Do You Remember Where You Were

Hi everyone. As we all know the 10th anniversary of the day that changed the world for all of us will be commemorated this Sunday. I was in traffic that day heading too the Veterans Hospital here in Tampa when our local DJ at that time (Bubba The Love Sponge) announced that a plane had hit the first of the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center. Shortly thereafter they announced that another plane had hit the second Twin Tower and a plane also hit the Pentagon and eventually the final plane had gone down near Shanksville, PA. As a soldier of 22 years who had only been out of the Army for 3 years at the time my range of emotions were off the chart. Anger, fear, sorrow and outrage were just a few. My thoughts turned too my younger brother Larry who was an Infantry Lieutenant Colonel stationed at the Army Operations Center in the Pentagon. Try as I might that day I could not get through too him. The attack was so massive and unexpected that phone systems were overwhelmed. I canceled my appointment that morning and heading home to turn on the TV to keep abreast of what was happening. Since that fateful day our world has been forever changed. My brother witnessed the attack that morning and assisted in the rescue and recovery efforts. Over 3000 lives were lost that day and the war on terrorism began. All who perished that day and all who have perished since protecting our country and freedoms will forever be my heroes. The coin shown was minted for the Army Operations Center to honor the 1st anniversary. My younger brother commanded a special detail that raise, saluted and retired approximately 2000 flags over the Pentagon on the 1st anniversary and were presented along with this coin to family members of the victims, The Secretary of the Army, senior Army officials and a few others. My younger brother presented this coin and flag to me as well as one to my brother Geoff who retired as a Colonel from the Army for Christmas 2002. The coin and flag now rest in a flag case and inside the folded flag are pieces of the Pentagon from where the plane impacted. The flag and coin rest on my desk where I see it everyday that I am home and it reminds me of that terrible day and all the lives lost. It also reminds me that we as American's will always have the resolve and determination to protect our great nation from all enemies foreign or domestic and that we will do whatever is necessary. Take time this weekend to remember and honor all those who died and all who are serving our country around the world. This coin personally to me is not my most valuable coin in monetary value but it is and forever will be my most precious and cherished. If any of wish to see the obverse of this coin PM me and I will send you a picture. Enjoy your weekend and as always, thank you for looking and Happy Collecting

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