Gallery: Our Very Emotional Visit To 911 Museum

Is it just me or does there appear to be MUCH more interest in remembering the events of 9/11/01 this year?  Not that this is a bad thing-on the contrary-I think we should NEVER let it become as forgotten as Pearl Harbor (12/07/41) has become.  I have a theory.  That was truly the last time, in the wake of that tragedy, that I could honestly say WE AMERICANS-ALL OF US-were all for one and one for all.  There was a feeling of patriotism and pride in our country and its people that was both palpable and therapeutic.  I believe, subconsciously we are all longing for that again and just searching for a way to find it.

Anyway, several years ago, we spent the week post-Christmas/Pre-New Year's in New York City.  One of our final days there, we visited the 911 Museum.  In my opinion, it is a MUST visit for every American.  Now, don't get me wrong...it's not fun.  In fact, it remains one of the most emotionally wrenching days of my life.  It is a time consuming activity taking more than 2 hours to complete if I remember correctly.  And I didn't complete it.  I'd been to Pearl Harbor.  And I was moved-really moved.  NOTHING like this.  I found myself crying until I had run out of tears.   I was exhausted from the anguish, empathy, and pain that you can't help but feel as you hear voice mail messages left for loved ones from people who knew their lives were ending.  And the straw that broke the camel's back for me was standing near the remains of the plane that crashed into The Pentagon.  It was towards the very end of the tour.  On display next to it were charred baby clothes and the suitcase they came from in the twisted remains.  At that point it was too much.  I had to leave.  Out of respect, I didn't take many pictures...it just didn't feel right.  However, I've culled through what Debbie and I did take and want to share some of them with you here: