At the time of the 9/11 terrorist attack in NYC, I was working in aviation, alongside many friends and family.

On that day, I watched in horror as the first plane and then the second plane hit the towers.  I realized lives, including those of my friends and family, would potentially be lost. The frightening footage of people falling from the Towers and imagining their fate etched images into my memory that remain today. How can anyone forget?

Through the years that followed the tragedy, I couldn’t visit the Ground Zero site. Everything within me just said, “NO!”.

While working with a retired firefighter this last week, I was encouraged to and did visit Ground Zero, now called The South Tower and North Tower Pool and The Freedom Tower.

As I entered the area, my fears melted away. My firefighter friend showed me the Chapel where the FDNY Chaplain was laid on the altar after he was found in the rubble. He pointed out the only tree that remained standing after all the destruction.  How incredible. As I walked over to the South Tower Pool, I was lulled by the sound of the water as it passed from top to bottom in what seemed like a refreshing and purification of the once defiled land.  Surrounding the pools is a wall where every name of every person lost that day is written, for remembrance and reflection.

As I walked through the area I noticed a peacefulness that was overwhelming. My spirit was quieted by this peace and I wondered why I felt no dark heavy feelings. After all, this was the site of absolute terror and gripping fear. In all the years since it happened, I was sure I would feel only fear and terror once I touched the soil of those souls who had departed.

As I reflected that day and these days since, I have come to believe that the peace that flows through the Ground Zero site is in place because we have not forgotten. We, who remain, have honored those who gave their lives for us. The water in the pools cleanses us and refreshes us as we stand in observation of what once was and now is.

With all these thoughts inside, now I understand the logic behind building a taller building in this same place and calling it the Freedom Tower. That day I felt my own freedom return. I understand what we are saying with the Freedom Tower and have never been more proud to be a United States Citizen.