The DoItIndy Indy Life video of the days events from @blevinswing.
As the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks got closer and closer, that was all you heard about in the news. TV, radio, internet…everyone was talking about memories, experiences, the future, etc. I woke up on Sunday and I thought about how much things have changed in 10 years. As a country, we are completely different, but yet the same.
I was in Indianapolis 10 years ago, running Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe on Mass Ave. (the space is now Aveda Full Circle Salon). I usually woke up to songs on the radio, but my usual songs were interrupted by talking that morning. After a few drowsy minutes, I finally became aware of what was going on…and I jumped out of bed to find the nearest TV. Wow. I couldn’t believe what was happening. I called my store to make sure all was well and then I went to work. Downtown Indianapolis was a ghost town as many building had been evacuated and during lunch I walked over to the Front Page to see a television, dead silence. I had never been in the bar/restaurant when it had been that quite. I left and closed down our shop early that day as the streets were bare and oddly empty.
The country was scared, but we have fought back. We have fought back and lost the lives of courageous soldiers that are on the front line for our freedom. We remember their sacrifice. We have become more aware at home of potential threats to our safety and hometown. Things have changed, but still they are the same. I feel as if we take for granted how much we really do have as Americans. I’m grateful I can drink my coke and write a blog on whatever I feel the need to talk about. We have freedom.
We visited the memorial dedication for the new Project 911 Memorial on the canal downtown. Was a truly moving experience. To see the beams reaching for the sky and the magnificent Eagle perched on the top just makes me feel a love for my country. The two pieces of metal show we will not give up, as Americans we will continue to prosper. Fantastic. The ceremony was moving and it was great to see all the support from bikers, locals, veterans and more.
After the Project 911 dedication, the DoItIndy crew checked out America Remembers at the Rathskeller Biergarten. So many good people, firefighters, city officials and more were on hand for the 10th anniversary of the attacks. The event is a fundraiser for Indianapolis firefighters and to date has raised over $100,000 (I can’t remember the exact number). It was very moving to hear firemen speak, the mayor and more. You could feel the energy on the deck as the guns rang out in a salute, balloons were let go and a HUGE flag was unfolded over the Atheneum.
The national anthem was recited and at that point I felt a warm feeling inside of me. It is good to live in the greatest country on earth. I love my country and hope that as time goes on, we as Americans will learn from our mistakes and make the world a better place for us all.
Ben Risinger 