9/11 Anniversary

[Ags2000]

Here we are 10 days from the 10th anniversary of 9/11. What if anything are you going to do? What do you most remember about that day?

I will be visiting family on 9/11 this year.

What do I remember the most, watching live as the 2nd plane crashed into the tower. I can remember yelling at the tv that a plane just flew into the tower and the reporters having no idea what just happened because they were talking when it flew in.

I also remember the relief when we were finally able to reach my brother my day. He was living in D.C. at the time and was supposed to be at a meeting in the Pentagon right where the plane went into. My brother's friend he was supposed to go visit was the only person in his office to make it out alive that day.

D

[PZelda]

I'll be in NYC on 9/11 (I leave on Friday 9/9). Not sure what I'll do that day... The memorial site will be open, but only to victims' families and I imagine it'll be a pretty big media mob.

[Brad]

In those days, I set the TV in my bedroom to turn on at 6 am to wake me up. What I woke up to was ABC's coverage of the World Trade Center on fire. In my groggy state, I thought that they were doing some kind of retrospective of the 1993 bombings, but right as I put my glasses on, the second planet hit... and I knew what was up.

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I was 21, and working as a telemarketer (don't hate me), making outbound calls for Ameritech small business customers. I knew that on a day such as this, it would be inappropriate to make sales calls. I called in, and told my boss I didn't feel right coming in on what could be a very deadly day in our nation's history, but my boss told me to come in anyway.

So I begrudgingly got ready for work as word came on the news of more hijacked planes, and an explosion at the Pentagon.

I got to work (late) only to be told by the security guard (with whom I'd built quite a rapport) that one of the towers had fallen. By the time I hit the sales floor, I was greeted by my co-workers sitting at their desk with their phones hung up. The powers-that-be were trying to figure out the best method of attack.

Soon, we were told we could either go home or take inbound calls for Sears. I chose to go home.

The rest of that dale was surreal. I sat in disbelief, glued to my TV and to the Internet. It's been ten years now, and I still can't believe that happened in the United States of America. What a terrible, terrible day.

[tv star collector]

Every year, since 2002, I try to watch the documentary "9/11" (although I somehow forgot last year). I watched that tape this morning, for the ninth time. Brothers Jules and Gedeon Noudet were working on a documentary about a rookie N.Y.C. firefighter ... when Jules just happened to witness and film the only existing image of the first plane crashing into the World Trade Center. Remarkably, the events that followed were also captured on tape, the whole horrible tragedy from start to finish. As The New York Times
aptly described it, "It is an extraordinary view of history at the moment it happens." But it is not for the squeamish or those offended by strong language. Nevertheless, it is a powerful and thought-provoking video (total
running time: 2 hrs., 9 mins.).

[MrCleveland]

I may watch this cartoon called "My Friend Liberty" and go to my church where they are having a 9/11 concert.

[Tweety]

Every year, since 2002, I try to watch the documentary "9/11" (although I somehow forgot last year). I watched that tape this morning, for the ninth time. Brothers Jules and Gedeon Noudet were working on a documentary about a rookie N.Y.C. firefighter ... when Jules just happened to witness and film the only existing image of the first plane crashing into the World Trade Center. Remarkably, the events that followed were also captured on tape, the whole horrible tragedy from start to finish. As The New York Times
aptly described it, "It is an extraordinary view of history at the moment it happens." But it is not for the squeamish or those offended by strong language. Nevertheless, it is a powerful and thought-provoking video (total
running time: 2 hrs., 9 mins.).

Here is the video of the first plane attack (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgm8dNJvM6k&feature=related). It's 19 second in length.

I seem to recall that there was at least one other video that got the first plane, that video was taken by someone (a tourist I believe) that happened to be videotaping the WTC from their car from quite a distance away. I don't know how good a shot they got of it, I don't think it was very good, but obviously this film maker had a good view. Good reaction from him to record the attack, one second they hear the loud noise of the plane, and the next second, life as we all know it changed forever.

[catlover79]

Our church will be having a special service to recognize the occasion. Other than that, no plans as of now.

[Regulus]

Our church will be having a special service to recognize the occasion. Other than that, no plans as of now.

My Church will also have a Special Service. They are inviting anyone who's a Policeman, Fireman, EMT or in the Military to wear their respective Uniforms.

BTW I was on US 17 between Crescent City and Palatka, Florida on a Delivery Route when the Attacks occured. I was between stops one and two when the WTC and the Pentagon were hit, but it wasn't until my third stop that I was informed that "A Plane hit the WTC". Prior to that, I was listening to music on my CD Player (I LOATHE those "Drive-Time Morning Shows" the Radio Stations put out). :angryfire However, I turned the Radio on and I realised all H:censored:L was breaking out, :eek: BOTH Towers Hit, South Tower Collapsed, Pentagon Hit by a Third Plane, reports of a Plane Crash in Pennsylvania (I'm 99.9% Sure that Plane was heading for the Capitol Building (Congress was in Session), and it was well known that President Bush was in Florida, so what would hitting an empty Building do?). When I arrived at the Fourth Stop, they were watching it all on TV and I arrived in time to see the North Tower bite the dust. :(

[Retro4Life]

At the time I was living at home with my mom and brother, and worked 2nd shift, so I usually slept late.

I had an appointment to take our new kitten to the vet (she was only four weeks old), so I came downstairs about 11 am. My mom and brother told me what happened and were watching the coverage. I sat down and never got up again until work (2 pm). I cancelled my appointment. The enormity of what was going on (the Pentagon!??) was so frightening; it was obvious we were under a well planned attack. The initial numbers of dead were horrifying (not that the eventual numbers were less so)...they were talking about potentially 10,000 people. Everyone was certain that more attacks were on the way, and the talk of dozens of other sleeper cells in America was really chilling. The speculation about anthrax, smallpox, nuclear devices...it seemed like our way of life was over as we knew it. I remember assembling an emergency kit later in the week, and getting nervous when I heard planes flying overhead.

The stock market went into meltdown, gas prices soared, everyone at work was quiet and fearful, and of course, full of unfounded scaremongering rumors. I was angry, outraged, frightened, shocked and deeply saddened. It's hard to relate to anyone who wasn't there how transfixed and focused we all were on that one horrible event. I remember driving to a nearby town and several high school girls had a homemade sign that said "Honk if you love America"...I gave them a honk and it felt good.

We should NEVER forget or minimize the importance of that day.

[Family Ties Forever!]

This video is nice. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnQMjt0rdJ8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sg7P79yNXTw

On September 11th I was in one of my college classes. One of the other professors came in and told our professor and class about the first plane, and then a few minutes later about the second plane crash. I remember everyone was shocked.

[SpenceOlchin]

9/11 tv coverage montage:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HcX3iffQcI&feature=related

President Bush addresses the nation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISGHcXeQFVI&feature=related

Congress sings God Bless America:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH_6EUCILew

[Brad Russ]

May God Bless the poor souls who were the victims of hate on that tragic day. I Will Never Forget!

[D-Dey]

I'm going to trash and disrupt all those idiots who insist the 9/11 attacks were an inside job. If I see a bumper sticker posted on some sign claiming that it was, I'm going to deface it. If I see any of them at a demonstration, I'm going to call them out as the liars they are.

Then again, I do that anytime already.

[catlover79]

At the time of the attacks, I was in a math class at college. I got a ride home from another girl in the class. We had no idea because we didn't have the radio on. It wasn't until I got home and turned on the TV that I learned that something was going on. The first tower had already fallen. I stared at the TV, not comprehending, and said to myself, "Why is there only one tower?" Just as that thought crossed my mind, the second tower fell.

I spent the entire day glued to the TV, watching the coverage, and just clinging to my folks when they got home. It was such a surreal time. Even our cats picked up on it. None of us were angry at each other, but there was so much foreboding that the cats would just meow and slink around. Just so totally bizarre.

9 days later, on my birthday, my mom and grandpa accompanied me to an Indians game in Cleveland. We had bleacher seats, and I remember at one point spotting a Medivac helicopter in the air above us. Of course, it was headed to the Cleveland Clinic, but it sure scared me there for a second.

While I didn't know anyone who was killed or hurt in the attacks, several people I did know enlisted in the military. Two of the men I knew were killed in the line of duty. May they all :rip:.

[Vahan]

For 9/11's 10th anniversary, I'll be staying home for the most part, and watching this 9/11 documentary:

http://929dave.radio.com/2011/09/08/the-only-911-documentary-you-need-to-see/

It was put together by none other than the same filmmakers, who, at first, were filming a documentary about a rookie firefighter, only to catch what was, at the time, the only known footage of the first plane hitting the North Tower.

[OH Nuts!]

I have to work straight thru weekend and next week - can't help feeling a little jittery as I live in NYC and we have the threats - but trying not to let it rattle me and just keep on going on (also I work near the WTC site)

[catlover79]

Be careful, Rich!! :wave:

[Brad Russ]

I Will Never Forget (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvZnL1KkIGw)

[Brad Russ]

I was actually on Hank The Angry Drunken Dwarfs website shortly after he died. Yes, I use to listen to Howard Stern. Embarrassing to think about it now. Anyway, I was browsing the internet when my mom came to my door, and told me to turn on the tv. Watched it all, did some crying, and at the end of the day I was just in a state of mourning. Sat there staring at the floor like a zombie for about 40 minutes. Horrible day.

[Brad]

This is a video I made last year to Ray Charles' rendition of "America the Beautiful." It's got some 9/11 imagery in it. I hope you enjoy it:

http://www.vimeo.com/13520305

[PZelda]

I got in to NYC yesterday afternoon and am actually staying about a mile directly north of the WTC site. When I looked out the window in my room earlier, I could see the Tribute in Light light pillars shining (but now I can't see them anymore). So surreal to see it in person!

[Stuck In The '70's]

Could we please leave the politics to the politics board? On this day we should just remember the people who gave their lives on 9/11.

[Vahan]

And in an attempt to do so, here's a question:

Anyone going to visit the new 9/11 memorial that's opening tomorrow?

[Brad]

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[Janice]

I can't believe that I have to issue a warning on a 9/11 thread. Reverend Jim, you are way off topic and way out of line. Stop it. Take your rants to the Politics Board. This thread is to share our memories and to show respect to those who died on that dreadful day.

[Number 9 Dream]

I will always remember September 11th, 2001. It was a normal day for me like any other Tuesday -- I went to my Freshman Composition college class in the morning, then got a ride home from a fellow classmate because I didn't drive yet. Since I had the house to myself (brothers still in high school; parents at work), I decided to flip on the tv in the hopes of finding an interesting talk show to watch, but instead the news was flashing a special bulletin: a plane had crashed into the WTC. Initially, I thought it was just some freak accident. But, as I was watching the live coverage, a second plane struck the second tower. The newscasters reporting the story were completely stunned, practically yelling that the second tower had just been hit, and now even I knew it was no accident. I was staring at the tv in utter disbelief and fear. I hopped on an aol chat room (this was pre-Facebook) and read on about everyone's theories about what had just happened. Everyone was panicking. I, too, was scared. I wanted my family home that instant. I called my mom and talked to her to ease my fear, but I still wanted out of that empty house and away from the haunting images. I called my best friend's cell phone. She worked for a florist at the time, doing her route, and said I could join her so I wouldn't be alone.

I remember stepping outside to wait for her, just staring at the sky. It was probably the clearest, most serene day: crisp blue skies, little breeze, and just enough sunshine to give a facade of normalcy. It was such a contrast to the chaos I knew was going on in the city. And suddenly I didn't feel safe anymore. I took a ride with my friend around town, and we stopped at a bank on her delivery route. Everyone was talking about it. By the time I got home, my brothers' school had dismissed early, and we waited together for the parents to get home. The rest of the night was spent glued to the tv; there was no avoiding the haunting images, even for weeks to come. And the images haunted my sleep as well -- I was a total insomniac for months to come because I feared more attacks. Nothing was safe anymore.

Today I will reflect on what happened to us and will remember the lives lost. How everything can be taken away in an instant. These people were just going to work, living out their daily routines. They didn't know they'd be taken from their families and forced to choose between burning to death or falling 100+ stories to avoid the fire. What a horrible way to go. It really makes me think of the fragility of life.

[70s show watcher]

i have a friend who lives in ny and that morning she actully had an appointment at the wtc but she overslept and missed the appointment and the weird thing is she is the type of person who is always early when she has to be somewhere but not that day

[PZelda]

And in an attempt to do so, here's a question:

Anyone going to visit the new 9/11 memorial that's opening tomorrow?
It's not open to the public today -- yes, it opens today, but to the victims' families. It opens to the public tomorrow. I have a ticket to see it on Tuesday.

Kristel, re: the last part of your post... god, I know. That's the thing that has haunted me for the past 10 years. Nobody in the Pentagon had to jump to their deaths because only one part of it was hit. The guys aboard Flight 93... They made a conscious decision to fight the hijackers, and they were aware that either way it would cost them their lives. But for the poor innocents above the point of impact in both towers... god, it's still horrible to think of 10 years later. They just wanted to get in to work, do their thing, then go home. They didn't know that shortly after they got there, they were going to be fatally screwed over. To have to choose between jumping 1,000 feet to your death, suffocating to death from the heavy smoke, or if you hadn't done either of the two, being crushed to death when the towers fell. *shudder*

This is Kevin Cosgrove's 911 call he made on 9/11 before he died. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEwY8uZ4BAI) Do NOT watch or listen to it if you're still deeply bothered by this day. Kevin worked for Aon, which was located on the top floors in 2 WTC (south tower). on 9/11, he made the 911 call from the 105th floor and stayed on the phone with the operator up until the horrifying end. It's chilling to think about.

[Waterston_Fan]

I just happened to get out of the shower and put on the TV when I saw the tower that had already been hit. Then I saw the second tower get hit and I was horrified and thought it was bin Laden.

Then after I saw the tower fall, I was more upset and I had to leave for work. I cried part of the morning.

[janet42]

I was on my way to work when I heard on the radio about the towers being attack. I first thought was "did I hear right?", but sadly I did because when I got to work I saw it on the news. My sympathies goes out to the families and friends of the 9-11 victims.

[Brad]

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[Brad]

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[Janice]

My sister called and woke me after the first tower was hit. She was crying her heart out. From that point, the calls started coming in and going out, my husband, mother, friends, stepkids, everyone. I went to my parents and watched the coverage all day. Stunned and heartbroken, that's how we were that day. It was surreal. To this day, it still seems so unreal, like a really bad nightmare. Those poor souls who lost their lives that day and since, with the wars; so very sad.

[Family Ties Forever!]

Those videos are sad. ;(

[Ags2000]

I never understood why my parents didn't like watching any movies or anything about Vietnam until 9/11. To this day I can't watch without crying so I try not to watch.

Today I remembered what it was like that day. I try to remember the goodwill and the stories of hope that came from that day. I remember by brother calling that night close to midnight in tears because his friend from the Pentagon had just called him that he had just gotten out alive.

I remember the memorial service I went to that night at my college and seeing SO many people there to share in each others grief.

The key thing is to always remember. Remember it all and don't ever forget!

D

[OH Nuts!]

Be careful, Rich!! :wave:

Thanks for your sweet thoughts. So far so good - haven't had a chance to get back on the bds til now.

[OH Nuts!]

For me, it brings up a lot of painful feelings especially sadness. I worked 6 blocks from the WTC and was at work when the 2nd plane hit. We got evacuated around 9:25 am.

I'LL NEVER forget that morning and day. I remember a lot about it - but it's too painful for me to recount here. God Bless all those poor souls that perished, and the loved ones they left behind. I hope all of them have found and will know peace.

The HATE and EVIL present in this world is scary and mind boggling. But we are a great nation and no one will destroy us!

[Brad]

Anyone else remember The Concert For New York City?

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[PZelda]

I visited the 9/11 Memorial twice (Tuesday and yesterday). The memorial is absolutely gorgeous. One of the neat things is being able to watch the ongoing construction of 1 WTC (80+ floors high now, exterior facade on about half of it) and 4 WTC (almost 50 floors high now, exterior facade on 1/3 to 1/2 of it). The north pool, where the original north tower used to sit, is literally a good 10-20 yards or so away from 1 WTC. The name plaques are really nice and well-done. If I had all day, I could just sit there and get lost in thought just staring at the waterfalls in both pools. So pretty, so mesmerizing, so soothing... If the sun hits the water just right, the water looks like it's sparkling too. :)

I hiiiiiiiiiiiighly recommend visiting. Tickets are free (just be prepared to go thru a lot of security due to the ongoing construction). Once you're done visiting the memorial, they have a visitor center/shop right off the exit. Pretty interesting! Anything you get there goes fully towards maintaining the memorial.

I don't have a whole lot of pics to post yet (my camera's cords are at home, heh), so nothing to post here right now, except for one. This is at the north end of the north pool, looking south (towards Liberty St). The names visible in this picture are the victims of Flight 11 - you can see Daniel Lewin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_M._Lewin)'s name on the left, at the corner (he is thought to have been the first person killed in the 9/11 attacks, when he tried to stop Flight 11's hijacking). The Angells' names are the next panel over, after the corner.

[Vahan]

Is Kevin's Cosgrove's name there too?

I listened to his final-recorded message before his death. It was the horrifying 911 call I ever listened to.

[PZelda]

Is Kevin's Cosgrove's name there too?

I listened to his final-recorded message before his death. It was the horrifying 911 call I ever listened to.
Yep, he's there. His name is on the south pool, though, as that was where he died. The plaques have the names of all 2,983 people who died in the February 26, 1993 bombings (6 people), as well as the 2,977 others who died on 9/11.

They have a name directory available both online and at the memorial to help you locate the names, as they're not in alphabetical order. They go by employer, flight, branch of the FDNY people were with, etc., and then people are listed with that affiliation. When the people behind the memorial were in the design stages of doing the names, they sent out letters to the next of kin... Asked them if they wanted their loved one's name connected with someone else (a friend, a coworker, etc) via relationship. For instance, obviously the Angells' names were paired together. The CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald (Howard Lutnick) lost so many of his friends that day, including his brother (Gary Lutnick). Gary's name is connected to a bunch of their friends' names, such as Doug Gardner. Maybe this visual will help. (http://names.911memorial.org/#lang=en_US&page=person&id=628)

The north pool has the names of the 2/26/93 victims (since the north tower was the one that was bombed that day), as well as the Flight 11 victims and everybody else who died in the north tower on 9/11. The south pool has the reminder of the people -- the ones who died in the south tower, aboard Flight 175, 77 and 93 as well as at the Pentagon and the first responders.

[ShamelessFanGirl]

I was heading to my four period class when the second plane hit and when I walked in my teacher had the news on and at that time I didn't know what was going on but after listening to the news I began to quickly understand what was happening. That whole day we didn't do any work, we just watched on silently at the news as events unfolded on the screen. Though there was nothing more horrorific than seeing the Twin Towers crumble to the ground. Leaving behind an enormous amount of dust and debris. It is a moment in my life that I will never ever forget as long as I live.