Innocence died that day. Maybe it died a lot earlier for some Americans, but not for me. And I hope and pray our various government agencies are ever vigilant to prevent such a terrible attack from ever occurring on American soil again. But I'm not sure they are. So citizens must also be on their guard.
Another thing I'd noted earlier that lovely morning as I was filling my car up with gas--a plane that struck me as odd. It was too white, too big, too shiny to be flying that low over my hometown of Harrisonburg in the Shenandoah Valley. I don't know much about aircraft but remember saying to myself, 'Something about that plane...' I later learned the route the airliner took that crashed into the Pentagon in Washington would have taken it over us at the time. Gave me chills, But what could anyone on the ground have done wondering about a plane that seemed wrong? Report it if you ever see another. Here's an idea, don't let anyone who doesn't want to learn how to land a plane, pilot one. Airport security need to stop bullying the elderly and little girls with teddy bears and figure out who's actually likely to pose a threat on an airplane. But that wouldn't be pc.
*Public domain image of a rescue worker
I had been on a walk with a friend that morning, came in the house, turned on the tv and walked into the kitchen...minutes later I ran into the livingroom, sat staring at the tv wondering how this could possibly happen. Was crying when the phone rang, it was Mike, his boss said anyone who wanted to go home could...did I want him home? "Yes please" I said. He came home and I we just hugged each other. Then we just sat and watched til the boys came home and hugged the stuffings out of them. They had gotten all the kids together at school and watched the news that day. To this day I still tear up when I think about all those poor people who did NOTHING to deserve this...other than be in the wrong places, buildings, planes and jobs.
I have a friend who lived close to the site. She watched it from her window. Crying the whole time. It gave her nightmares for years. I can't imagine the loss and to see people jumping. Such horror should never be...
Oh my, Mary. I can't imagine seeing that horror unfold. And LeeAnn, our day was much as yours. I suspect much of America did the same.
Beth, Lovely post. I know exactly where I was during a few days in my lifetime and September 11, 2012 was one. I was at work (family business), just beginning the day, when my mother called and told us the news. We tuned in the radio and were hit realty. Everyone wanted to rush to the schools and get their children before heading home, but everyone stayed put like the we asked to by goverment officials and kept an eye on the sky. I can remember letting my secretaries go home early that day, one at a time between three and four. Very little work was done that day, but a lot of growing up happened.
I also remember watching news casts for days, praying that out of that disaster someone would be found alive.
My heart still hurts for the families who lost their love ones. I pray time has eased their pain.
I AM proud to be an AMERICAN.
Mary, A woman in my chapter, her son was in one of the towers. He got out. She has he won't speak of it. I can only imagine the questions and hurt and thanks he carries.
Still a very emotional day.
Thanks,Beth. I was at ex-hubby's photo studio with a friend. We were there to have my daughter do head shots for my friend. I was in my daughter's office wen my ex yelled obscene words. I ran to his office, thinking he had hurt himself.
He was staring in horror at the TV and yelling that a plane had flown into a building. I was watching when the second hit came. it was all too unreal!
We watched it over and over but it didn't change.
Thanks for sharing those raw memories. I often think of those who lost loved ones and pray they find some comfort. I, too, am proud to be an American.
We were driving back from Florida to Ohio. My son called when we were crossing TN. I panicked as I knew my uncle had an office on the 80th floor of the World Trade Center, and my cousin works in a company on the 18th floor. If you want to know what happened go to http://monarisk.blogspot.com/
I was working in an office and an email came through - plane hits NY tower. I don't know why but my first thought was something's wrong, I wonder if it's terrorists. And when the second plane hit, I and the other workers knew. They allowed us to go down to the cafeteria to watch television. The atmosphere was deadly quiet for a long, long time. And from that time on we all were changed.
I will Mona. Yes Judy, never the same again.
I was at home when it happened. I'll never get over the shock of hearing the news. My feelings were so raw, it was as if someone I knew had died in the attack. I can honestly say that I have nothing but love in my heart for everyone, regardless of color, but that day I hated the people responsible for the attack. I wanted to see them die. I hope I never feel that way again. God bless us all.
I understand how you feel, Pamela. Yes, God bless us all.
Great post, Beth. I was in Boston visiting a friend for the night and was at the airport at 7:am to fly home to Palm Beach, and couldn't check in because there had been an "incident", the first aircraft had flown into the first tower. While I waited, I heard an announcement, the airport was closed, we must get our bags and exit immediately. I didn't get out for 4 days! I will never forget the horror, the unbelief. It seemed something out of a movie.
May God protect us and take care of our precious planet.
Beth, that friend has long since passed away, but we shared the experience of seeing the horror together.
I could not repeat the Ex's words here!
Color me red, white, and blue! I still tear up when I hear "The Star Spangled Banner" or "America the Beautiful" or say the pledge of allegiance!
Beth, that friend has long since passed away, but we shared the experience of seeing the horror together.
I could not repeat the Ex's words here!
Color me red, white, and blue! I still tear up when I hear "The Star Spangled Banner" or "America the Beautiful" or say the pledge of allegiance!
So sad. I'll never forget it!
Beth,
Thanks so much for the heartfelt post and sad reminder. I can remember exactly where I was on 9/11. What a horrific day.