| Always Remember 9/11 |
| Where Were You On 9/11?: Stories Of 9/11 |
| This is a page where you tell where YOU were when 9/11 happended. How did you find out? What were you thinking when you watched as it happended? If you would like to add to this page, just E-MAIL me with your story. |
| " September 11, 2001...I was going to the dentist, I was listening to the MJMorningShow, a very popular morning show out of Tampa FL. They went to a very quick and sudden commercial break, then came back, very different from what had previousley happened. They had said that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center in New York. We were speechless, thinking first it could be an accident. Then it happened again, we knew it wasn't an accident, from then on, we were speechless, all gathered around a radio or a TV or something, feeling nothing, not a ounce of anything, just pure terror, and how we wanted so much to go help them on Ground Zero. It was just a complete numbness, nothing could've prepared us for what happened. It's so touching that America came together as 1 full country. It just gives me goosebumps to think about it, and where I hear a patriotic song now, I can't help but feel like an American which is what we all are. I won't ever forget what happened, but i'll always remember where I was and what I was doing, nor will I ever feel so much hate for one person in all my life. " -Ben Armistead from Missouri |
| " When I found out about 9/11 I was walking through the hallways from 1st hour to 2nd in 9th grade. Becki told me. I didn't think it was a big deal, because I didn't know what the World Trade Center was... or how big it was or anything like that. But once we started watching it on T.V., I started to understand, and I was totally shocked. " -Toni Leathers from Missouri |
| " On 9/11, I was sitting Coach Croft's room talking to Kelly about normal girl stuff, then Coach Croft turned on the T.V. to CBS, I think, and we saw the smoke from the first plane, then a few mins later we saw the second one hit. I ,as well as everyone else, was stunned. I thought it wasn't real until later in the day when I finally realized it." -Hannah James from Missouri |
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| " I can remember being in Mrs. Branson's class, working on the story 'The Birds' when Mrs. Selberg knocks on the door and whispers in Mrs. Branson's ear. Mrs. Branson, with a stunned look on her face, then tells us that, 'Parts of Washington,DC have been bombed'." We then didn't know what to think. So we went over to Mrs. Selberg's class and watched CNN. As they showed The Pentagon, I was thinking, 'Whoa.' That's when they went to New York. When I saw the World Trade Center on fire, I was thinking to myself, 'The Twin Towers?' The bell rang and I went on to Mr. Bartle's class. I remember watching NBC in his class. We were taking stools and making room for more people when the South tower collasped. I remember being in shock and somebody started laughing and said, 'Look! It just fell!' I was thinking of all the people that had just died. Later on, the other tower collasped. Later that day, I was with my mom and we went to go get gas. The lines EVERYWHERE we long. I remember one gas station had gas $3.00 a gallon. I really didn't really realize how horrible it was till the video I saw on FOX News Channel that night. It showed a body, at a window above the fire. Then, the person jumped. As the body flipped head-over-heels, I started to get chills. They stopped the video right before the person hit the ground. With that video, I will always have a differant attitude twords 9/11. -DJ Malone from Missouri |
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| I remember Mrs. Selberg turned on the t.v. and we saw the pictures of the two flaming buildings and it was too strange to really understand what was going on. I don't really even know if I realized that it was a terrorist attack until about an hour later when we found out about the Pentagon and Flight 93. I think about 9-11 a lot and I don't think that there will be a day in my life that I don't. I think the worst thing about the attack on America was the fact that the idea of terrorism came into our lives and made us a little more nervous about flying in a plane or visiting a big city and things like that. We should appreciate America for the exact same reasons the terrorists hate us so much, freedom. -Charles Neiss from Missouri |
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| September 11th the whole world stopped. Did we know what happened, not at first, but then, as we watched, all in horror, our whole world fell apart. We stood there and just watched the towers all in flames and coming down. People jumping out of windows to their death. All we could do was watch, look, and run. Our brave firefighters ran in while we ran out. They are the bravest of them all. That day brought us together and we became one. We cried together, we mourned together, for so many of us lost either a brother, father, mother, son or daughter, husband, or wife. We lost our workplace, our home for so many years. We loved it and didn't appreciate what we had until we lost it. I watched in horror worrying about my stepbrother and niece. Thank God, they made it out, but my son lost his friend, I lost a firefighter who was married to a close friend, friends lost boyfriends. Lives to end so young all in an instant. We take life for granted and just how precious it is. That is why, now every minute that we live is a gift from up above. A year later, we are approaching the first anniversary of 9/11. It has affected each and everyone of us in our own personal way, and we will never forget. I personally am not going to work. Who can work? We are all grieving and mourning for all those who died, for the families, for the firefighters, police, emergency and rescue teams. I am going to Church to pray and reflect and thank God that I am alive. That it is why I believe we have to live each day as it was our last, enjoy life and do the things we like to do, tell our friends and family how much we love them and learn to appreciate what we have because in a second it could be over. -Christine from New York |
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| As my co-workers and I, including my supervisor, stood by and watched the devestation unfold before our eyes, never knowing my boss's son was on Flight 77, we didn't realize how much this would forever change everyone's life. I remember the tears we shed waiting, hoping and praying Dr. Paul Ambrose had taken an earlier flight. But he had not and we continue to mourn his loss. We haven't lost a child, so we can't imagine, I'm sure, the loss the Ambrose family continues to feel. My husband and I said this is something that only happens to other people. But we will never forget. -Gina from West Virgina As a late and heavy sleeper, imagine my shock the morning of 9-11 when my father pounded on my bedroom door yelling, "Krista, wake up! Thousands of people died!" In panic, not able to imagine what he was talking about, I fell out of bed and ran to join my parents in front of the TV. They left for work as I sat there alone, unable to move. I noticed within the next week; no matter where I drove or walked, everyone seemed like zombies. As a daughter of 2 veterans, I was raised to respect the U.S.A no matter what. No matter what politics does or what the media says, it doesn't change the fact that thousands upon thousands have died believing in this blessed Nation. I get angry at the citizens who suddenly claim patriotism when something horrible happens. I am annoyed with those who only cling to God when it's convenient for them. True it's better late than never, but will you truly grasp the meaning of the word "patriotism?" Will you understand the very foundation this Nation was built upon? Can you become a person for God to depend on rather than constantly depending on HIM for your own personal desires? Evil is in the world as long as man has free will. Unfortunately; I, along with millions am haunted by the evil which presented it 'self on 9-11-2001; however, I am forever changed by this event. Human life is such a beautiful and valuable gift. Believe and understand that while America was mourning the loss of her children, God Himself daily mourns the loss of His. God Bless the U.S.A. I will never forget. -Krista from California I was there at the Pentagon. Thats enough to change the expression on everyones face who asks the question "were you?". Two hundred feet away in the same cooridor. I'm on my my second chance at life now is the way I look at it. My heart and sympathy goes to all of the families who have lost loved ones. In my my mind and in my heart I only hope that the American people will never forget and remain so patriotic as we all were those first few months after 9-11. It seems to be fading away again. I can't understand this. Being a former Marine I have always loved the United States and what it stands for. I just hope that we can all stay patriotic everyday. Not just on the reunion of that terrible day, and not just on the 4th of July. I will never forget!! -Jay from Washington, DC Many Candles to light� Many tears have been shed many hearts have been broken many lives have been lost many words have been spoken Many dreams have been stolen many prayers have been said many souls have departed many graves for the dead Many nights full of pain many hopes for tomorrow many days of despair many hearts full of sorrow Many memories to cherish many moments so bright many people that care many candles to light -Spencer from The United States A country now full of images unveiled Of buildings collapsing and terrorist from hell Of Mothers and Fathers of husbands and wife's Entangled in rubble forever changing our lives God bless America, Land of the free We are fighting a battle not easy to see Men with no courage from country�s afar Some hide amongst us for their �Holy War� Cowards unseen as they hide like a mole In the silence of darkness deep down in a hole They say their religion compels them to kill Ours says� In God we trust� and help others to heal Each life is precious and each person unique And God gave us each one to protect and to keep Dear Mr. Laden we are looking for you We plan to show you what�s real and what�s true The book you have written and passed to your troops Is missing some lines and some very big loops A country in morning for loved ones that past A country that stands by its flag at half mass A country that respects all religions and life A country that takes pride in the American wife We unite with the world and In God we do trust That your ashes are scattered on Afghanistan dust. -Patti from Washington (State) I am looking back on the events of Sept.11 and I thought I might share this. I woke up on the morning of Sept. 11th with a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach. As if something just wasn't right. I decided to check the news, as I did every morning before taking off for classes. I saw the news of the first plane hitting the tower on NBC. I immediately hoped and prayed that it was merely a horrific accident, but as I found in just minutes it was no accident. I stood in disbelief as the second plane hit. My jaw dropped, and so did I. It was as if I was hit with a 2x4 square in the forehead. I simply couldn't belief that anyone would dare attack the U.S. I immediately left my home to seek out my friends at school. As I entered the college campus, I frantically wanted to find my friends. I went into our commons and the place was packed with college students glued to the television. We all sat and watched as the towers fell and wept together, prayed together, and bonded as I never imagined we could. I skipped every class that day so I would! be able to stay with them and watch as this horrific event unfolded. Later that evening as I was getting ready to walk to my car I heard our President on the radio that was broadcasting to the entire campus. As I listened I couldn't help but break down and cry. GOD BLESS THOSE WHO PERISHED! GOD BLESS THOSE WHO GAVE THERE LIVES TRYING TO SAVE OTHERS! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!!!!!! -Jeremy from Florida A Philadelphia Police Officer�s September 11th Experience: I am a Philadelphia Police Officer. I am married with a wonderful son. On September 11th, I (like most of my fellow Americans) witnessed the senseless slaughter of human life. The department was put on high alert and our tours of duty were extended. With the exception of a scant five minutes to change my uniform of the day, I did not see my wife and son until later that evening. My squad was deployed to the hotels near the Philadelphia International Airport. In each and every hotel we checked we saw the faces of travelers, many of them American, change from distraught to a significance of hope. People walked up to us and thanked us for being there. We were just doing our job. We were asked our feelings for fallen brothers and sisters in New York. I could only respond that it was horrible, seeing no need to raise their already heightened anxiety. I felt the pulse of the true America was still beating. I witnessed strangers offering to pay for dinner, a room, or share a taxi. When I returned home, I kissed my wife and hugged her. I went upstairs to kiss my son who should have been already asleep. Being the son of a Philadelphia police officer myself, I could not be angry with my six-year-old for waiting up and feigning sleep for my return. I too had done the same during the turbulence of the late sixties and early seventies. My son, Timothy, sat up in his bed, and asked me, "Did you and your partners catch the bad guys that hurt those people with the bomb and airplanes?" "No," I said. I choked back a sob. "We didn't. Not today." Timothy leaned closer to me. For the first time in my son's life, he was witnessing me crying. He held my face. "Don't cry daddy." He put on a brave face. "All those police and firefighters that died when the buildings fell on them will be replaced by their sons." I began to cry heavier. My son just held me and said, "It's gonna be OK." My six-year-old, perhaps oblivious to the true magnitude of the tragedy, was comforting me with his simple wisdom. I only pray my son will not take up my choice of career, and find his own path because he had shown me that night that he has the soul of the BRAVEST. He wants to be a firefighter/detective, in other words, a fire marshal. My only regret is that I am duty bound to Philadelphia, and wish to have been there to at least bring our brothers and sisters out to let them rest in peace. -Martin from Pennsylvania Its taken me quite a bit of time to really understand this inside of myself. I was in NYC on 9-10-01. To be more exact, I was on the West Side Highway heading toward the Lincoln Tunnel when I looked in my rear view mirror and saw the site of the TWIN TOWERS standing there. As I left the city I said to myself, god one day I need to go see what the view is from up there. Then the next morning I was awoken to Z100 in NYC saying that a plane had crashed into one of the towers. I quickly thought it might have been a small little plane, then I turned on the news and saw the damage and said that there was no way it was a small plane, that something was really wrong. I got ready to go to work and then the second plane hit, and I almost fell to the floor in disbelief. I quickly left for work and then watched with my coworkers in disbelief that the two towers had fallen. I was crushed, this was NYC, this couldn't be happening. Thoughts of the firemen ran through my mind, these guys were! THE BRAVEST, these guys could handle anything, but this was just to much. I told my boss I was gone, and left work. I was forced to think for a second when I pulled out of the parking lot. A right-hand turn and I would be going to NYC, a left-hand turn and I would be at my firehouse, and not knowing what would hit next, I rushed to my firehouse to prepare for the worst, cause we were officially at war with terrorism. -Larry from New Jersey In 2000 I took part in the New York marathon ,and fell in love with the city. On returning to England I immediately booked to go again in 2001. With the events of September 11th I wasn't sure if it would take place on November 4th, I just made my mind up I would travel if possible and pay my respects to the heroes who lost there lives that day. I flew from London at 10am(gmt),at that very hour my mother died after a period struggling from cancer. The previous days to this I kept telling my mother I'm not going to New York because of her poorly condition, she insisted that I go and told me, "Go run for freedom and make me proud". The morning of the race I put on racing gear ,two union jacks stitched together on the front the words, "Just called to say we love you new York city"! Walking around at the start I was interviewed by ABC-TV live coast to coast about my message for the people of New York. I told them I have come to run but at some time I'm going to take a little time out to roll! At that moment,I turned around and on the back it said, "Today its our privilege lets roll" . Once the race started it was very exciting but after twenty miles everyone was very tired, when i passed anyone walking I just heard a shout, "Yes, come on, all right" as they read the message on my back and started running again. It was so wonderful and emotional experience for me after about 60 people restarting to run I broke down in tears. (Thank you for your time....from your brother a long way away) . Mr. Lennon's imagination for a few hours that day became a reality. God Bless America! -Pete from Worcestet,England I am only 13 and I have already witnessed something so terrifying that I don't even know what to think or do about it. I will never forget that morning of September 11th. My mom dropped me off at school like she always does. When I got inside I could tell I was late. So I ran down the halls into my class. Everyone was dead silent and looking up at the TV. I looked too. I just thought that it was a fire and it was nothing serious. So I sat down at my seat and I turned to the person that sits next to me, and I said " what's going on? why is everyone so interested in a fire?" and she said back to me "oh a plane like crashed into the white house or something" and I was like "what?!" But obviously that wasn't true. I learned next period ( which was u.s. history) that 2 planes crashed into the World Trade Centers and the Pentagon and they the planes were hijacked. I will never forget what I saw and the feeling of just watching the people on TV. crying and yelling and the 3! 0 people in my class dead silent. I didn't know what to say. It was like I couldn't breath or speak or do anything. I was on the very verge of tears. I had no idea that a country hated us this much and that someone would do something like this in my lifetime. I seriously was not ready for something like this to happen. From then on I have been keeping a scrapbook of everything that has happened and I have saved a whole newspaper that came the day after. Please go to my website and tell me what you think about the attacks and your stories. I think that it is very important for adults, teenagers, and kids to express the feelings. Even though I am only 13 I want to know what you think. In all seriousness I am very Proud to be an American and I will always be. -Cara from Arizona I was only the fifteenth floor of the second tower visiting my father. I didn't even know the second plane hit until I saw people running outside in the hall way. Me and my dad got out as soon as the second tower started to collapse. I remember hearing people screaming and the fire burning. -Matt from The United States |
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