Remember the “Let’s Roll” Attitude of 9/11
Our two oldest children were nine and seven years old on September 11, 2001. They remember. But, our youngest child wasn’t born yet. I want him to know about the “let’s roll” attitude of Todd Beamer and that of so many other people on 9/11 and the days following. Let’s remember to tell the next generation those stories.
The History Channel produced a documentary, The Days That Shaped America: September 11th presenting personal accounts of that horrific day. We hear from an employee at the World Trade Center, a staff member of the Pentagon, and the 911 operator who took the call from Todd Beamer and who heard his rally cry, “Let’s roll.”
These people and others tenderly share their stories of sacrifice, sorrow, love. Which is why I would have titled the documentary, The People That Shaped America: September 11th, instead of “The Days . . “
An unexpected, evil darkness pierced thousands of lives on that sunny, September morning. Yet, something greater rose up and rolled out across America.
Tell the Lesser Known Stories of 9/11
Heroic feats come in all shapes and sizes. Often, we hear about the major ones. However, the History Channel’s documentary reminds us of a few of the lesser-known.
A New York Downtown Hospital doctor reminds us of a group who persevered near Ground Zero on 9/11.
He tells us how immediately following the attack on the World Trade Center, the hospital became overwhelmed. The doctor wondered how they could possibly manage to treat so many people.
He recalls a moment when an enormous spray of blood, from an emergency tracheostomy, covered the operating area. The doctor expressed his amazement and gratitude for how the housekeeping staff reacted. Diligently and quickly they sanitized the area for the next patient. Just as the doctors continued to work through that chaotic day, so did they.
How many of us have considered the magnitude of service provided by the clean-up crews on September 11? Think of how many willing hands it took at the hospitals, at Ground Zero, at all of the crash sites, and the surrounding areas affected.
Many of those crews weren’t accustomed, phyically or mentally, to clearing anything like the severe aftermath of the 9/11.
Some workers had protective gear. Some did not. The resulting physical issues of many are still being researched and tracked.
PTSD
Studies report that most people who suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) following the attacks on 9/11 are now symptom-free. Thankfully, within six to eight months after the attacks, many were relieved of all symptoms.
However, thousands, especially those who were directly exposed to, or injured during the events, still suffer from one or more health conditions. PTSD tops the list.
Even now, the work routines, especially those of medical facility personnel, provide frequent reminders of the devastations they witnessed on 9/11.
Nonetheless, most of those who still endure physical and emotional repercussions because they chose to help others that day, would choose to do so again.
“Let’s Roll” Attitude = Do Unto Others
History has shown us, when faced with catastrophes, Americans have repeatedly set personal differences aside and helped one another.
If you’re one of those who helped in some way on 9/11, no matter how unimportant you consider your service or gesture of kindness—we want to thank you.
Your actions inspire people to do that one thing that determines greatness—to think of others before themselves.
We are praying for you to experience the fullness of hope, healing, and peace.
Hey, friends. Is there a story concerning 9/11 that has touched you in some way? If so, please share it with us. Or, tell us one way you’re teaching the next generation about the events of 9/11.
As a freelance writer, Sally Matheny’s writing is published in worldwide, national, regional, online and print publications including Appleseeds, Clubhouse Jr., Homeschooling Today, and The Old Schoolhouse.
As a blogger and speaker, Sally encourages parents to live victorious and to courageously tell the next generation wondrous things using the power of story, history, and His Story. Connect with her on several social media outlets, but her favorite hangouts are at SallyMatheny.com and Pinterest.
Sally and her husband live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and are blessed with three children, two sons-in-law, and armfuls of grandbabies.
