It was my day off, a Tuesday, September 11, 2001. I had been Pastor a mere eight months from what would be an eight year stint. Nestled in middle Michigan among the good German-Americans, I woke up that morning and hit the radio. Something seems to be going on, let me turn on the TV, I thought.
Wow, one of the twin towers is lit up, hit by a plane. I turned back to the radio as I cleaned some dishes. Then the second plane hit and I thought, oh know. I remember going into the office nervous and suggesting the ladies go home. I do not remember if they did, perhaps they stayed but closed early. I do not think they were aware of the gravity of the situation when I first alerted them of the strikes in New York. Perhaps they were listening to the radio.
It was a beautiful day and I needed to get some air. I headed north on my R1000rs bike. Before leaving I told the ladies to start making calls and notifying others that a prayer service would be held at 7 PM in the Church. That word spread quickly. I had lunch with a friend, a pizza joint, I remember the TV was turned on and people were walking in a daze, wondering what it could all mean. Most had normal looks, others had fear in their eyes.
I returned later by way of the country roads, taking in what seemed like an eternal silence. The beauty surrounded me. The winds soothed me. Their were rumors that gasoline would soon be running out. Prices were spiked in some places.
By 7 PM the Church was full. Not one, but fifteen decades prayed for the people and country on that solemn evening. Everyone stayed for it. The silence at times haunted me, the chants, the look, the feel, it was all so eerie yet beautiful, to see so many come together and sacrifice their time for others in prayer.
It was a beautiful day in nature on September 11, 2001. In the world of evil men, it was a day to praise “God.” For many souls it was day that will live in infamy.
Rest in Peace souls of God lost that day, killed that day, taken away that day, murdered that day, sacrificed that day.
Rest in Peace. You are not forgotten.