Proud to be an American

Last night was one night I will probably never forget. Last night was the night the world found out that Osama bin laden was killed by US forces. I was lucky enough to be in NY last night and headed to Ground Zero with my boyfriend who lives in that same area. Surrounding us were well over 150 people singing patriotic songs in unison, waving American flags of all sizes, screaming, yelling, clapping, spraying champagne all over the place and taking hundreds of pictures of this amazing sight. At one point throughout the night (or early morning because it was about 12 am), two men decided to climb a street pole and stand atop the crowd waving a tattered American flag before shaking and opening a bottle of champagne across the sea of faces (see photo below). Unbeknownst to us, we had no idea what it would be like... and our assumptions were right on target. We stood, in each others arms, in front of one of the towers that isn't nearly finished, with it's bright lights shining on the happy faces of people who were celebrating their patriotism, their sense of victory and tears of relief and hope, was the highlight of my night. I was able to look around me and look up at the faces of those who felt almost blessed to have been alive to celebrate something so epic and thought, I clearly remember what happened on September 11, 2001 and here I am on May 1, 2011 at the same spot where over 3,000 people died and I felt my throat swell up with feelings I did not know of. I held onto him tight and looked up at the night sky whose lights reflected off of the heavens above and although I couldn't see the faces of all of those innocent people who passed away and left their friends and families with nothing but memories, I saw something more. I saw a night sky filled with dreams fulfilled. These dreams, whether big or small, have been floating across the universe for 10 years; dreams of wanting something more than just revenge. Dreams of wanting peace and comfort and contentment, were answered. 

I was very lucky to have been there last night. To be a part of something so heart rendering- I will not forget. Let us remember those brave and courageous who fought til the very end to save others and themselves as well as those who wanted nothing more than to live... to say good-bye to their family and friends. You will be remembered forever...

I am Proud to be an American.

 

A view of one of the towers from Ground Zero that is still being worked on, 

and nonetheless shining across the sky

 

Ground Zero Celebration/Party

 

Two men standing on top of a street pole waving the American flag at Ground Zero celebrating the death of bin laden and more importantly, those who fought for our country! Champagne, people singing patrotic songs, hundreds of people and tears. I won't ever forget this night... And I was SO thankful to be there to witness this celebration of happiness.