BIN LADEN

Ten years ago. I was sitting in class, staring at a television. Not sure what to think. I can honestly say there was a part of me that did not believe that what we were watching could be true. Or maybe, it was that I didn’t want it to be true.

 All I know for sure is that seven years later I signed the dotted line joining the National Guard. Was September 11, 2001 my main motivation? No, But I promise there was so much of me that thought of the families that suffered and are still suffering as I fought to make my decision. The decision was not easy at all. I didn’t know if I could do it! Heck I didn’t have the slightest idea what I was thinking. The only thing I knew for a fact is I did not want to be one who stands aside and watches as other people destroy what we live for. At the time I didn’t know that by joining the National Guard I would be starting a family. Not to many people go to basic training and find the love of their life, but for me that is exactly what happened. Allanna entered my life and I refused to let her slip from my arms.

May 1, 2011. Almost ten years after the day that changed the face of this country forever. Allanna and I are celebrating our first wedding anniversary and the news says that we finally killed Bin Laden. I don’t know why but my heart and my brain worked in a funny way last night. First I was so happy. For the families of those taken. For the soldiers we have lost, and for our great country. Then a wave of concern took over. I do not know what is to come of this but no matter what happens I do know this. Our world must stay as ready as ever. This could bring retaliation, a fight for a new leader or both. We must stay prepared to stand up and hold our flag in the air as we fight this demon and we must stay together. I will never forget the feeling of unity our country had in those days soon after September 11, 2001, and with this news of victory against Bin Laden my hope is that we again feel a sense of unity across this nation!!!