Remembering 9-11

It's not that I would ever forget that day. Walking into Mrs. Bookwalter's AP English literature class, noticing the television, and complaining: "I don't want to watch this movie". It could have been a horror film but it was the morning news.

Nine years later I never would have imagined I'd be standing at Ground Zero behind an ABC News Radio reporter to see the families, dignitaries and patriots line up to memorialize the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

I watched as Governor Paterson was interviewed on the memorial service and the afternoon protests. He described the healing process of the families, how resilient the survivors are and how "there's a lot of good" in New York City. I also appreciated his comment on the scheduled mosque protests. He said that it was a shame they were being held today as this day was meant for those grieving loved ones.

There were a lot of people to watch today so I got to ground zero early and met this guy and his friend Jose who walked here from Hollywood, FL in honor of his children and the future of 'a country coming together'.
One of my favorite people was this man. He wore a huge clock on his shirt that illustrated how we would never forget 9-11. He was definitely not shy in front of the camera and actually recruited me to take a picture with him saying: "Are you smiling? All I want is for people to smile more."

While waiting for dignitaries to come out of the service I met a few photographers and videographers. This Irishman was getting footage for a documentary he's creating for the 10-year anniversary. His angle is on Irish-Americans who were touched by the tragedy. His impression of America: "You're big." I couldn't disagree.

Speaking of dignitaries, it was nice to see Rudy Giuliani in attendance. He stopped for an interview with my ABC Radio 'buddy' and I snapped a quick photo.

I sang an International Day of Compassion song led by an enthusiastic woman who wants 11-9 to be turned into an international holiday. She gave me a t-shirt and asked that I champion her cause. I listened to an Amish choir sing hymns and I had an in-depth conversation on urban revitalization at High Line Park with a Jersey fellow. It was great to get out into the city and experience what New York is about. Thank you for being such a resilient, welcoming and friendly city NYC.