I hope i don't offend anyone. This is meant as a sign of respect for those who were injured, died, ran to help, or lost someone. Also there is one word that may be offensive, if it is I apologise.
As soon as the clock struck 8:15 the prison fell silent. Not a single soul moved. Then slowly, a man with bright blue eyes and a mischievous smile opened his mouth and started to sing. The lyrics were simple, but they brought tears to the eyes of even hardened criminals. The song spoke of loss and terror. Of being alone and trapped. It was clear to anyone who listened that the man had been there that day, had lost someone.
After the song finished, silence once again fell. Slowly, almost intimately, murmurs filled the room. The prisoners went back to what they had been doing but they were more subdued. Life would continue, but today would always be a symbol of loss and the strength of a nation uniting under pain.
The FBI office fell silent and the agents all turned as one to salute the flag. They stayed silent and still for five minutes. A certain FBI agent then started talking. He spoke of bravery and lost comrades. Of survivors and the lost. His words were hesitant, but sure.
When he fell silent, another agent took up the stream of consciousness. Soon everyone had told their story of that day and the agent spoke again, saying, "Life is a fickle mistress, and she likes to give us a kick in the ass to get us going. Today will always be remembered as a tragedy. So let each new day count, you never know when life will be lost. Remember the past, Live on the now, Believe in yourself."