I walk to and from school, and ever since the Sept. 11 tragedy, I've been seeing more flags than ever. That makes me feel good because we have come together as a nation. When I say the Pledge of Allegiance, I now understand what I'm saying. Ryan Seaver, 11, San Carlos

On the fateful day of 9/11, I vowed to make a scrapbook of all data regarding the attack on America. As of Aug. 29, 2002, I have 230 pages finished. This is a labor of love of country and for posterity. Barbara Hauck, 80, Coronado

She entered my office unannounced. We had never met before ... she told her agonizing story of her beloved brother being killed in the World Trade Center attack. We talked and we cried. I agreed to honor her request, and on January 14, I held her brother's picture as I carried the Olympic Torch in Balboa Park. Strangers brought together by tragedy to honor an American hero. This is my reflection of how 9/11 affected two people, forever. Carl Kruse, 56, Poway

I believe Sept. 11 projects a wake-up call to the world of collective consciousness. Each day I ask to learn the lesson, love more, and leave behind a legacy of peace. Patricia Flor, San Diego

Shortly after September 11, as my two house guests and I stepped back to admire our recently unfurled American flag, I was struck by the fact that the U.S. had been at war with both of their countries just a half century before. Knowing how deeply saddened Ritsuko (Japan) and Petra (Germany) were about the tragedy, gave me a great deal of hope in the power of love and forgiveness. Colleen DiNoto, 56, Pt. Loma

I read the Portraits of Grief in the New York Times -- profiles of those lost in the attacks. I consider it a sacred duty to honor their lives and passings in this way. We miss them. Dot Zekan, 55, El Cajon

As a Mexican, I always look to America as an example of what freedom means. As a Jew, I always admired how this country accepted and respected our traditions and beliefs. Now, as an American citizen, I'm proud to be part of a nation that stands together, looking forward towards the future, with dignity and strength. Pepe Stepensky, 44, Del Mar

A year has gone by, a year of reflection and with a deeper admiration for my FDNY brothers who died, and for those who survived the WTC disaster. They will never be forgotten. -- Samuel Cahan, San Diego

I vividly recall telling my family that I had been asked to spend three weeks assisting families in New York City. I had crafted responses in anticipation of my children's concerns, but none were raised. My 9-year old son simply said, "Mommy, you need to go . . . those people need our help." Rhonda Henton, 43, Rancho Penasquitos

In this day of remembrance, of reflection ... let us take a while, not just a moment, to offer a prayer from the heart for those who perished in that day of infamy and for their loved ones they left behind. Let us recommit and rededicate ourselves to the ideals we cherish and enjoy, for which our brethren paid the supreme sacrifice. -- Abe P. Mojica, National City

That morning, my nation awoke under siege. Suddenly, my neighbors' unknown faces became apparent to me: our tears had the same taste and reflected the same color; their sadness was my own sadness. Even those gods to whom we all started praying, for a moment, they all too became only one. Lorenzo Rodriguez, 36, Chula Vista

It is our responsibility to carry on the spirit, bravery and patriotism of our nation's fallen heroes. The world has witnessed our country's strength in a time of great sorrow. Let us use that strength to create a better world for all its people. Carolynn La Pierre, 57, La Jolla

As a Garden City, New York native, I watched in shock and felt ... helpless under the weight of such staggering losses suffered by so many Cantor, Fitzgerald families in my hometown. So many funerals. My father, still there, said, "I attended a $100/person fund-raiser. Thousands of people came. They could have charged $1000 a person and they still would have come." That's resilience. Lisa Crosby Clark, 43, Rancho Santa Fe

Since 9/11, I have had a new outlook and appreciation for life and each new day, as I am more determined to prove that I will not let any one person or group deprive me of my profound love and loyalty to my country and the freedom it provides for all of us. Greg Hahn, San Diego

We, as a nation suffered and grieved the loss of those who were brutally taken from our presence. Inherently this heinous act has given us an opportunity to reflect on the gift of life and hopefully we will covenant to use our remaining time in this mortal estate to the fullest through expressions of love and acts of kindness to those who remain with us. Robert R. Gonzales, Rancho Bernardo

Watching from a distance, September 11 appeared on the horizon like a surreal painting, buildings and people melting into the landscape defying any conscionable explanation. The sacrifice of those forever lost to smoke and ashes and those left behind to grieve and mourn are indelibly etched upon my heart and memory. Beverly A. Sullivan, 62, Rancho Bernardo

Fifty words cannot describe the loss or feelings of 9/11. My hope is that those who lost their lives are never forgotten. We must all rededicate ourselves to true democracy, not the politics. George Ramirez, 47, Alpine

As I live each day, I need to make the right human choices to live, cry, laugh, love and remember those we did not know, but who touched all American lives by the tragedy of their deaths and the stories of their lives. Julie Vera-Miller, 40, San Marcos

All I ask is for people to close their eyes and open their hearts and remember with pride the people who died in the tragedy for us. Denisse Fernandez ,14, Calexico

The tragedy of 9/11 painfully reminded us that the opportunities and freedom that make America what it is, come with a responsibility and duty to protect them. America is more than the flag, more than an anthem, more than a pledge. It is a spirit and a blessing to be counted forever. John Ackerman, Clairemont Mesa

The nation experienced the most horrific acts of human hatred on 9/11. Today we honor the dead, acknowledge the courageous heroes and work to heal ourselves. If you see need for change, "Be the change you wish to see" (Gandhi). Our fortitude is needed to wipe out terrorism wherever it dwells. Lillian Atchley, 62, Oceanside

The terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 made me understand the rage, the anger, the dismay, the pain, and the disbelief that my parents felt on December 7, 1941. I never could really understand until now. The only difference is, there was closure with the end of World War II. Barbara L. BuZard, San Diego

What a year! In 12 months I lost my dear mother ... then our dearest Marla Bennett, part of our extended family. She was murdered in Jerusalem at the Hebrew University on July 31. I thank God I am an American, and I'm still here! God bless America! Nancy Geist, 65, San Diego

We have learned lessons not found in books or classrooms. In the wake of tragedy, we have been given the blessing to spiritually "feel" unity and loving pride for our country and heroes. We have learned the value of precious time -- to love now and make the "maybe someday" today. Susan Gorin, 56, San Diego

We were in Florence feeling very isolated in our grief. On September 12, we happened upon 3,000 Italian citizens holding a candlelight memorial for the victims. Our tears flowed. Similar worldwide expressions of caring remind us that suffering is universal and the global community is needed for healing and solutions. Judy Leshefka, 60, Clairemont

The emotional toll of 09/11 has been great .... The only ways I've found to deal with this are try to be more giving, more compassionate and a lot more appreciative of what it means to be an American. Barbara Ackerman, Clairemont

Thank you to all of the fire fighters around the world. My heart goes out to everyone. God bless America, our home sweet home. Elsa Rodriguez, 14, La Mesa

Let it be a day of silent reflection, of family, of prayer. Let us remember the ones who perished and the ones who performed told and untold heroism. Let us always remember this day and be kind to one another .... God bless our nation, its citizens and all the people of the world. Helen M. Hallin, Poway

The time that has passed since 9/11 has made me recognize that this country can and will endure. Though choked with tears and stricken with grief over the senseless and overwhelming loss, we will still prevail. The spirit of our people is strong and lasting. Kim Albuerne, 35, Escondido

Now, more than ever, I try not to take for granted the liberties this great nation has bestowed upon me and I appreciate my friends, my family and my nation, making a difference in the lives I come in contact with on a daily basis. Matt Shillingburg, San Diego

On July 2001, my son joined the U.S.M.C. here in San Diego. Never did I imagine a disaster like 09-11-01. My little Louie joined to serve our country before that unforgettable day. Yes I miss him, he is stationed in Okinawa, Japan. No, I do not worry because God watches over him. All our faith is on God. God bless America and God bless my son Louis Fuentes Jr. Diana Fuentes, 48, Oakpark

What used to be taken for granted -- our feeling of homeland security -- has been taken away and I don't know if we can ever get it back. Patriotism has been renewed, the trivial things that used to seem so important in our lives suddenly aren't. Lives are changed, I am changed, and the worry never stops. T. Jennings, 36, Scripps Ranch

From Afghanistan to Zaire, there are great people and great countries everywhere. We need to stand together as a race, the human race, as brothers and sisters of the same planet. There is still terrible injustice here, there and everywhere. ... Now more than ever is a time for peace, a time for prayer, a time for world unity, a time for love and a time for faith. God bless the world. Enrique Morones, San Diego

I plan to spend September 11 cutting out almost four thousand stars to hang on the wall, to remember the people who died. Lisa Lopez-McClelland, 43, Oceanside

We have to keep September 11 in our hearts, as well as everybody who passed away; and live our lives today, with more pride, walking with our heads up high as Americans. Susy Medina, 17, Oceanside

I think that 9/11 really made everyone think about what is really important and not take our freedom and so many other things for granted. Aayla Reasinger, 15, Oceanside

America has definitely changed. Everybody came together. And the terrorists thought they could change America. They did. They made us stronger. Jerry Alexander, 15, Oceanside

I didn't lose a family member or a friend, but I think we all lost a little bit of us when it happened. I believe America is recovering fine. We will continue to recover because we are a strong country filled with people who will strive forward no matter who tries to hurt us. David Hernandez, 15, Oceanside

I did not believe what had happened until I saw my brother at football and thought about all the children and how they will never see their parents again. It made me think how much I love my family. Ryan Thompson, 15, Oceanside

My Aunt Mary was on that plane and she was calling my grandmother before she was killed. My aunt was a traveler. She loved to travel. I'm still trying to get over the terrible situation. The world is a scary place to live in. Jessica Vincent, 17, Oceanside

My father is an officer in the Marine Corp, so he is prepared to deploy any day now. It's hard to imagine life in my family without my dad around. He could leave without warning at anytime and not be back for months. So it's hard for me to live life with feelings of confusion, fear and grief after that dark day almost a year ago. Amanda Johnson, 17, Oceanside

I view life completely differently now: with respect. Cristina Aguilar, 17, Oceanside

The September 11 and subsequent terrorist events shocked the world, yet it made me treasure the freedom I once took for granted. We all became victims yet we learned to survive and overcome. We became one color, one class, one generation, and one people. We are united. We are America. Patricia Pauu Schwenke, 35, San Diego

I believe during this year, our nation has become stronger. The sense of American pride and love of country is abundant. We are reminded daily of all that this country stands for and what truly is important in life. Nietzsche was right, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." God bless America. Debbie Lance, Chula Vista

I am a student at SDSU and since July 29 I have been in Monterrey, Mexico studying abroad. Even here in the middle of Mexico, our belief in our country and resilience to overcome is felt by all. I have chatted with the people of the street as well as teachers and business owners and they all commend our country on our ability to transcend these horrible incidents and come together as brothers and sisters. Be proud to be an American, and continue to express love and respect to the people you meet every day. We've loved and lost, triumphed and failed; let us not weaken this bond that we have made with each other. Eric Stigall, San Diego

My first thoughts nearing this most emotional anniversary are that as with anything, time does not stand still. I find it so hard to believe that it has been a year since that horrific day ... when our world was forever changed. I have a great sense of compassion for those who were personally affected by this tragedy, and I continue to pray for them that they are coming to a peaceful existence amongst the constant reminders. As a proud American and even prouder Christian, I thank God for the lessons learned by this event; it has opened the eyes of some who used to be blind in their faith. And as strange as it may seem, all things happen for a reason. May this yearly anniversary give us all a reason to march forward in our quest for peace. Regina Howard, San Diego

Thirty years ago, I left San Diego to become a flight attendant with United Airlines. Since 9/11, I have felt a need to reconnect with my past - old friends, distant relatives, and my Mom, recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I have come home. Reality is, life is short. Love those who are important, now! Jean (Van Arum) Johnson, 50, National City

Last year was the first time I had a Muslim student in my classroom. She rose and stood silently every morning as the rest of the class recited the Pledge of Allegiance. After September 11, she proudly announced one morning that her mother would now allow her to say the pledge with her classmates. In one small, third-grade classroom, we dealt a major blow to Al Queda. Judy Johnson, 43, Spring Valley

As hate melted the twin towers of Manhattan, I witnessed unconditional love of fellow men for those in need. Therefore, I fear not, for our refuge and strength is to be found in faith and in each other. The inspiring reality is that spirituality is not a nationality - thank God. Audrea Ireland-Liszt, 73, San Diego