"September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online

my family did fly and American flag after the events of september 11th. my feelings have changed, because i have begun to understand the flag. it's not a material possession, but rather a symbol of our grievance, but also our pride for our country.…

Yes, we did. It means much more to me, and I have become very interested in learning more about the first years of our country. I have read Founding Brothers and the Adams biography recently. I also watched Ken Burns' Civil War series all the way…

Yes, my family and I hung a flag from our house after this. My feelings haven't changed about the flag because I have always respected my country this just made it more of an emotional thing.

My feelings to the American flag did not change because of this event. I still love the flag I bought back then in an army shop in china town.

Yes, and havn't looked at a flag the same way and probably never will. It definately means freedom.

no i couldnt afford one

Yes I think my life has changed since September 11 in many little ways. I am so much thankful for living in America now than I was before. I am grateful for all the freedoms I have and for everything that the United States of America has to offer.…

I flew the American flag where I spend most of my time-my car. My feelings about the American flag have changed; I have learned more about the symbolism, and after all these years, I look at it-REALLY look at it-and realize how beautiful it is.

No, my family hasn't but all throughout Nederland I have seen all sorts of sizes of flags.You can tell how this sort of incident has changed people.

Yes, my parents hung my Grandfather's flag, given to us upon his passing, in our front window. In the past year, I have learned what it really is to be an American. I have never seen so much patriotism, and so many communities coming together,…

My life has changed considerabley, I have gotten a new job. Let's stress, in the sense of little things that use to irrate me no longer due. Taking life for what it is. Just living, enjoying life.

Bravery,

Yes. Every time I look at the flag, I think of all of those who died to keep our nation free. My feelings about the flag and what it represents have always been strong, but now I just want to shake it in some people's faces.

My name is Jimmie Duncan I was at school when it happend.
September 11/01 I was at school watching the news.When the first plane hit the first tower.There were so many things going throught my head.I didn't know what to think about.Then the second…

I think the flag as a symbol was overused right after the disasters. I saw a lot
of people who were so unfamiliar with hanging flags that they hung them
backwards.

Now, a year later, I think we have a healther renewed sense of patriotism ... more…

September 11th should be remembered for the great losses that were suffered, not only as Americans, but all of the familes, friends, and businesses. So many innocent lives were taken, it seems for almost no reason. It wasn't just Americans that…

Being a 42yr. old Afro American male, before Septemeber 11, I never looked at myself as a "Patriotic American", but in the aftermath of that tragedy, I have come to embrace this country more than I had in the past. I applaud the efforts of the…

We always flew a small flag but got a larger one after September 11. The American flag is more appreciated today as a symbol of unity and patriotism. Americans have probably not felt this strongly about our country since December 7, 1941 when Pearl…

Yes I do. I never felt so proud to be an American, as I did after 9-11. The way it was so hard to even find an American Flag! Awesome! Everywhere I looked I saw them. Even now the way huge billboards around the country show the flag, the eagle,…

Yes, I did fly my flag as a sign of solidarity and perhaps defiance to the terrorists, but I do not think that flying the flag has alot to do with patriotism. The American Flag is an important symbol, but patriotism is in your heart.