Nearly 10 years after the terror attacks of 9/11, our memories from that day are still with us. 

Like most people, I can vividly remember that clear, beautiful Tuesday morning.

I had moved to New Jersey with my family only a month before, and started 11th grade. After the homeroom bell rang, there was a buzz of "Did you hear?" in the halls. We went to our first class – English composition for me – and as we settled into our desks, the principal came on the intercom to tell us the little he knew: two towers, two planes. Something had happened in Washington, too, at the Pentagon. Rumors of another plane somewhere in Pennsylvania. This was not a joke, not a hoax. This was real.

The sense of stunned fear we all felt was palpable. Classes were called off, and students were herded into the cafeteria and gym to wait for news. When they finally sent us home, I sat in front of the television and watched the footage over and over and over until I had to turn away.

Where were you? What do you remember? Was your life dramatically changed that day?

We want to hear and help share your stories, especially if you were directly affected by the attacks. Together, we want to create a fitting tribute to those who died on Sept. 11, 2001, to those who lost loved ones and to those who gave tirelessly in the weeks and months after to restore our country.

Email me your stories and photos at graelyn.brashear@patch.com, and put "9/11" in the subject line. Please be sure to include your full name and your phone number (we're not able to work with anonymous submissions), and try to keep it 250 words.

Looking forward to hearing from you.