By J1 Reporter Nora Walz

The morning of Sept. 11, 2001, was just like any other day for my aunt, Sarah Walz.

The University of Kansas freshman had just celebrated her 19th birthday the night before and was enjoying the crisp fresh air while walking to her friend’s dorm. The two friends had planned on walking to class together, but plans changed the moment she stepped inside that dorm room. 

A faint light from the box TV lit the room, and the image of the North Tower of the World Trade Center engulfed in flames has since then been engraved in her brain. 

Shock and disbelief took over everyone around and the two spent the rest of the morning together in tears. Classes were cancelled and plans were put to a slight halt due to the uncertainty and unexpectedness of the events that had just occurred. 

Despite the tragedy, the group of friends had all planned on going out that night to celebrate their other friend’s birthday and they did just that. The once-lively places were empty and a “somber feeling filled the air.”

 Yet, despite being overcome with grief, the country came together that day in ways that had never been seen before—people were praying, comforting each other, and representing the United States of America in any way they could.

Though that day was 25 years ago, the world has since been flipped upside down. The most evident difference is in the way people travel and how airport security was taken to an entirely new level after the attacks. 

The sense of fear from that morning continued to rest in the minds of Sarah and others for many months and is still there today. 

“The story of this day and the people involved must continue to be told and remembered for this is an event that took place on our soil and reshaped our lives.” Walz said.

Do you have any 9/11 memories? If you do, please leave a comment below.