Marathon Man, thank you for sharing your story.

Thank you for reminding us of the very personal connection to these events, and reminding us of the importance of relationships with our loved ones and friends.

Shanksville, PA isn't too far from my parents' house, where I was living at the time, and Mr. Kipper reported to 2nd Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team on 9/11. We were dating, and because news in Norfolk & Yorktown, VA was not reporting the exact location, just saying, "Western PA," when Mr. Kipper finally did reach me, he was concerned for me. Here I was, concerned for him, thinking he was going to get sent somewhere that day, and he was worreid about me.

As a result of those events, I think our relationship took a more serious turn far more quickly than it otherwise would have, and as a result, we've been married for a while now.

We have stopped by Shanksville, and it's incredibly moving, not just to see the field, and to think of what happened there, but also to see the items left at the temporary memorial and to think of what those who died meant to those still living.