10 years later - an American outside the US over 9/11

Hi All,

I promise I won't prolong this post, but wanted to offer a few thoughts as an American living outside the US during the 10 year anniversary of 9/11.

I still remember, much like everyone else I know, exactly what I was doing, where I was and who I was with on that day - I am not sure I will ever forget it.  Over the years I have had numerous discussions with friends and family on those exact questions, and we have shared a bond that I am positive we wish didn't exist.

Today, however I had a different discussion on 9/11 - one with my co workers here in Sydney.  It was an interesting perspective on how people outside the US were impacted by this momentous and horrible event.  For the Aussies, it is something to study - an unbelievable event that happened really, really far away.  My girl friend that sits next to me has watched all of the movies and shows that she could find.  Not one of my friends didn't feel for the US, and condemn the actions of the terrorists on that day - but it definitely was not personal for them.  I am usually able to talk about 9/11 without getting emotional, I have had time to digest my feelings from that day and move forward, but today I wasn't as successful.  Being surrounded by people for whom this was more a curiosity than an life affecting experience was tougher than I thought.  I had a few tears, and felt the love from my friends - though I knew it was because they didn't want to see me upset.  I don't want to diminish their sympathy, it just wasn't the same as sharing the story with someone who was closer to the event.

On the flip side - I spent the week last week in New Zealand (beautiful county, lovely people, I recommend everyone goes at least once) and caught up with another guy from the office.  He was so moved by the 9/11 tragedy that he went back to school to get his Master's Degree in Terrorism.  I didn't even know that was an option, but for him it became about understanding why, how and who would conduct such a horribly violent act.  He went so far as to visit Pakistan and ventured out to the remote areas, interacting with some of the tribes that run those parts of the country.  He was a little like a man possessed - but I could feel his passion for the cause.  I felt that he was as touched by the event as some Americans I knew- and motivated to do something about it.  Typically - finding a job in the "terrorism sector" wasn't as easy as perhaps he expected, thus his working at a software company.  But his interest in the subject and desire to know as much as he can is not diminished.

I am not sure what Bill and I will be doing on the 11th - but I will definitely be thinking about my family and friends back home, as well as my country and fellow Americans who lived through the attack.  I will also be thinking about those who did not make it - and hope their family, friends and loved ones are able to celebrate their lives and legacy no matter where they are in the world.  God Bless America