I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news. I was in my silver Dodge Avenger sipping my coffee and cutting through campus hoping to see some pretty girls while on my way to my office at TransDigital Solutions downtown. I was on Euclid at the stop light getting ready to turn right on Limestone. For whatever reason I was listening to the radio instead of a CD and I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I called the girl I was dating at the time to get her to turn the news on but knew she was already tuned in when I heard her sobbing when she answered the phone. My next phone call was to a friend of mine who had an apartment not too far from there.

The rest of the day my mind was elevated from my body. It took a while for things to really sink in and then I started really appreciating what it meant to be an American. I was 22 years old, had a great Internet consulting company with my brother, made good money, had time to spend with my family and friends, and pretty much took it all for granted until the day’s events opened my eyes.

I was so conflicted. I got mad but was helpless. I was confused but wanted revenge. I was saddened for the families who suffered losses but wanted those responsible to suffer worse.

I’ve traveled to several foreign countries and it truly is a blessing to be an American. The things we take for granted are true luxuries elsewhere. It’s thanks to our armed forces for keeping us safe and allowing us to have the freedom we do. The United States is a country like no other. We live a life of excess even during hard times. If you don’t believe that, click here to see photos from some poorer areas.

The events that occurred on September 11, 2001 changed my life. The confusion, the appreciation, everything made me start looking at my life and realizing I needed to change. What was the point in buying $300 shoes and $200 shirts? I started caring more for my friends and spending more time with everyone I cared about. I’m sure the people who were lost that day didn’t think it would be their last day, but it just goes to show that we never know when that day will come. I don’t want any of my friends or family to not know how I feel about them.

I gained a whole new level of respect and admiration for the soldiers who have and still do serve our country. I used to think the phrase “Proud To Be An American” was so cheesy, but after this revelation I know just what that means. Shortly after that I lost a friend of mine who was sent overseas. A land mine took out the vehicle he was in. Nine years later, one of my best friends is being shipped to Iraq in a few months and while “we are pulling out of that war,” it still makes me uneasy.

Things changed after that. It now takes two hours to get through an airport security line. Places are under 24/7 surveillance. Hell, the bridge crossing the Kentucky River on I-75 is under constant monitoring. Kentucky?!? That’s a possible target? Everything is. These precautions are our leaders protecting us. Are they a hassle? Of course. Is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY.

I have a t-shirt that says “America: FUCK YEAH” and I love it. I’d wear it all the time if it weren’t offensive. So take some time today and let anyone in the armed forces know that you appreciate them doing what they do to let you have the lifestyle you have.