On September 11, 2001, Matthew Clemo, a retired colonel, was in his office at the Pentagon. As chaos was unfolding, he decided not to leave his workplace and to remain in this critical situation.
A Feeling Beyond Sorrow
Clemo writes in his memoirs of that day: "I had acted all day as a good soldier: tough, decisive, emotionless, logical, and free from excitement." But when he returned home, a wave of emotions overwhelmed him. He was not only saddened for the victims of this tragedy, but another feeling was also bubbling within him: humiliation.
He continues: "As a nation, we had been brought to our knees. The military force of which I was a part was powerless to protect our fellow citizens." This feeling of darkness and despair resonated with the darkness of his home when he opened the door.
An Unforgettable Day
On this day, a hijacked airplane crashed into the Pentagon, killing 64 people on board and 125 inside the building. This incident was not only a terrorist attack but also left a deep wound on the soul of the American nation. Clemo, by describing these events, shows how one day can change the entire perception and emotions of a nation.
As the United States responded to and investigated this attack, Clemo realized how significant this event could be as a turning point in his country's history. As an eyewitness, he shares a deeper analysis of the implications of this tragedy.
