Brotherly Love
I was born and raised on Long Island and was on my way to my then-job as sports information director at St. Joseph's College in Patchogue, New York when the attacks occurred.
The town I worked in was about an hour outside New York City, but of course New York is New York so were all affected by the events of that day.
I was disappointed the college took a few hours to close that day, but I guess there was a sense of being shell-shocked and not knowing what to do.
I have a brother, Bradley, who knew precisely what to do that day and in the days and weeks after the attacks:
Give.
Bradley, a chef in the city at the time of the attacks was profoundly affected and gave many, many hours of his time preparing meals for the rescue workers who were so valiant in their efforts to help others.
I remain proud of him to this day, as I am proud of the resiliency of so many people in the great state of New York and in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., as well.
Thank God for my brother, as well as then-mayor Rudy Guiliani and President George W. Bush.
They all stepped up to keep this nation safe, strong and still a special place to be!
Matt Aug, "Changing Channels"