Changed by 9/11: Chris Eager, Student

Chris Eager was just a fourth-grader in Rocky Point going to school on a normal Tuesday 10 years ago when his babysitter came running outside.

She told him that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center.

"I didn’t really know what the World Trade Center was at that age but I knew any plane crash is devastating," Eager said. "When I got into school is when I learned more about the severity of the plane crashes taking place and that they were not just any plane crashes."

The entire fourth grade was taken into the auditorium of the school to talk about the attacks as the students learned about terrorism and that the country was under attack.  

"At this point many parents were taking their kids out of school early," he said. "All I could think about was my uncle who was at the time a detective in the city, and if he was OK or not. Many kids including myself were very upset and scared."

Now 19, Eager is a firefighter himself, and understands the impact the attacks had on the country.

"I have a great deal of respect for all the emergency personnel that responded for that awful scene that day and did not for one second hesitate putting their own lives in danger to help those in need," Eager said.

On this anniversary of 9/11, Eager remembers all of those who lost their lives due to the attacks and also those who have lost their lives protecting our country overseas.

"I will also take time to thank those who are currently serving our country here as emergency personnel and those in the various armed forces," he continued. "9/11 is a day that I will never forget. The men and women who lost their lives that tragic day will always be remembered."