The End of Ignorance, Part 9 of 10

F-15s circle above New York City and Washington as the nation responds to the terror attacks. CNN reports that a mass evacuation of Washington D.C. and New York has been started, and at 10:43 New York mayor Rudy Giuliani orders an evacuation of lower Manhattan. All bridges and tunnels off the island are closed to vehicles as thousands of New Yorkers began the long trek home on foot. Many of them were covered in ash from the two towers, and walked as if in a daze. Later tonight, President Bush will address the nation and say:

"Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts...Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve...The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts...we will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them."

The kids are back from school, and wonder just what is going on today. For the younger ones, it will be a while before they understand just what occurred on this fateful day. All they can do is ask Mommy "why isn't Daddy home yet?" Their young minds know he must surely be fine, as he is a strong and brave fire fighter or policeman...