Remembering 9/11: Where Were You? Share Your Story.

It's late. I've been sitting in my recliner watching a DVR'd show... 9/11: The Day the World Changed on the Smithsonian HD channel. I've recorded another 15 or so shows to watch with my kids this week. I want them to see this and remember this anniversary forever.

What continues to strike me each and every time I see this is the remarkable bravery of those first responders, specifically the FDNY, NYPD, and the Port Authority personnel, not excluding those who assisted at the Pentagon. Tragic beyond words. The images and video of these brave men and women still haunt me to this day and there is not enough our nation can ever do to honor their memory or to assist with their families needs.

Can you imagine being a firefighter or cop (and I was one for 11 years), staring up into those enormous infernos, seeing people jumping to their death, and still have the courage and devotion to duty to enter those towers of hell--all the time knowing that you may not get out alive? Unbelievable. Heroes, all of them, including the countless private citizens that died lending aid to the injured and trying to rescue their fellow human beings.

In the end, every individual story of tragedy that has survived that day is heart wrenching but is testimony to the sacrifice some will make for others regardless of personal risk. May God bless all of them... and those they left behind.

~ I wanted to add that the majority of those killed were Americans, however 27 Canadians also perished that day, and another 300 other foreigners. Fly your flags this weekend folks--US, Canadian, or whatever country you are a citizen. This is a weekend to honor and remember ALL the innocent who were killed that day.

 

Thanks again, Bob, for starting this thread. It is touching to read the stories and perspectives of everyone who has posted and it shows the depth of the impact 9-11 had on all of us no matter how old. I am also very impressed at how people have kept a respectful and serious tone throughout.

Perhaps it is all the media coverage associated with the 10th anniversary but it seems that this year has brought the memories much closer to the surface - people who typically check in with me on 9-11 have already done so and I've had several media requests this year - something that, thankfully, faded away after the first few years after 9-11.

I thought I'd share this with you - it is my Facebook profile picture for this week in honor of my colleagues who worked on the Army Staff that day, some of whom perished and many who were injured. These were presented to those of us who were there working in our offices that day. It is made from recovered pieces of the facade from the impact area of the Pentagon.

 

I was at home getting ready for work when I saw the news about the first airplane hitting the first tower.. I didn't know what to think at that point... I finished getting ready and drove into work listening to the news on the radio trying to get the details. When I arrived to work I went into our cafeteria, to see if there was any new news on the situation when I saw the second plane hit.. At that point I knew in my gut that this was a planned attack against the US. I felt empty, befuddled, pissed off, the emotions continued throughout the day.. needless to say, I didn't get much work done that day..

Then after hearing the news of the Pentagon, and finally flt 93, realizing that there were coworkers of mine that were on travel during this time and later finding out that they were actually on flight 93, well, I think you get the picture... Nothing strikes home like the reality of losing a loved one, co-worker, friend in any situation, much more in a something like that...

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who lost someone that day..

 

I am amazed that our government still refuses to take care of first responders, to treat the horrible illnesses that they got because of 9/11...

 

Thats a great documentary! My dad who is a retired Firefighter for Pittsburgh, knows a bunch of guys on the FDNY and the one guy he is pretty close with who was I believe a battalion chief at the time is seen in the part when they where filming in the lobby. Not sure which tower, thankfully he got out but was injured. He was actually reported as one of the missing for a few days, untill his family found him in the hospoital.

Anyway, I was working nighturn at the time. And pretty much went right to bed when I got home like I normally did. After the 2nd plane hit my phone was ringing off the hook, but since I was tired and didn't feel like answering it, I let it ring. Probably after the 6 or 7th time it was ringing I heard a buddy of mine on my answering machine (yes we still had answering machines then no voicemail!) I heard him saying, "wake up and turn on the news". So I did and my mind was blown. I'll never forget that day. Its weird how you remeber things like that so clearly.

 

Thanks Colonel, and for sharing this picture! What a great gift, considering the tragedy.

I'm only 40, but as I get older and now just a couple months from military retirement, I tend to be a bit more sentimental. Looking back over the years, it has passed so quickly... these past 10 years alone seem to have whizzed by. I also had a very close call with death this year (horrible surgical complication), which may be a reason I've been a bit nostalgic lately. Additionally, I grew up in a military family, five generations in a row, and my father is a retired 2-star and West Point grad ('51). Our house was always filled with intense conversations about American and world history, military history and traditions, and certainly politics. Sitting around the dinner table felt like a college lecture and debate nightly. We were (and still are) a very patriotic family, and a day does not pass where the US flag does not fly.

When I read all these stories, it reminds me that each of us come from so many life experiences that shape us. But that tragic day, the majority--regardless of background--were moved beyond words and for a brief while, brought us all together in a collective grief, purpose, and appreciation for life.

 

I agree! Much more should and must be done.

 

Thanks for sharing... it's a day that most will not forget where they were and what they were doing. And I'm sure your very proud of your dad's service as a fireman--the stories he must have. On a side note, my mom and dad were both born and raised in Pittsburgh (just northwest of the city in Ben Avon) and we still have many family members there. Great city!

 

Yes, he does have the crazy stories! And ya I know Ben Avon. Ya it would be hard for me to ever leave Pittsburgh. But a few years ago I visted some friends down in San Antonio and really liked it there. Great place as well! Also Thank you for your service and to all the rest serving.

 

Sadly, I believe a lot of people have gone back to their pre 9/11 days. Too many people are involved with their Jersey Shore b.s. and do not take the time to reflect on what happened on that day.


This brings me to the question, What will you be doing this Sunday on the 10th anniversary of 9/11?

I am planning on going to a friend's grave who was killed in action in Afghanistan and talking to my friends who are serving right now. I will reflect on that day and remember those who were lost.

 

only memory i have of it was being at a friends house watching it on a tv rerun after it happened......remember my best friend's sister begging their dad not to go to work the next day (he worked on the offshore rigs)

 

Great question, and what a wonderful way to honor this day and your friend. God bless your friend and all those lost on 9/11 and everyday since fighting the good fight.

As for my family, Sunday we are all going to be together with other relatives and watching the memorial ceremonies on TV and I have at least three documentaries that I want my kids to watch. I want to discuss these with them and remind them of the importance of that day.

We will be flying the US flag outside from dawn until dusk.

 

I was in 2nd grade. I didnt really understand what was going on and I remember watching the news and all the teachers were crying. It still doesnt feel like 10 years ago.

 

My wife and I were running late for our jobs in DC and were on the Metro Blue Line that runs around the Pentagon. It was 9:45 AM when I got out of the Farragut West Metro stop and I could hear people around me saying that there was smoke pouring out of the Pentagon. After a 10 minute walk to my office and watching hundreds of people coming out of buildings and running down the streets, I finally could see on a TV that the Pentagon was massively burning.

 

I was at work, at the time I was the voice manager for a HMO that manages mental health benifits, and I was kept busy for the next week coordinating changes in our call centers to handle the high volume of calls for the attack. I also had 3 employees deployed in vatious cities that I had to ensure returned home the best way that I could since air traffic was non existant.

 

I was in 9th grade sitting in home room watching it unfold. I remember that was when I decided, that when I was old enough, I was joining the Army.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E3oIbO0AWE

 

I was in Navy bootcamp in North Chicago. I was taking a good crap for the first time in almost two months when the drill instructor yelled for everyone to get to general quarters. I said eff that and continued my shit very happily. When I came out the head every one stared at my with a horrified look in there eyes. I turned my head to notice that the TV was on for the first time since we had been in boot camp only to see the second plane hit the tower. I said very loudly "Oh shit!". The drill instructor immediately got in my face and commanded me to get to GQ. The next day I went to try out for EOD.

 

This thread is not for speculation or trolling, it's a place for people to share their stories.

 

Agreed and thanks. We already have another thread going for 9/11 conspiracies. Let's keep this one free of that sort of discussion.