American Soldier

by Jennifer Snellings

Painted at Painting With a Twist Studio

Ten years ago today,

I was teaching my young art students (kinder - 4th grade) and desperately trying to hear snippets from the radio without letting them know what was happening. The Internet was frozen with so many trying to learn the latest. My Principal brought in a memo updating us on what had happened and instructing us to not say anything to the kids. I felt so helpless and scared. I couldn't wait to get home! After school we met as a faculty, were updated with the latest and told to go home to our families. The practice I scheduled with my Color Guard girls was cancelled that afternoon. That night my husband and I sat glued to our TV unable to believe what we were seeing before us.

The next day, back at school for our morning assembly, we stood proudly and sang, as we did everyday, our National Anthem, but that day we did it with tears streaming down our faces and a new understanding for what our flag stands for.

Thinking about and praying today for so many whose lives were forever changed that day, ten years ago. Forever thankful to the brave men and women who serve our great country in the military, fire and rescue, and police forces.

I remember...alway