As many of you know, it will soon be ten years since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. On that day, America was hit by the largest attack on our own soil since Pearl Harbor in 1941. While New York and the rest of the nation focuses on the memorial being built at Ground Zero, I believe that something similar is in order here on AG. This thread is crafted as a memorial to the victims of that day and as a tribute to the heroes in the New York Fire Department, New York Police Department, the U.S. Military, the passengers of Flight 93, and all the people who tried to save others or rose as the first counterattack against the terrorists.
What went through your mind when you first heard the news? What did you do? If you have any directly relevant stories, like knowing someone who was on one of the hijacked planes or in the towers or the Pentagon, being there yourself when the attacks hit, helping with the cleanup, even being one of the people working on the memorial in New York City, anything like that, feel especially welcome to post it here. Even simple well-wishes to the families of the victims are welcome.
Be forewarned, this thread is not a place for editorializing about Muslims, ranting about conspiracy theories, launching barbs about the government then or now, making lame and sick attempts at humor, or being a fool in any such manner. This thread is made for remembering our fallen citizens, and commemorating the heroes of that day. BE RESPECTFUL.
Well I was um... I think 4 almost 5 when it happened. I was in new york and I hadn't heard about it until I saw it on the news the same day. All the grown ups were talking about it but didn't really want me to know. (I think). I specificly remeber finding out about it alone in a room watching the news. I also got a doll from a girl who died in the attack.
Hrm. Last year's thread was posted was on the actual anniversary, not over a week in advance!
I always remember the analogy given by a couple of my teachers. September 11 to us was like JFK's assassination to them, because they were high-elementary/middle school children when that happened. Sure, it was only one man, but he was loving guy and his assassination turned out to be a Class-S mystery, aka one that is inconclusive and isn't solved. I kinda don't wanna relive those moments, but yeah, the atmosphere was heavy for weeks.
Hrm. Last year's thread was posted was on the actual anniversary, not over a week in advance!
The advance posting is to allow plenty of time for anyone here who was involved to read and post. Ten years is a more momentous milestone than nine, and it seems reasonable to assume that more people will be ready to discuss their experiences now.
I kinda don't wanna relive those moments
I realize that there is still pain in memories such as these, but to just suppress it all hinders moving forward. Memorials can be painful, but they can also be cathartic, and they are absolutely necessary to ensure that the fallen are never forgotten.
One of my aunts lived and still does in New York. I don't remember the attacks, but my first memory of hearing of them was in kindergarden when the teacher told us that 9/11 was a day to remember when planes flew too low and hit towers that were next to each other.
Are we allowed to express outrage at the fact that the first responders are not going to be admitted to the memorial?
This is to pay respect. And, I am not saying anything about the first responders. It is a bit.. idiotic. But, ultimately,
This thread is crafted as a memorial to the victims of that day and as a tribute to the heroes in the New York Fire Department, New York Police Department, the U.S. Military, the passengers of Flight 93, and all the people who tried to save others or rose as the first counterattack against the terrorists.
These days I can say that I sympathize a lot more with the American people over 9/11, given what happened in the UK a few years ago, and give my deepest condolences to the families of all those killed in the tragedy. Back when it first happened though, I was 7 or 8, I found it rather silly that people were making such a big fuss over it when there were stories on the news all the time about terrorist attacks in other countries - I didn't really understand what made America so special.
I don't remember anything about that day, as I wasn't old enough. I can't say much about it for that reason, but I'd say that the fact first responders aren't allowed in is retarded. They can't seriously be saying that, can they?
i was not shocked or whatever. went off to basketball practise after.
Why would you be shocked? You aren't an American. People don't tend to care a whole lot about other countries.
I remember exactly when it happened, and how it spread around the world like wildfire. Our teachers brought us to the assembly hall and put the news on to show us what was going on. There were a few people on an Ireland to New York trip from our school, so everybody was fearing for them, it was horrific.
Although a terrible (understatement) tragedy, the way the world pulled together was inspirational.
I am only here to extend my condolences to the lost.
I hope you all rest in peace, and that you find at least a minuscule amount of comfort in your murderers death, even though they cheered when you died and we cheered when they died.
