9-11 was a beautiful Augusta morning. I had just finished my daily water aerobics workout in our neighborhood pool. As I started the car, the news of the first crash was on the radio.

I informed my friends what had happened and went home. I stood in front of the TV in total shock and watched the second plane strike.

I don't think I was able to fully comprehend the reality of what was happening before my eyes. America was being raped and innocent lives were destroyed by unfathomable hate.

None of us would ever be the same again.

I have a strong faith, and the thing that has surprised me the most is that church attendance and spiritual growth appears to be largely the same as it was before 9-11. I really thought many more people would make a deeper faith commitment.

What is valuable to me has not changed, but I have a more somber view of today's world.

I am thankful I have something better to look forward to.

- Sandy Uzpurvis

George Meals CHRIS THELEN/STAFF

The attacks haven't affected my life financially or directly, but I have compassion and feel loss for the people who were hurt.

As an 82-year-old man, it doesn't affect my daily life too much, but it makes you aware of terrorists around the country who may want to hurt the American people.

It's on your mind when you see it on television, and causes you to feel sympathy for those who were hurt.

- George Meals

The event, as negative as it was, actually helped the country as a whole to unite.

So many things that used to divide us as Americans seem so trivial now that we have been united by that event.

The people who died may have been a sacrifice, almost martyrs in a sense, to better the nation as a whole in the long run.

- Wayne O'Bryant

For one thing, I am a World War II veteran, and I think the United States waited too long to strike back, but I am happy with what they're doing now.

I think the U.S. government, President Bush especially, is doing a great job.

I haven't suffered, so to speak. I haven't lost anybody, but it has affected my surroundings and the people around me.

- Earl Horne

Since the attacks, things have changed in Augusta.

We just don't have the freedom to act like we used to. You feel more aware of impending danger in general - not only terrorists, but local crime in this town as well.

It's pitiful.

- Francis M. Rhodes

The first thing that came to mind is that this is probably the single, catastrophic incident since Pearl Harbor that has brought our country together. It should also be a reminder to every American that the freedoms we enjoy are by no means free. We constantly have to be on our guard to protect these freedoms, and we should never take them for granted. My views politically and religiously haven't changed since the attacks - they've been reinforced. You become more aware of the importance of these freedoms we have after an event like this. I also think it causes you to become more aware of your surroundings; I personally have become more aware of the people with whom I come into contact. You appreciate people more.

- James K. Brantley

My 13-year-old son says it's definitely made him start praying more.

Cindy Haynie CHRIS THELEN/STAFF

As for myself, it makes me look at my family and friends and appreciate them more.

It makes you furiously loyal over your country.

I've always been proud to be an American, but it has made me more patriotic because I feel we shouldn't take any abuse.

Sometimes, I feel like we haven't been harsh enough with our retaliation.

I have no sympathy at all for Afghanistan or the terrorists.

I feel we ought to go flatten them out. I know there are people over there that don't want this to be going on, too, and there are people here with loved ones over there.

But we shouldn't have to feel at all threatened.

- Cindy Haynie

For a very brief time, America found itself absolutely united again.

But that seems to have faded since politicians and other public figures have made hay of that event.

For a brief time, America was one again.

It's a shame that it took a tragedy, rather than a positive event, to bring it together.

- Rudy Volkmann

I never have been one to fly in an airplane, and now I know I won't be in one.

I never like to be around a big crowd, like the mall or the ball game or something. That seems to be where they want to strike. I don't know if the attacks have changed my world view that much, but I am upset with President Bush.

He should have taken more military action, he should have gone right in there and got bin Laden and his co-ops instead of letting them get into their caves and then back out.

- R.J. Hogland

It was a terrible tragedy that affected the heart of every American including mine and my family's. I am very sorry that all this has happened, and we will never forget Sept. 11.

- Mary Ann Taylor