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| I watched in disbelief as an image of an aircraft slamming into the World Trade Center played time and again on my computer screen at work. Time froze, and disbelief disintegrated into pure personal helplessness as the second Tower was attacked.
I watched and listened to CNN as the emergency crews rushed to the scene. Thousands were saved because of the efforts of a relative few. Never in my wildest nightmare had I imagined what was to happen next as one, and then the other tower fell, killing so many so quickly. It was certain many of the dead were police officers and firefighters, and emt/ambulance personnel.
Then the story of the Pentagon strike came in. Hundreds of dead and injured there, as well. SO many more would have died, but for the construction in the section hit by the attackers. Using our own aircraft and passengers as weapons of mass destruction, our military headquarters was attacked inside our borders for the first time in recent history by a shadowy, barely known group of extremists.
The story broke of the plane that was headed perhaps for the White House; the heroic actions of a few passengers willing to die to save the intended target, the disastrous crash into a country field.
For several erie days, few contrails crossed the skies, no jets roared overhead except military aircraft.
Our Nation joined others in war against the government of a country who's leaders had soundly defeated the Soviets, eradicating with pure, monstrous military power the rule of the government harboring the leaders of this group, and destroying their hold on power totally. Yet the threat from the terrorists still exists, as our Homeland Security alert today went to Orange.
So many heros, so much loss. Thousands of soldiers in harms way, and me so selfishly thankful that my sons were no longer in the service. SO many confusing, absorbing, unsettled emotions.
Tomorrow is going to be a long, thoughtful, sad day for me.[:blackeye:] | |
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| hey steve,
I know exactly what ya mean. I'm sure everyone else feels the same. That's why I'm studying to someday become a WV State Trooper. I want to help people and I WANT to get worthless scum off the street. We have a great country here, and I think people in the past year have realized this. Later guys and have a safe 9/11.
Catch some ski's,
Shawn | |
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| I remember I was on a fishing holiday that week in Holland. I returned the evening of September 11th to see the entire bar of the place I was staying being empty and the owner had camped in front of his TV, shaking his head in disbelief. I saw imgaes of flames and dust, screaming people; collapsing buildings and at first I thought it was a movie. You just don't consider it an option that this is reality. I also couldn't make out where it was or what had happened but slowly I realized it was the real thing. I didn't know what to think but I was shocked that it had happened for real. My heart goes out to those that stayed in the flames, like all those firefighters who rushed over there to help, and I hope they will nail this Bin Laden (if they don't already have by now). | |
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| I too have mixed emotions, + have since that day 1 yr. ago...37 dead from Va., 21 dead from Md...from the Pentagon alone. I am extremely proud to know that people from Army units I served w/ at 1 time were chosen to pursue those responsible...a friends' son pulled many of his buddies from a downed Chinook, while injured himself during the early period of the war...I struggle w/ the fact that my own son may someday be called to serve...but if so, I understand. I especially salute those who have given their lives since the battle began in Afganistan, + ESPECIALLY the "GRUNTS", those who must face the enemy face to face; these guys are doing what few chose to do + fight w/ the bare essentials. Today many will drive w/ their lights on to honor this tragic day 1 yr. later; my sons 1 st grade class will plant a tree to honor those fallen folks...this will indeed be a long day.[:blackeye:]
***Yesterday little sponge brought home a piece of paper he drew + had colored in school...it had 2 buildings on fire w/ 2 peeps watching, a fireman hosing down a building...in the corner was a guy colored in black; a simple yet haunting reminder of the fact that even young kids are prfoundly affected by that around them. When asked about the drawing, he told the wife that the bad guy in the corner had started the fire + he then asked questions as to what would happen to our house etc...may we never forget. | |
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| I am pulling down the orginal...hour by hour thread that was put on site..on 9/11..
I am locking it...we dont need to add to it...but feel free to read how it unfolded here on site. | |
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| Steve: your post speaks well for all of us. Thanks
It's early September 11, 2002 and I am at work as I write this. This time last year, I exited my vehicle to attend a funeral at Arlington National Cemetary. It was 0935 hours and I had not heard about the Towers attack yet. I walked to the Administrative Building and noticed a northbound airplane exiting National (Reagan) Airport. I didn't pay much attention to it as I entered the building, but made a mental note that the plane seemed to be flying very low. All of a sudden I saw black clouds of smoke coming from the other side of the Pentagon. Shortly thereafter, the word spread about the first Tower and then we all realized that terrorist' attacks were taking place.
I am a police officer in Montgomery County, Maryland. We are all on alert and have to be ready in the event that something bad happens. I have a knee injury so I cannot go "hands on" if necessary. However, I am on stand-by in the department's command center and will be involved in communications if something does happen. Hopefully, this will not occur.
As police officers we have been briefed on what we may face and I can tell you that it is quite scary. Not only do we have to worry about terrorism from outside our country, but we also have our own American terrorists within. These misguided individuals want to hurt us. Recently we were issued suits (to protect us) to wear in the event of a chemical attack. This is quite mind-boggling. God, I hope that we don't need them.
We all want to "kick ass." However, it means that more young Americans will die if we go to war. Hopefully, we can handle anything that comes up with a min. casualty figure. I urge everyone to pray that George Bush makes the right decisions for us.
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| Steve....
You were able to put to words what many of us feel...
Strange or not.... but I'm at the office and I find it very hard to concentrate on getting work done...
I guess most all of us have changed in some way, whether we know it or not, we have.
Wishing everyone a safe day....
Mark
Musky Adventures
Eau Claire, WI | |
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| PROUD TO BE A AMERICAN, one year ago today and emotions are still very strong this morning. Everything you watch and here still get to me. I pray we don't have any thing happen to the world today. Well maybe Bin Laden could be found or killed!!!! | |
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| I know each and everyone of us will in our own way reflect and remember those involved in the events that took place one year ago today. Let us not forget those that showed incredible honor and courage to help those involved in the events of that day. Also, let's not forget where and at whom our anger from these attacks should be directed.
I have included an address that I think very tastefully recounts the events of that tragic day.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/attack/art/0911clip02.html | |
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| I am killing time while waiting for my phone to charge and a colleague to arrive at the Detroit Metro airport. I flew in on the earliest flight from Chicago which is usually packed. The plane was more then 1/2 empty. Both O'Hare and DTW are very empty. So much so that it is eary. There is a very somber mood and people are going out of their way to be friendly and courteous to eachother. Nearly everyone with time to kill are huddeled around pub TV's watching the 9/11 programs.
BTW if you are planning to travel, be sure you acutally leave yourself enough time. They are now enforcing the 20 minute rule which requires passengers be on-board aircraft 20 minutes prior to departure. If you are not on the plane 20 minutes prior, you are not getting on. | |
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| I remember waking up and watching in disbelief 5 minutes before the second plane hit the towers. I was working the 3-11pm shift as a cop and got called in early that day as did alot of my buddies on other departments. I remember looking over the Chicago skyline that evening and not seeing any planes in the air except for 3 jets flying loops around the City. An errie feeling to see that. | |
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| Well said Steve, we all must feel the same way today.
One year ago today I was working on a constuction site in the bush somewhere within 30 mins of town. When these 2 guys came back from break and told us of the tower attacks. We were thinking it was a bad joke or something untill I went to my truck and got the radio and listened to the local station doing the play by play as the towers went down. We managed to work a few more hours that day but we were not able to finish our day and went home earlyer then normal to see the devastation on the TV.
Today I am about to get ready to go my wife's grandfathers funeral. 9/11 will never be the same for any of us.
God bless everyone. | |
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| Working in the Nuclear Power Industry, I have lived with and worked under extremely tight security for the past 20 yrs. Power Plant security is a bit heightened today due to the events of last September 11th, but in reality not all that much has changed here at work from a security standpoint. Much, however, has changed outside this plant for me, my family members, and all Americans because of last September 11th. As we reflect today upon the events of September 11, 2001 let us remember the innocent casulties, airline passenger heroes, brave servants (civil and military) who have given the supreme sacrifice, and firm our resolve to stand united as proud Americans in support of our elected and military officials who are taking the war on terrorism to the guilty and doing their absolute best to restore peace, not only to this great country, but to all of the world. God Bless America, her fallen heroes, and all of us who make up the fabric of this truly great democracy. | |
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| Tears then, tears now.
For those of you with lots of reading time, especially if you like conspiricy theories, check out:
http://www.unansweredquestions.net/timeline
This site gives what appear to be well-documented accounts of events leading up to 9/11/01, events on that day, and afterward. Some interesting aspects emerge - the theory that flight 97 was shot down by the military, strange stock dealings with the two airlines immediately before 9/11, and mysterious deaths of reknown microbiologists since the attacks. Now, don't believe everything you read on the internet, but it's worth a look. m | |
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| As a firefighter I watched many of my brothers perish saving the lives of many WTC workers, at best estimates they saved the lives of nearly 20,000 people. My thoughts and prayers to all my brother firefighters and all the families to the victims. America is strong unselfish and will continue to thrive because of the braveness and courage our citizens display each and everyday. | |
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| Hurt this year too. This year I noticed I had time to shed a tear only because last year I was in shock after watching the disaster unfold on television.
One thing which was touching while I was on the Chip was watching the bald eagles flying over the north woods. It was beyond a touching patriotic experience. We also witnessed a fighter jet doing maneuvers over the water which was just amazing.
God bless our country and bless the families affected by the tragedies. Screw any other country who supports terrorism, they'll find out soon enough not to mess with the US.
-Phil C | |
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| Screw those terrorist bastards. We can take a sucker punch and come up strong. Starting with the cops, firefighters and families who lost family, we're all heros to stay the course while we flip the bird. | |
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| This may seem a bit out of character for me.....but of all the TV shows, songs, tributes that I have heard or seen in the last year nothing has struck into my heart like the song "City of Ruins" by Bruce Springsteen. I too feel the anger and desire for vengence that many of the above posters have expressed, but my feeling one year later is more of a sadness and mourning for those who lost loved ones. God, Allah, Buddah, the Great Spirit or whomever/whatever truly watches over us all will deal with those responsible for the acts of September 11th, even if our nation's armed forces does not. Read below, please read it, try to see the meaning as I have....just something a little different to think about.
This is a prayer for our fallen brothers and sisters.
There's a blood red circle
On the cold dark ground
And the rain is falling down
The church door's thrown open
I can hear the organ's song
But the congregation's gone
My city of ruins
My city of ruins
Now the sweet bells of mercy
Drift through the evening trees
Young men on the corner
Like scattered leaves
The boarded up windows
The empty streets
While my brother's down on his knees
My city of ruins
My city of ruins
Come on rise up! Come on rise up!
Come on rise up! Come on rise up!
Come on rise up! Come on rise up!
Come on rise up! Come on rise up!
Now there's tears on the pillow
Darlin' where we slept
And you took my heart when you left
Without your sweet kiss
My soul is lost, my friend
Tell me how do I begin again?
My city's in ruins
My city's in ruins
Now with these hands
With these hands
With these hands
With these hands
I pray Lord
With these hands
With these hands
I pray for the strength, Lord
With these hands
With these hands
I pray for the faith, Lord
With these hands
With these hands
I pray for your love, Lord
With these hands
With these hands
I pray for the strength, Lord
With these hands
With these hands
I pray for your love, Lord
With these hands
With these hands
I pray for the faith, Lord
With these hands
With these hands
I pray for the strength, Lord
Come on, rise up!
Come on, rise up!
Slamr
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Reflections on the 9/11/2001 disaster