Remembering 9/11/2001

I remember waking up that morning and watching the first tower go down. We weren’t sure if it was an accident. Then the second tower came down. We knew we were under attack.

I had to leave and go to the court house. I remember being afraid and for the first time really paying attention to security. A custom we no longer take for granted. I also remember President Bush remarking that this did not represent the Muslim faith. He implored us to go outside and meet our neighbors and stand in a moment of prayer or silence.

I was a new mother. Scared of what the future would bring for my child. But I went outside as my President had asked and waited for anyone to come as well. A neighbor or two did. We stood hand-in-hand and prayed together. That was the first time I met my neighbors.

Leadership matters. It didn’t matter whether our President was Republican or our neighbors were Democrat. We were Americans. Our President’s words were unifying. His message of a unified America was clear. He didn’t pander to his base or incorporate his God into the execution of his work. He showed us through his words that we are an America of all people.

I will serve all the people of this county -- no exceptions.

Delia Parker-Mims