks of September 11, 2001 is a process that we have gone through for the past 10 years and will continue to remember for the rest of our lives. Over the past few weeks, there have been calls for you to share your stories and plans to honor the victims, survivors and those who served on that day.
The 10th anniversary of the attacks will be remembered by turning off the twin tower lights, the dedication of the new memorial and TV specials commemorating the day.
The following two stories, your fellow readers chose to share with you, demonstrate the lasting effects of that day 10 years ago:
Danita Maldonado
I have a blog that I’ve posted every year since that day. I lived in New York from 1999-2007 and when 9/11 happened, in my adopted home, I was devastated. In the past 10 years, so many things have changed, but that one day is forever seared into my brain.
It’s the one day that I mourn. I didn’t know anyone who died personally, but I have many friends who worked in that building (who survived that day, thank God!) whose lives have forever been changed. I knew firefighters and cops who lost brothers. I knew traders and tourists, who lost loved ones. I saw the towers fall from Union Square and those are images that will forever haunt me.
Debbie Reeve Santos at the age of 31.
Debbie Reeve Santos (as told by her aunt, Noreen Santos)
Debbie Reeve Santos, a first responder for FDNY-EMT who helped in the recovery at Ground Zero, did not die on 9/11/01. As a result of her service, she developed lung cancer and died at the age of 41 on March 15, 2006. She left behind her husband, David Reeve (also an EMT), her daughter Elizabeth and her son Mark. Debbie leaves a legacy that inspires us to look beyond our own needs.
Her best traits, besides being quick witted, was that of care taker; I remember the many times she would visit my mother, who was suffering from cancer; the concern, care and above all love that she showed. Debbie was not perfect but she was a “Santos.” She loved the Lord, her family and friends with all her heart.
I think of Debbie every 9/11 and my hearts goes out to all those who lost love ones on that day and because of that day, like our family. I remember Debbie giving a special pin with the Towers wrapped with a black ribbon. I keep this pin next to her photo in my office and I wear this pin with pride every September 11. God Bless America and may we always remember all of our heroes!
Feel free to share your stories with us as well.
Senior Editor, Nicolle Morales Kern
______________________________________________________________
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those
of the author and should not be understood to be shared by Being Latino, Inc.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
About Nicolle Morales Kern