#chattanoogastrong #noogastrong
Are there any words that can be said that hasn’t been already? My town was attacked on 7/16/15 by one of it’s own citizens. He graduated from a local high school and college but something went wrong. I’m not going to focus on this horrible young man. We are #chattanoogastrong #noogastrong
I was out of town, so didn’t see any live coverage of this event, but looking back at video, to see the only traffic was police cars and ambulances, with police officers having drawn weapons on the side of the road, you think “This can’t be happening”. To think of armed men riding along on the bumpers of trucks, was unreal.
I, along with most other people think it will never happen to me. I used to say that I would just stay in Chattanooga when I would see all of these attacks on people in especially foreign lands, then in places like New York, but never in a city like Chattanooga. Well, it can happen to you.
This is not going to be political, but is everything being done to stop what are now known as terrorists? No. How was he missed? Why wasn’t he on the radar by the government? So far, I’ve not heard that answered. Could the next terrorist be living next door to you – YES they could be. You could be looking into the face of one sitting in a restaurant, church, or while you are at work.
Have these fallen heroes been honored in the way they deserve – No. As I have heard reported the shooter was a Muslim. I don’t know a lot about their religion, beliefs and customs but that day was a Muslim holiday. The Empire State Building in New York chose to celebrate it by having on green lights. Shame on them.
I have not seen any coverage if the President called any type of special news conference about this horrific event. It was mentioned, but this was not just an attack on Chattanooga, it was an attack on all of us – the US and all their citizens and our Military. Those who choose to serve and protect their country.
I want to honor those five who lost their lives and how this heinous event touched so many lives.
Four Marines lost their lives doing their job, something each chose to do. Then on Saturday, a young sailor, Randall Smith, succumbed to his injuries. He went to church with a guy who does some yard work for me. A father of 3 young girls.
There was a policeman injured. I recognized him as someone who used to come in to the hospital where I worked in the ER.
More stories of how close it was. A friend of our son’s, whom I have met, has a brother who had joined the Air Force, and was in the office getting ready to leave off the next day for basic training. His father had just left the office. If the shooter had entered the Air Force office first, he probably would have been killed.
Other cities have taken time to honor and remember my town.
So many donations are being given to these families. Prayer vigils all over the city and country are being held. A group was giving away cupcakes but asking for donations to go directly to families of the victims.
At both locations, memorials have been set up which we visited today.
Someone left a purple heart on Friday and it’s still there. 
Four empty chairs was set up at a local restaurant – the manager is a former Marine. I’m sure a 5th chair was added. This has been done in numerous restaurants and bars around town.
So many celebrities call Chattanooga home or have spent time here. They are offering their own thoughts and prayers for our town. Peyton Manning visited one of the shooting sites over the weekend. This bus stopped off from a trip to pay their respects.
Although not many mentions from the White House or the Government, all national media people was in town. I did recognize John Roberts.
Can we live in fear all the time? No but being more cautious and aware is going to be everyone’s job. If you have a feeling something is wrong, it could be.
Sometimes these events are random. Could he have come into the hospital where my husband works, into the car dealership where my son works, or even into the hotel where I was, Yes – this could have happened to any of us. Why did it happen at the recruitment offices? I don’t know and not sure anyone else does at this point. Muslim Extremist are know to target Military and Police.
Everyone has opinions on how things are handled and these are my own.
What can be done? If I had the answer, I would do it. But something has to be done to protect our country, whether our citizens are within the US or abroad.
For now, PRAY.
#noogastrong #chattanoogastrong
***Almost a year later – millions has been raised for the families, the police officer got back to work just in the last few months, memorials have been made and a ceremony is planned on 7/16 this year. One of the most tragic things is, these types of tragedies keep happening.
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Happy Travels,
Rosemary
I saw this sad news on TV and my heart goes to the family of the victims. You are so right, this can happen to anyone.
Never thought about something like this here. There are just so many evil people in the world. Why can’t we just all get along. Agree to disagree.
I Pray for you everyday and you are right it can happen anywhere and at any time. As I had a friend leaving New York the day of 911 thank God she made it home safely. Plus I lost a cousin in the Oklahoma Bombing. Next it could be next door to either you or me. So Please Bow your heads and Pray for this madness to stop.
If closing the borders would help, do it. This madness has to stop. Innocent people are losing their lives.
I can’t believe any American would want to do harm to the country that provides them the freedoms they have. I just can’t wrap my head around it.
Now they are bringing out his mental illness and depression. Sorry don’t buy it. Too well planned out.
This was such tragic news! I have a good friend who lives near Chattanooga and we talked about the news as it broke during the day. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families.
Thanks – I just stop and wonder what this world is coming to.
This story broke my heart and it does seem to be different when its close to home. You are right. We can’t live in fear because that means evil has won. We need to pray for our country and hope someday all this will stop.
Prayer has to be the first and foremost way to start. Never did I or most think this would happen in Chattanooga.
This was such a horrible tragedy. I know about tragedy striking your hometown – I grew up in Oklahoma City, and felt the bombing when it happened. Hope and healing to your town.
The OKC happened on my husbands birthday so I always pause to think about it. Another one of these homegrown terrorists.
Last Thursday was truly a terrifying and tragic day for our beautiful city. We have lived in the northern end of the city for over 50 years and my heart aches for the innocent victims, their precious families, and our devastated community. Thank you for sharing this on your blog and encouraging your readers to join us in prayer.
We WILL honor the fallen, in spite of disrespect from those who chose ignorance.
Leadership is needed and we aren’t getting it. This guy maybe was on a suicide mission. Kill yourself and leave others alone. Hope you follow my along on my blog and FB.
Our world is becoming a very scary place. It’s sad so many people are turning to violence and committing these acts of terrorism. No place is safe and you’ll truly never know who you’re living next to. My heart is so heavy these days with everything that is taking place in our country. I’ve definitely been praying for better days to come for all of us.
We need leadership. We need places like the Empire State Building to feel for their military instead of radical terrorist groups.
Thank you for taking the time to call this out and acknowledge that it can happen in our own communities. It used to feel like it would only happen far away in other war-torn countries, but it’s getting closer to home. I don’t know how to avoid these situations, but by raising awareness so we are reminded and keep an open eye, is a good start. Bless the 5 that lost their lives last week!
That had always been my thought. No terrorists are in Chattanooga, but they are. And I’m afraid they will pop up more everywhere. SAD.
Luckily I was not working around the corner on 911 the day those planes took out the twin towers–bit I know people who were, people who are still alive and some who did not make it. Yes, I feel for the people of Chattanooga–it is a terrible feeling to suddenly lose your innocence. And I pray that everyone will find peace in their own wa like all New Yorker’s have had to do.
Even that Chattanooga isn’t a small town, it’s easy for all of us to have our own stories of how we either knew someone or how close it happened to us. It does make you more aware.
My thoughts and prayers are with your town as well as the victims friends and family. I just don’t understand how anyone could want to hurt innocent victims.
A terrorists doesn’t care. Apparently it was a suicide mission to free him of his mistakes. OK – kill yourself but leave others out of it.
Another senseless act. And I am certainly praying for you guys down in Chattanooga!
It’s so very sad what happened. When I heard about this on the news my heart broke for all the families of the victims:-/
Never thought it would happen here. The memorials are just heart breaking, but a great reminder for us all.
I’m starting to think that we already live in an age of terrorism. It’s really tragic what happened there last year but it’s nice to see a community unite to honor the heroes of the community.
Chattanooga is truly a giving community. A song has been written and a permanent memorial will be placed at the shooting site. We will never forget.
Oh no! I didn’t hear about this. I’m originally from Atlanta so we used to go to Chattanooga all the time.
I was in Atlanta when it happened. So many people travel through here all the time. Never thought it would happen here, but it did.
I didn’t hear about this… 🙁 Keeping everyone in my prayers! This is so sad but such a reality, it’s happening everywhere. 🙁
I have to ask where you live if you haven’t heard about this. Never thought it would happen here.
It’s always hard to understand why someone would do such a thing. I live 120 miles from the World Trade Center, so I’m familiar with the “what if I was there that day” type of feeling. It’s heartbreaking and very eerie.
I truly feel things like this is going to happen more in places like Chattanooga, middle America, where these terrorists aren’t suspected. Step up government.
My prayers and condolences to the families and friends of the victims. Hope this kind of attacks stops right now.
Something BIG is going to have to happen, and without proper leadership, it won’t.
So so sad. This is political. Life is political. We have ALL been distracted by same sex marriage, gay rights, blah blah, (let’s ALL leave that alone) and start focusing on the real problems that actually cause real death and destruction. I speak this as a conservative who would like to see ALL true Americans come together to know, understand we have an enemy that is threaded by radical beliefs and they have no end to where they will go. They throw gay people off buildings, and mutilate women, so my prayer is that we understand this and unite our America is getting tough. By the way, Rosemary, he lived in my town of Franklin for a while, a place I deem very safe (usually).
Thanks Angela. I hadn’t heard he lived there but there is so much more coming out that isn’t a surprise to most.
Wake up America – it can happen anywhere, and it’s going to unless something is done. Has to start from the top and it hasn’t.
I can only imagine how hard this would hurt if it hit so close to home. I’ve spent some time in Chattanooga, but not as much as you. Remember that all Muslims didn’t create this act of terrorism, but that it was one individual who sided with radicals.
If you think I was saying all Muslims, that is wrong. There is good and bad in all groups. In that sentence I was actually talking about the Empire State Building honoring that day. As you may have heard by now, evidence does show the shooter had ties to these radical groups, which was suspected all along.
Watching this on the news just broke my heart. Its said that we as a people can not live our every day lives without worrying is someone is going to come at us in a crazy way. I love the the community has come together to memorialize these beautiful souls who died from a senseless act of violence
It is amazing how everyone done this in a civilized way. The community has come together in support. The memorials are just heart breaking.
It’s truly a sad situation! Sadly, there’s no such thing as a safe place. I could state numerous events where individuals snapped at any given moment at places that were once deemed as safe (i.e. churches, schools, theaters, etc.) despite a person’s background, but I won’t. It’s happening everyday throughout the world. We can’t always live in fear, though.
I do refuse to live in fear, I believe when it’s your time, it’s your time and no matter what you have done to prepare, won’t help. It’s such a shame about these young family guys just doing their job.
We have always thought we were save where we were but in reality anything can happen and it does. Prayers go out to the soldiers families and friends as well as this city. I have drove through Chattanooga as well as spent a couple hours in the city. It is a beautful place. Thanks for sharing..
Yes, this is a great town and will continue to be. Please stop by anytime as we are constantly growing and having new things all the time.
This is so sad. I saw it in the news and my heart goes to the families of the victims. It’s so hard to understand why someone would do this. I hope and pray that this will not happen again.
The sad part is, I don’t think things like this will stop until something major is done. What that is I have no idea, but always trying to be PC isn’t getting us anywhere.
Prayers and thoughts are with all families and victims.
Thanks – such a weird time in my town.
It’s such a sad tragedy when things like this happen. Unfortunately, this is the perfect way to force us to give up more of our freedom with fear.
I refuse to live in fear, but so much more cautious. I grew up around hunting guns but have decided it’s time for a handgun.
i saw this on the news. i can’t believe it but you are absolutely right it can happen to any of us. Nowadays you never know who to trust or be afraid of. We live everyday with no promise of tomorrow but in hopes that tomorrow will come. its a shame when people like that take that hope away and give us fear instead. My prayers are with you & your town <3
Thanks for your support. You are right – tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone. We just have to be prepared for when our time comes.
It is really unfortunate that this has to happen. And I feel sorry for the lost lives. But knowing that their efforts are not for naught, it makes people feel proud of having gone through difficult times. I love your final verdict on this one-pray, and pray fervently.
Prayer is the answer. Pray that being PC isn’t the answer. Pray that leadership will make a strong stand, even if it takes more than 5 days for it to be recognized.
I grew up an Air Force brat and have friends who are recruiters for different branches as well. This story broke my heart as well; I can’t imagine the pain your community is in. I think it’s amazing the nation as a whole is coming together for Chattanooga.
All these little things that can be close to home. My son said he had friends that saw this guy at a shooting range a couple weeks ago. What if he had started shooting then, but he had an agenda against the military.
I can barely believe what is going on in the world today! i try to always focus on the positive people and the positive things that surround me! As the rest of the world to me is genuinely scary!
I too try to have a positive outlook. Could this be the wake up call for our government to do something? Not so far. There are just truly mean and evil people in this world.
I like the idea presented by the freedom cupcakes. In the society, we have all sorts and kinds of people from different backgrounds and we all contribute for the benefit of everyone. Fighting for freedom is a great cause and giving away donations to victims show a big heart.
This was so touching for this family to do this, but on the other side so many are taking advantage of this to make money for themselves. That part is sad.
I saw this on the news. My heart breaks for the families of the victims. It’s so hard to understand what goes through the mind of someone who does something like this. My prayers go out to the victims.
It’s been a tough time around here for all. Never thought it would happen here, but it did. Thanks for the prayers.
It was shocking! It is so sad for those families who lost their loved ones. Mourning with those who mourn in Chattanooga and the family and friends. You are right. We feel safe; it couldn’t happen here. Then it does. Finally the flag was lowered over the White House. Thank you for this well written post. Linda
It only took 5 days and still no “official” news conference. Sad and embarrassing for this administration. You see these memorials on TV, but now they are here. Now the funerals begin.
My husband is in the US Navy and actually worked in recruiting for 4 years in TN. This is such a terrible thing to have happen. My heart breaks for the families involved.
My son has a great friend who is an Army recruiter and had been here several years, but in CO now. Such a horrible thing to happen. And, I’m afraid there will be more of these.
Such sad and tragic news, prayers are with all the families 🙁 such a well written post. X
Thank you. Chattanooga will never be the same – such a terrible person doing things like this. At least we don’t have to suffer through a trial for him.
I watched the news story on this and I have a friend that lives in Chattanooga. I don’t know if enough can every be done without infringing on people’s personal rights, but I do think we have to figure out a better system than the current one because its not working. This is scary no matter where you live. I hope the community there in Chattanooga can come together for the fallen and their families. Very very sad.
What is happening to the world, this is so upsetting. I think something needs to be done to prevent such tragedies happening.
There are just mean people in this world, and seems like nothing is being done about it.