I don't remember their names. I really did not know their family well. However, that act of terrorism had a profound effect on our community. I was a freshman attending Bad Kreuznach American High School in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. As an active duty member of the U.S. Army my father and our family were stationed overseas. A soldier from my father's unit was on board that plane with his family, heading to the "Land of the Round Doorknobs" for the holidays. Our unit's Christmas party had been scheduled for the 22nd, it turned out to be the day after the bombing. Everyone still attended; this party was none like any I remembered. There was the typical carol music playing, the room was decorated for the season-the mood was just different. Wives and mothers were crying and consoling each other. The soldiers and fathers maintained their bravado, the children wanted to play. We mourned. Stories were shared. Every Christmas since, I remember. I didn't understand the gravity of that event when it happened. I still don't know if I do.
↧