Bel Air Reflects: Where Were You on 9/11?

Each year, as the anniversary of 9/11 approaches, similar conversations can be heard throughout households and communities around the country.

“Where were you?”

It seems only natural that we all remember exactly where we were—down to the very vivid details—when we heard the tragic news.

I was in seventh-grade English class at Bel Air Middle School. I watched my teacher step out of the room, walk back in with her hand cupped over her mouth, as she tried to put on a brave face for us all.

When I asked Bel Air Patch readers on Facebook where they were on 9/11 the response was overwhelming.

There were varied responses from Sonny Kim, who said he was in surgery at the Children’s Hospital in DC. Or Chris Kristy Valenza-Parrish, who said she was nine-months pregnant—about to bring a child into a post 9/11 world.

Amanda Koenig said she was in first-grade at Prospect Mill.

Steven Fook and Diane Collins Eggerman learned they both had ties to Port Jefferson, NY that day.

After reading through the more than 100 Facebook comments, what resonated with me is how a horrific and tragic event, meant to defeat us, and tear us apart, only further united us all.

Several people, whom I do not personally know, commented that they too were in classes at Bel Air-area schools. Strangers—who were in the same environment as I was, when they heard the heartbreaking news. Who all watched teachers put on a brave face, and parents rush to the school to pick up their children.

Now, 12 years later, despite going away from Bel Air for school and jobs, here I am again on the anniversary of 9/11, in the same town I was when it happened—back with all of you. United as one, as we remember the day that tried to tear us apart. 

So when you’re standing in line for coffee at Starbucks today, or picking your kids up from school, take a moment to ask the person next to you where they were. The answerer might surprise you. And if you’re lucky, the answer might even make you feel a part of something.

If nothing else, use today as an opportunity to reflect, and to do something great—in honor of all of those who weren’t given the chance.

Where were you? Tell us in the comments. To join the conversation on Facebook, click here.