The Remembrances below were left by Web visitors.

Italy:
After two wonderful weeks spent in the South West Grand Circle National Parks, my boyfriend and I were on a L.A. airport runaway between the first and second 11th of September attacks. Two reflections come to mind. Firstly, when we think of our holiday, a treat after years of studying, our thuoghts go always to the people who are not there anymore and their families. Secondly, we are now even more convinced that it is also through the respect and protection of natural and cultural heritage that we can build a better world for all of mankind.

Colorado:
If we were to petition God to grant us all a return to the days before 9/11 carrying with us some of the lessons learned since that horrific day, perhaps we would show him a nation that has learned the value of things not for their worth but for what they mean. That the Statue of Liberty, the Declaration of Independence, Independence Hall, Capitol Building, White House represent who we are as a nation indivisible, under God, with liberty and justice for all. That preserving them and the other national treasures that define us as a people and as a nation are indeed worth any price for they are priceless.

Colorado:
I've never been what most would consider a patriotic person. But as I raised the American flag and then lowered it to half-mast on Sept 13th my first day back on duty, I felt my eyes fill and my throat clog. A family had been sitting outside of the Visitor Center for the Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP, waiting for me to open the doors and begin our day. As I paused for a moment, the family quietly placed their hands over their hearts, took off their hats, and saluted the flag in the bright morning sunshine. I spoke with them later, and found out that they were from Canada and hadn't originally planned on stopping here. They had felt overwhelmed by the sad news and felt that they needed a place to make the grief a little less immediate. They had chosen the Black Canyon to find a sense of balance again. That's when I fully realized how much of a sancutary our national park units have become.

Texas:
As a first generation American,born in N.Y.C. I have many emotions about 9/11. More important is my pride in being so very blessed to be an American of Italian decent. My Grandparents brought my parents to this, the greatest nation on Gods green earth. A part of my soul was wounded on 9/11/01 and it will never heal. That wound has caused my pride and love for my country to grow. No one can destroy my love and pride in the United States of America. God knows and see all things and truly, all things work for good to those that love Him. Never give up your faith in God. GOD BLESS AMERICA, amen.

Louisiana:
As an immigrant to the United States and as one who served gladly and with honor in the US Army, I can only say that every American on September 11th is a hero to me. The people who were involved directly by the attacks on our country should be remembered as heroes, but also the ordinary Americans who, like me, cried, displayed their flag and prayed for those involved. I still morn for them and I always will. But I also mourn for my lost brothers from Granada and Panama that I served with. God bless us all.

New Jersey:
I have become absorbed in the study of the ordeals, the sacrifices and the grit Americans of many states exhibited in New Jersey during the Revolutionary War and Pennsylvania during the Civil War. Walking the ground of their courage and success is awe-inspiring. Otherwise I still find the shock of the Tower attacks too fresh and too confusing.

Vermont:
I was in Manhattan over the weekend and I am still amazed of the change in landscape and the true essence of loss. I could still smell the effects of destruction. I send heartfelt thoughts to all of my NPS colleagues who had to immediately deal with the crisis and who are still dealing with the crisis!! You all show determinatio to live and pass through these hard times. Thank you for your efforts of kindness. All NPS sites provide a unique opportunity for a further understanding in one's being.

Virginia:
I am a law enforcement park ranger with the National Park Service. I am finishing up my first season and moving on to a permanent position this fall. I will always remember September 11, 2001 for many reasons. The first and probably biggest reason is that September 11, 2001 was the first day of my NPS seasonal law enforcement academy. I was riding to class and heard what had happened on the radio. Like everyone else, I was in shock. It made a very happy day for me turn bittersweet. Class was still held, but of course everyone's minds were on the current events. We would take breaks and run to the radio or the computer lab to find out what was going on. We also had discussions in class. As the day continued, I started to worry about my friends (that live and work in D.C.) and my family (that lives near some major military bases). It was at this time that I started to cry. I realized that day, after what had happened, that I was even more determined to become a park ranger. I already knew I wanted to serve the public, but as a protection ranger, I am able to serve my country as a whole and keep things that are important to us sacred. I am starting my permanent position at Independence National Historic Site where I will better be able to serve my country and help to keep one of its most important national icons from being attacked. I am proud every day to put on this uniform and will do whatever I can during, and off duty, to keep this country and it's people safe.

Virginia:
Perhaps the American spirit is greatest in the midst of crisis - September 11 changed us all forever, putting us back on the track that has made this country great.

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