By Darrell L. Williams, Ph.D.
Today is a day where we set all political views aside to reflect and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the tragic 9/11 terrorist attacks. Not only do we remember those lives we lost, we also remember and pay homage to the brave men and women who responded to the call to serve during this difficult time. Today, we remember and honor our first responders, our brave firefighters and members of the law enforcement community. Although it has been 20 years since this incident, it is still fresh in the minds of those who witnessed this event and every year it serves as a tragic but truthful reminder that freedom is not free.
I remember 9/11, like it was yesterday. At the time, I was the principal at Whittier School of Excellence in Milwaukee Public Schools. When I pulled in the driveway that morning and was about to enter the door, one of my staff members burst out of the door….yelling, “Mr. Williams, they just flew a plane into the World Trade Center.” I tried to calm her down and let her know that everything was going to be alright. Then came the announcement that a second plane had hit the pentagon. As you can imagine, everyone in the school was worried about what was going to happen next. Not only were they worried about what else was going to happen in New York, but in the world. After dealing with the initial shock of what had occurred, my staff, students and parents began to plan for the way ahead. All of my staff knew that I was in the military at the time.
Many of them commented, “Mr. Williams, we are about to go war, so you better get ready!” Unfortunately, they were right.Shortly after, I, along with many other men and women were deployed to Iraq. I served in Iraq for one year. It was a very difficult deployment where death was around the corner and at many turns. During this time, I had the honor of serving with some of the bravest men and women who fought, bled and died to protect the democracy of this nation. All gave some, but some gave all. Some of them were my friends from my unit. It is not a day that goes by that I do not think about them in some way. Their service and sacrifice will always be remembered.
The events of 9/11 have shaped my life in many ways. It taught me to appreciate the small things in life. It reaffirmed the importance of helping people and to treat others with dignity and respect. It showed me how important it is to try and problem solve by talking in an effort to avoid fighting. But when fighting is inevitable…….to do so proudly and honorably. Being able to serve this country in two combat zones (in Iraq and later in Afghanistan) are two of the proudest moments of my life. Despite these challenges, I would not have changed a thing. I would do it all again!
