Severna Park 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 in Harford County. 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 Severna Park Patch readers on Facebook where they were on 9/11 many commented right away with their memories.

There were varied responses from Richard Dudeck who said he was teaching on post at Fort Meade. 

“It was very scary to see the armored vehicles driving pas your,” he wrote.

Several people commented there were in various classes at Severna Park High School. Yvette Hamill-Graves was two blocks from the White House. Ashley Sehl was in the Army, stationed in Germany and “ready to go home.”

After reading through the 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 commented that they too were in classes at school. 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.

Kevin Kohler even said he was teaching ninth-grade English at Bel Air High School. He was in the building next to where I was 12 years ago, and now we have reconnected.

“Wow. Small world,” Kohler said.

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.