I was in basic training. Only 18 years old. I joined right out of high school. My mother warned me of the possibility of going to war and that every 10 years or so the US is known to participate in a war or conflict. I didn't listen. The news hit when I was learning to give life saving buddy aid. Our drill sergeants stopped training, gathered us together and took off their hats......they never did that! They spoke to us like humans...like men. No longer recruits or privates to be broken down and built back up. They told us about the 1st plane hitting tower one. And while we were talking the 2nd plane hit tower 2. I'll never forget what happened afterwards. The days training ended abruptly and we were bussed to the main parade field where we learned basic marching skills. The battalion put into individual company formations to be addressed by our 1st sergeants. I'll never forget the words of our 1st sergeant who had served in Desert Storm. He yelled "We're going to war!" We were mostly young men confused at first, looking at eachother in silence, realizing what we were in for. Cheering erupted from our company, followed by the others. Most of us ended up in Afghanistan not longer. And then later, Iraq. I ended up serving 3 tours in Iraq. Some of those men I served with didn't make it home. Something that will be always on my mind. A recollection of the moment that started it all. Until this day I still get messages of the fallout from that day. Soldiers who lost their lives in service during combat and after the fact to health conditions related to exposures or sadly, from succumbing to PTSD. So I will NEVER FORGET! to the brothers and sisters in arms lost since 9-11 and to those dealing with the after effects of war! It is ugly, it is not kind and it fundamentally changes you as a person, so as it did on 9-12-2001. It is my only hope that America return to 9-12 and unite as a country. To be kind to one another and treat eachother again as if we were in this life together united by the basic ethics and morals coveted in our constitution. That we live in the best country on the planet and are allowed to live prosperous. I love this country and it will forever hold a place in my heart.