Just 2 months earlier, we'd arrived in our new home of Prague, Czech Republic. I was working around the house when Jerry called me from his office to tell me to turn on the news. To learn of the events on 9/11 was so gruesome for us all.
Being halfway around the world from my beloved home country was gut-wrenching. I wasn't from New York or DC nor did I know anyone living there, but at that moment I wanted to be home. To hug my loved ones tighter and to support my country and it's people in this time of need. It was hard to be away!!
On the flip-side, what I was able to witness was a heartwarming experience!
"Victims of Terrorism" displayed on the St. Wenceslas statue, one of the most iconic statues in Prague, in the days to follow. A site that's witnessed many important events in Czech history was now a memorial to the lives lost on that fateful day.
The front of the American embassy was equally filled with flowers, candles, tokens and notes of sympathy.
A book was set out in front of the embassy for people to sign expressing their love, sadness and prayers for the people of the United States.
It was so hard to be away, but I was so proud to be an American and so proud of my host country for the love and support expressed during the days and weeks that followed.
It's easy to go about our day as the years go by. However, I don't think any of us will ever forget where we were or what we were doing on the day of September 11, 2001.
That's pretty amazing to see. It's amazing how the world can come together.
ReplyDeleteYes it is! It was a great alternative place to be during those days!
ReplyDeleteThis is so sad. Fortunately, nothing as big as this has happened to the UK since I left but we have had the odd thing that's struck us in different ways because we are away from it all. What I love is that people do come together (no matter where they are) under such great tragedies and become shoulders to lean on for others, it's pretty beautiful really.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful outpouring of love and support. I had no idea this was happening in Prague (and all probably at American Embassies all over the world). I love seeing how people open up their hearts to meet others in their suffering. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThis post just gave me goosebumps. I still can't fathom what happened xx
ReplyDeletewow. I haven't read anyone's experiences from outside of the US before. this gives me a heavy heart. thankful for the support around the world!
ReplyDeleteI've had this post ready to share for that very reason. I wanted people know my experience and see how another country responded in the aftermath. It was beauty in the midst of a difficult time.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure!! I probably would have called too even if I knew my loved ones were no where near.
ReplyDeleteI still can't either. It just seems like a horrible nightmare! That can't be real! I wish it weren't!
ReplyDeleteIt was and it probably was happening elsewhere! I was so glad to have witnessed it even if I wanted to be home!
ReplyDeleteIt was a comfort to see the lengths that the country went to! I still remember the sounds of the sirens going off to observe a minute of silence for the US. Gives me chills to think of it even now.
ReplyDelete