About 20 minutes after the second plane hit, we were setting up security and checking prominant land points in areas around the harbor... On the first point we went to, we tracked two sets of foot prints to the beach and found two civilians walking back to the brush towards us -- returning from fishing, after they saw the towers hit.
They were fully compliant and proned out till we could ID them (one was a cop)... but I will never forget when one looked up at me, face down on U.S. soil, and said "Things have changed forever, haven't they?".
For those that were lost on that day... things have changed. Some changes are not so good, but many are great -- Your death was not in vain... as the nation watched, it was awakened, a pride and ire filled the hearts of your neighbors across this country -- and all of America stood side by side.
Even though the short time has washed away the memories of some, the suffering of families and friends, the tears and blood, the worry and fear on dirty faces and the horrible taste from the smoke and dust stuck in our throats will ensure that many will never forget...
But, I thank those who fell that day, the real heroes, for the images I recall the most; The hands of others reaching to help, people walking into harms way to help or only pay tribute to those who were. There was no race, color or creed... Soldiers, cops, crooks, firefighters, athletes, bankers, mothers, children, teachers... everyone, from all walks of life came together -- Your day in infamy is exactly that, your day... for while you bore fully the very worst this country has ever seen, you inspired the very best this country can be. Godspeed, see you across the bar...