Today is the anniversary of one of the worst days in the history of the United States. As bass anglers in many respects represent the core of America, and since the pro anglers are our spokesmen, BassFan.com collected some of the pros' thoughts on what Sept. 11 means to them.

Mark Davis

"Sept. 11 changed the way every American lives and thinks. In our generation there's no other day like that. There have been other days like that in history, but not in our generation. You just realize that a lot of things we've taken for granted, that we grew up taking for granted, you just can't take for granted anymore."

Tim Horton

"As big a tragedy as it was, it doesn't seem like it's been a year, that's for sure. I think we need to keep doing things to remember the heroes of that day. Even though it was a tragic day, it was sort of an inspiration -- the heroism of that day. We need to remember it."

Denny Brauer

"Without a doubt it's the most mind-boggling thing any of us ever witnessed in our lifetime. And it really wakes you up to how precious it is to live in this country where we can have freedom. But it also makes you aware of how jealous other countries are of how we live our lives here.

"Obviously it's also a day to reflect. A lot of sadness was created on that day, and a lot of heroes were created on that day too. It's a day to reflect back on and appreciate all the good things we have in this country. Hopefully everyone will work together to prevent any more catastrophes like that from happening again."

Jay Yelas

"That was one of worst tragedies that ever happened in America, but I think lot of good has come out of that in the last year. In a lot of respects it has pulled the nation together. You see a lot of people working together now that wouldn't before. There's been reconciliation across racial, religious, and social and economic boundaries. A lot of that has been good.

"It's also made everybody aware of how much evil there is out there. I had no idea. I'm not nearly as naive as I used to be. I'm out here fishing and some people want to shoot me dead without even meeting me because I'm an American. We live in a bubble here in the U.S. We have it so good, and Sept. 11 really increased our awareness of other cultures and how envious they are of America. The freedom we enjoy is a wonderful thing and we probably appreciate it even more than we used to."

Gerald Swindle

"I catch myself looking back. If I see a car on the interstate with a sticker that says 'I'm a Vietnam vet,' I have a whole different perspective about who has provided our safety up until now. People took that for granted. We've had grandfathers, uncles and aunts who have died in these wars, but since I have grown up, we've never seen anything that made you appreciate that until Sept. 11. Now I see that and want to walk up to these people and say, 'Hey, I appreciate it.' In fact I've done that. It's a whole different respect level for the people who protect our country."

Gary Klein

"Sept. 11 to me was a disappointment. Obviously it was for the country. For me, I was so excited about fishing one of the finest lakes in the world (the cancelled FLW Championship at Lake Champlain). I and the other anglers spent a lot of time up there preparing, and (Sept. 11) was a tremendous blow. It took the wind out of our sails. We were all in disbelief about what took place. But life does go on, and I'm looking forward to fishing this Sept. 11."

Kevin VanDam

"It seems kind of weird that it's been a year. I've thought about it a lot. Not just Sept. 11, but all the events after that. I've gotten to meet quite a few people in the military this year. A lot of those people have to go (to Afghanistan), but they don't want to go. They have young kids at home, the same as I do. But they're doing their job, and they're proud to do it.

"I grew up reading about Pearl Harbor and other things, but this really hit home for me. It's tough for me to even think about it without having a tear come to my eye. I sure appreciate what everyone has done for our country, from George Bush to someone cooking food in the mess tent someplace. Freedom is a privilege, not a given, that we have to fight for. For sure.

"It's really hit home more so than any other event. We had the Gulf War, Grenada and other military operations, but they seemed a million miles away. But this is very real to me And it's a scary time for me because I have young kids. There's still a lot going on. We haven't seen the end of this."

Alton Jones

"Sept. 11 reminds me of what it is to be an American. It makes me think of how many people not only during that particular tragedy but during our country's history have paid the ultimate price so that we have the luxury of fishing for a living. It's something that we've earned by fighting for our freedom. That's what Sept. 11 means to me."

Larry Nixon

"Sept. 11 sticks out in everybody's mind as just a really horrendous time. It's a day to stop and give a minute of decent silence and then go on down the road. It's one of those days we'll never forget in our lives and I hope never happens again."