1 20 271 https://911digitalarchive.org/files/original/6c5da7acc81e023ae4b5e9b6d6687e27.gif 41ea523fe1a639cb60e102e28859c3ac Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Bit Depth 8 Channels 3 Height 485 Width 545 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 10th Anniversary Collection Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. https://911digitalarchive.org/files/original/dc93fea684652f7169feae9ccb1bdc74.jpg 2dd5795a781e13535965ec427191d3a5 Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Bit Depth 8 Channels 3 Height 214 Width 285 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 10th Anniversary Collection Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. How has your life changed because of what happened on September 11, 2001? form question I always thought that we as Americans were untouchable. On that day I found out different. It made me love america more. God bless all that was lost and their families How will you remember the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks? form question I will spend it looking back and learning and remembering the people who were lost to a horrible attack Referred to by Where did you hear about the website? Facebook, Twitter, other social networks Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource we shall never forget https://911digitalarchive.org/files/original/dc5588adba35a9e8c5f9d5bced72bf36.jpg e7cf56ea186bfa0b1c496e548466d22c Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Bit Depth 8 Channels 3 Height 586 Width 809 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 10th Anniversary Collection Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. How has your life changed because of what happened on September 11, 2001? form question I am dedicated to the memory of what happened and how we must " Never Forget". How will you remember the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks? form question I burn 2 candles 24 hrs. In my front yard. On the 11th. Sometimes, when I feel emotionally able I go to the site on the 11th. Referred to by Where did you hear about the website? Smithsonian website Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource This is a memory I have of digging on 9/12/01 in the evening. Multimedia 2014. Title: "The Air was on Fire" Title A name given to the resource "The Air was on Fire" Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 10th Anniversary Collection Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. How has your life changed because of what happened on September 11, 2001? form question My life changed by never taking things for granted again. The horrific and evil events on 9/11/01 made me realize that none of us are guaranteed tomorrow bc it's a gift not a privilege. So many 9/11/01 victims will never have another tomorrow! God bless all of the 9/11/01 victims, families, and friends! How will you remember the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks? form question I was in "nutrition class" at the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio when i heard about "a plane hitting The World Trade Center" if you noticed, i said "a" plane in the phrase above...after hearing this news, the campus cancelled all remaining classes for that day right then and there and we were all to go back to our apartments, dorms, ect...when i got back to my apartment around 8:59 a.m. that Tuesday morning, my telephone was ringing like crazy and i had 6 messages on my answering machine from my mother...i heard the phone ringing picked it up to hear my mother in shock and pausing to make sure it was really my voice she was hearing, she told me to turn on the news and as soon as the tv came into focus and still on the phone with my mother we bothed watched in complete and utter horror another plane flying right at the other World Trade Center building and exploding....it was like slow motion as i'm sure it was to everyone one else at that moment and i just remember scre aming "OH MY GOD" dropping the phone and falling to my knees balling my eye's out as to what i had just witnessed on live news!!!!!! Referred to by Where did you hear about the website? Smithsonian website https://911digitalarchive.org/files/original/49976a1de7db970cf3e9eb12cdc19da9.jpg 0a4f9435111045099cb758d0ed71ac3b Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Bit Depth 8 Channels 3 Height 600 Width 292 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 10th Anniversary Collection Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. How has your life changed because of what happened on September 11, 2001? form question MY LIFE HAS CHANGE TO BE FOR HARDING IN SERVICES AND CRIMES TRACKING How will you remember the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks? form question WE WILL NOT FORGET WHAT HAVE HAPPENED AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR NATIONAL AND GLOBAL SECURITY Referred to by Where did you hear about the website? American Social History Project https://911digitalarchive.org/files/original/deb4a6c796e630f8e6951f297e31eccd.jpg de5001cfe9264a11e7ec2b93c4f2052c Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Bit Depth 8 Channels 3 Height 976 Width 574 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 10th Anniversary Collection Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. How has your life changed because of what happened on September 11, 2001? form question My life as a survillance to the US 911 issues and tracking has been into every fight to reach for and into the last terrorist. THESE FILES PRESENTED ARE FILES ON THE US HOT LINE FOR TERRORISM TRAP DOWN. @rolandjackson How will you remember the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks? form question WE WILL NEVER FORGET THAT DAY THE HOME OF MAN WAS TERRIFY Referred to by Where did you hear about the website? American Social History Project https://911digitalarchive.org/files/original/3b44ed64ad10093a8222d048bf6e7cc7.jpg a2b1403ea334a4d39f0cb54b521d54b5 Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Bit Depth 8 Channels 3 Height 480 Width 640 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 10th Anniversary Collection Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. How has your life changed because of what happened on September 11, 2001? form question yes, I have been involved in homeland defense ever since How will you remember the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks? form question Look at my photos and watch TV shows about 9/11 Referred to by Where did you hear about the website? News media Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource A show of patriotism in the middle of destruction https://911digitalarchive.org/files/original/b9ce76fb52b5a7cc465cbb4cebb610ab.jpg 91166b55fe68f0710c603cf486482de5 Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Bit Depth 8 Channels 3 Height 480 Width 640 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 10th Anniversary Collection Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. How has your life changed because of what happened on September 11, 2001? form question I have been involved in homeland defense ever since How will you remember the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks? form question watching TV programs dedicated to the incident and looking through the countless pictures I took while working the site. Referred to by Where did you hear about the website? News media Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource Directions to the morgue https://911digitalarchive.org/files/original/c8f5dfad9ae0c575415d5b8c592a4855.JPG 39e75922667e9a644b8cf5c4a35fedb7 Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Bit Depth 8 Channels 3 Height 480 Width 640 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 10th Anniversary Collection Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. How has your life changed because of what happened on September 11, 2001? form question My military unit responded to the WTC on 9/11 and ever since I have been involved in homeland defense. How will you remember the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks? form question Look at the pictures I took and watch TV shows about it. Referred to by Where did you hear about the website? News media Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource Ladder 3 on the evening of 9/11/2001. This rig is now in the 9/11 museum. https://911digitalarchive.org/files/original/2530bd4c7a8c3b1be1cc93914966bbab.JPG ff4f41f6d27dcbb725dcffcf12836885 Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Bit Depth 8 Channels 3 Height 480 Width 640 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 10th Anniversary Collection Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. How has your life changed because of what happened on September 11, 2001? form question I continued working at my military job, retired in 2006, and now train soldiers and airmen how to properly respond to a WMD event in the United States. How will you remember the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks? form question I look at my pictures and watch some shows on television that discuss 9/11/2001 Referred to by Where did you hear about the website? News media Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource 12 September morning view of tower rubble with firefighters in the foreground. https://911digitalarchive.org/files/original/374f4b8eeb5c6c9dfcba3624fee6d747.pdf bd50fc3a0a1246cb0267496ea48d0bea PDF Text Text 9-11 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 10th Anniversary Collection Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. How has your life changed because of what happened on September 11, 2001? form question Its made me feel much stronger connection to New York City- i moved to NYC in 1994 from Toronto and lived across from the towers. After 9-11 i truly felt like a New Yorker How will you remember the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks? form question Its always a hard day - i still live in the same apartment, but its been great to watch the neighborhood rebound and grow - and now to see the site open again in 2014 Referred to by Where did you hear about the website? News media Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource This is the view from my bedroom - at Gateway Plaza. I shot this series of images right after the first plane hit over the spam of about 15 min. I had to leave the camera in my apartment when i evacuated the building that morning. https://911digitalarchive.org/files/original/cd9f90aceedbccb7308b9704e6f61653.jpg 28600d04e27ca255ba89b4f7c7ee4a33 Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Bit Depth 8 Channels 3 Height 762 Width 1308 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 10th Anniversary Collection Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. How has your life changed because of what happened on September 11, 2001? form question 9/11/2001 BY DOREEN TAFARELLA September 11, 2011 at 7:31pm THIS IS DOREENS STORY ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED ON HER DAY 9/11/2001 Contributed by: Doreen Tafarella Contributor's location on 9/11: i was heading downtown going back to the WTC.......i had been there the day before Contributed on: September 11, 2005 I was on the 106th floor of the WTC on my Birthday 9/10 doing Telephone Pay Tel. disconnect work, they were renovating the bar area of the Resturant, which most people did not know at the time. I had called my loved one at home and said to her "We have to celebrate my Birthday the weekend and i shall make a reservation. I had my tools on me and in my tool pouch i always keep a throw-a-way camera, which i took 2 pic's from my view looking out the window. I had to stop work for the day, i had to return work the next day 9/11. I left for the day. Rode the freight elevator down from 106 non stop to basmt level. Returned my pass, rode up out to church & vessey STS. My garage at the time was located 42nd st cor of 11ave.So i rode up the west side hway to 42nd st. Next day 9/11, i prepared my truck to return back to the WTC 106th floor windows of the world. I left at 8:15am, i just was so tired because i knew it was just an ordeal to go up there again, waitng on that long line on varrick st, showing my license, etc. I was in no hurry. I knew i should leave so i got ready to go, exitied my garage took 11th ave down which now was 8:25am. I then was in a bit of traffic........heading down there i noticed now i was around 23rd st. All of a sudden i saw noise. The rest is history..... Cite as: Doreen Tafarella, Story #11846, The September 11 Digital Archive, 11 September 2005, <http:>. </http:> Archival Information: 268 words, 1293 characters https://911digitalarchive.org/files/original/1b58432782bccb0ac2db90cec52f0d1c.jpg 3ec3f0ed0694af5f8ebe3d7e6630a165 Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Bit Depth 8 Channels 3 Height 214 Width 320 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 10th Anniversary Collection Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. How has your life changed because of what happened on September 11, 2001? form question Life moves so quickly. Hard to believe that 12 years have passed since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. I was at my desk working as a MIS Director in Kansas at the time. My friend Mike Borchardt called me and asked me to switch on the television. I then went to the conference room and saw the news. I was terribly shocked. Can’t believe what I saw and I’ll never forget watching two planes fly into the side of the World Trade Center. I’ll never forget the innocent, desperate souls jumping from these building, engulfed in flames. In some ways the terrorist attacks were a uniquely American tragedy. The iconic 110-story World Trade Center epitomized America's economic might. The attacks were also an assault on the whole world, even humanity itself; citizens from 90 countries died that day. Although he first denied any responsibility, on October 30, 2004, Osama bin Laden said that he had directed the attacks. What have we learned? I have learned that life can end at any given moment—for the most bizarre reason. Evil also exists in the world, despite the good nature of most people. There is also a clash of civilizations–western values and beliefs versus medieval mentality. So, first, it helps me to remember, as I ponder the mystery of pain and evil, that God did not create them. The second point of light is this: Though suffering isn’t good, God can use it to accomplish good. Now, the third point of light: The day is coming when suffering will cease and God will judge evil. A lot of times you’ll hear people say: “If God has the power to eradicate evil and suffering, then why doesn’t He do it?” And the answer is that because He hasn’t done it yet doesn’t mean He won’t do it. And the Bible says that the story of this world isn’t over yet. It says the day will come when sickness and pain will be eradicated and people will be held accountable for the evil they’ve committed. Justice will be served in a perfect way. That day will come, but not yet. He does this by fulfilling His promise in Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Notice that the verse doesn’t say God causes evil and suffering, just that he promises to cause good to emerge. And notice that the verse doesn’t say we all will see immediately or even in this life how God has caused good to emerge from a bad circumstance. Remember, we only see things dimly in this world. And notice that God doesn’t make this promise to everyone. He makes the solemn pledge that he will take the bad circumstances that befall us and cause good to emerge if we’re committed to following Him. Let’s make this crystal clear once more: God did not create evil and suffering. Now, it’s true that he did create the potential for evil to enter the world, because that was the only way to create the potential for genuine goodness and love. But it was human beings, in our free will, who brought that potential evil into reality. Do you remember the Twin Tower memories in New York. It is unfortunate, tragic, emotional and touchy. Last week my friends were in "ground zero." This is the exact spot where New York City's Twin Towers used to stand. They now call it 9/11 Memorial. It's consists of two massive pools set within the original footprints of the Twin Towers with 30-foot waterfalls cascading down their sides. The nearly 3,000 names of the men, women, and children killed in the attacks are inscribed into bronze parapets surrounding the twin Memorial pools. In a single moment these 3,000 people lost their lives. They have no idea that on that day of September 11 will be their last day. There will be no tomorrow. Most of them have not given a chance to say goodbye to their spouse, kids, and loved ones. Surely, life is short. In a snap, it can be taken away from you. Today, make an effort to sincerely say "I love you" to people you care and love. Or say "I'm sorry!" to someone you've hurt. Or maybe God is convicting you to call someone to say "I forgive you." Whatever that is, just do it. Make this day a special one and God will be pleased. Our perspective is extremely limited—we cannot know the future or all of the other events that are occurring in the world. So we should be careful about using our experiences to make assumptions about life in general. Wrong assumptions lead to wrong conclusions. Job began to wallow in self-pity. When we face baffling affliction, our pain can lure us toward feeling sorry for ourselves. At this point we are only one step away from self-righteousness, where we keep track of life's injustices and say, "Look what happened to me; how unfair it is!" We may feel like blaming God. If you find yourself doubting God, remember that you probably can't see the whole picture. And when you are struggling, don't assume the worst. God wants only the very best for you. Many people endure great pain, but ultimately they find some greater good came from it. Remember that life's trials, whether allowed by God or sent by God, can be the means for development and refinement. When facing trials, instead of asking, "Who did this to me and how can I get out of it?" ask, "What can I learn and how can I grow?" God is perfect in His character, and the projection of His personality is also perfect in every way. We are the problem in this relationship; we are the ones with all the warts and blemishes. These faults are in our thinking, our attitudes, and our character. The reason we draw near to God is to have our wrong thinking and attitudes removed, changed. That is what the relationship is all about, so that we can be like God. He is perfect and mature, and He wants to bring us to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Blessings, Raj Kosaraju Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource 9/11 Memorial The iconic 110-story World Trade Center epitomized America's economic might. The attacks were also an assault on the whole world, even humanity itself; citizens from 90 countries died that day. https://911digitalarchive.org/files/original/56aea7ada3c722e395ec8d45eaecbfb0.png db14ea45220debb437af89c9275d1af3 Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Bit Depth 8 Height 932 Width 949 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 10th Anniversary Collection Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. How has your life changed because of what happened on September 11, 2001? form question I started to reflect about how the world works. Referred to by Where did you hear about the website? Facebook, Twitter, other social networks Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource Firemen on 9/11 https://911digitalarchive.org/files/original/86858ebe2689034d24b0a51502079de2.JPG f01a5a005da5ebc6e6315d8376cc7f58 Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Bit Depth 8 Channels 3 Height 880 Width 778 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 10th Anniversary Collection Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. How has your life changed because of what happened on September 11, 2001? form question no trust in the lies told of what happened and why How will you remember the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks? form question with sadness Referred to by Where did you hear about the website? Smithsonian website Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource children's art Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 10th Anniversary Collection Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. How has your life changed because of what happened on September 11, 2001? form question A lot of people I know lost someone on 9/11 How will you remember the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks? form question Watch the shows on tv Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 10th Anniversary Collection Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. How has your life changed because of what happened on September 11, 2001? form question I was shocked to death How will you remember the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks? form question I spend some of my salary to people who have lsot their lifes Referred to by Where did you hear about the website? Facebook, Twitter, other social networks Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 10th Anniversary Collection Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. How has your life changed because of what happened on September 11, 2001? form question For the first time in 12 years, I wrote down an account of what happened on that day: BECAUSE WE MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER By Melissa A.E. Sanders Because in 12 years I have never written about 9/11. Because I rarely talk about it. Because I never took pictures. Because it changed the lives of people I love. Because I have friends who were “one of those stories” and barely escaped. Because it happened to “my” city … and it is still “my city” – despite the fact I no longer live there. Because it is history. Because I lived that history, there, on that day. And because if I don’t write about it now, I may not ever. But I need to because I want my kids to know about it so they will know “Mom and Dad were there, and this is what they told us.” And most importantly, I write this now because we must always remember that Americans are resilient and we will never accept being bullied by terrorists. (This post is long. It’s a detailed account of my day, which I somewhat found therapeutic to write about… so settle in if you want to know where I was that day.) As time passes, I find there are elements to September 11, 2001, that are fuzzy — Some because it was so overwhelming I have just forgotten until a trigger causes me to remember lost details; Some because I think I blocked it. But in general, I remember it vividly. The feeling of fear. The anger “my” city was attacked. The determination to not let “them” get the best of us. And knowing there was nowhere else I would have rather been on the days that followed than there, in my city, a part of standing tall and remaining strong. And I remember the smell which lingered for weeks… I used to compare it to burning plastic. In 2001, I was working as the Associate Director of Public Relations for the New York Philharmonic — and it was the week before Opening Night. The Orchestra was in Braunschweig, Germany (they would later be stuck there due to all airplanes being grounded). I had been going in early to keep up with the tour and prepare for our annual opening of the season. I remember sitting on my bed that morning, watching the "Today" show, as usual, when the local WNBC interrupted to say a bomb had gone off in the World Trade Center (WTC). The phone rang — my husband, Mark, called to say he was crossing Sixth Avenue and stopped because the WTC was on fire, but no one knew why. I explained what they were saying on the news, that I was heading into the office, and would call him when I got in to share anything else I learned. And then, in real time, as I was about to turn off the TV to leave, I watched it — the second plane flew into the other tower. I recall thinking “was that a plane?” The news said another bomb had gone off … maybe it was a small prop plane that lost its way… I felt unsettled, but why would this stop New York City from running and going about its business? That’s a statement, I will say, most non-New Yorkers question me about to this day. Why did I even leave my apartment? Because I was a New Yorker, and that’s what we do. It was a glorious fall morning with the clearest of blue skies as I walked to the 190th Street subway station to take my A train to Lincoln Center. There was some rumbling about the news among fellow subway riders: “They say it might be terrorists…” And then we all got on the subway headed downtown. A few stops into the route, I noticed the train was running local instead of express —which happened from time to time— so I left my iPod running and tried not to think about the news weighing heavy on my brain. But the train got more crowded and stopped for longer and longer at each station until there was an announcement: “Due to an incident at the World Trade Center, this will be the last top on this train.” I didn’t know how long I had been on the train since my phone had no service on the subway (and it was the only clock I had). I wasn’t even sure what to do as I exited with the masses to find I was in Harlem. With no cell service outside, I noticed long lines at the pay phones (yes, those still existed in 2001), so I got in line. The police were firm “One call per person … keep it moving.” My call was to my husband who immediately asked “Where are you?!? I’ve been trying to reach you.” “I’m in Harlem. The A train stopped running and had us exit here,” I replied. “Well, I don’t know if you’ve heard, but the second tower just came down,” he said anxiously. “The second tower?” I asked, confused. “Melis, what is the last thing you heard after we talked?” I replied, “That a private jet lost its way and hit the tower – you know, when we spoke.” “Oh, baby,” he started. “We have been attacked by terrorists, they’re saying. The World Trade Center was hit by two airplanes. The first tower collapsed, and the second tower just went down…thousands are projected to be dead…” I was speechless and stunned as my mind raced. I was struggling to comprehend what he said to me. But to this day, I still recall this conversation vividly. “What do I do? What are you going to do?” He proceeded to tell me he has been waiting to hear from me… because the cell towers on the WTC were now gone, there was no cell service. He was going to start walking home. From 19th and Fifth Avenue all the way to our place at 190th Street. He didn’t know how long it would take, but I should start walking, too. Find a safe route out of Harlem and go home to wait for him. We said “I love you” and he hung up. I stood there stunned. As “New York’s Finest” told me to move on, I reached in my purse and got out another quarter. “Please,” I said. The cop nodded in approval, and I proceeded to call my office. I had to know my friends and colleagues coming from downtown were okay. My co-worker Monica answered: “Oh, thank God you’re okay!” She said. “You’re the last to check in.” Our entire PR team had accounted for … some of their loved ones were not. Everyone was heading out to walk home, I should do the same. But my sister had been calling, she shared, and wanted me to call her. I explained the pay phone situation, asked her to call my sister back and tell her Mark and I were okay; That she would know who else to call. And then we all journeyed home. The walk home was surreal, and unusually longer than I expected. I should share that I never saw the towers burning … and perhaps that’s a good thing (it’s a vision my husband, Mark, has never been able to forget. When he went to work, one was on fire. When he left work, they were both gone). But I remember the walk through the streets of New York. I got on a bus for part of the ride. I wasn't sure where it was going, but got off when it started going East to figure out how to get home. As I walked West, I passed many a corner store, coffee shop, or bakery where everyone was watching the television. I passed a school where parents were clinging to the outside gates wanting their children to be released. And then I came to 168th Street, Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. It was frenzied — ambulances everywhere, medical personnel in the streets. They were all clearly preparing for the injured to be transported. But, as we now know, the injured would never arrive. I found a payphone and kept calling Mark’s cell hoping I would get through. He finally answered and said “Baby, just keep walking. I’m on my way, too.” When I saw the George Washington Bridge (GWB) in the distance, I felt a little better, momentarily, because I knew I was close to home. But as I neared, I realized it was not cars in the streets, it was army trucks and tanks. The bridge was closed, and I was sent on a detour. I would later learn the GWB was considered another terrorist target, and that cars could leave, but no one was allowed into Manhattan who wasn’t already here. We were sealed off. The streets of our Hudson Heights neighborhood were surprisingly calm when I arrived – probably because most people were walking home like me. And like Mark. I don’t know why, but I wasn’t ready to go home yet. I decided to get money from the ATM … because I didn’t know what a terrorist attack would mean. The line at the bank wrapped the corner, but the one inside the little pharmacy was empty. So I entered and took out $200. I walked across the street to our grocery story. I wasn’t really going in to buy groceries … and I'm not sure what I was looking for. I just didn't want to go home yet. When I entered, it was more chaos. As in snow-blizzard, no-power chaos. People were fighting over produce and food items. The lines were as long as the aisles. I don't recall what I bought, or how long I stood in line. I was in shock and likely seeking some normalcy and companionship in this unbelievable day. The grocery store was anything but. I finally venutred home, up to Cabrini Blvd., Apartment 5E. Chloe (our kitty) greeted me at the door sleepily … a mix of happy to see me, tired because her nap shouldn't have been over yet, and completely unaware of the mayhem outside. I was envious of her bliss and grateful for her furry welcome. I held Chloe for a long time before I noticed our answering machine blinking at me (yes, we still had those back then, too). I pushed play: “You have 28 messages. Your mailbox is full.” I can’t tell you who was on the machine, or what was said by any of our friends. I only remember my friend Mary’s voice saying something like, “Melissa, it’s Mary. I don’t know what to do. My Uncle is missing. I can’t reach him. He worked for Cantor Fitzgerald. No one can reach him. Please call me.” She called three times… and I felt numb. (I would later learn Mary's Uncle ran from the tower as it collapsed.) I tried to reach Mark on his mobile and learned he was on the Upper West Side, still walking. I continued to wait in silence. I don’t know what time I got home. I don’t know what time he got home. But when he did, we embraced, and sat on the floor of our entry way crying. Those were likely the first tears I had shed all day. Then we called each of our parents together. And then some local friends – lots of folks we wanted to be sure were okay. And then some non-New York friends to let them all know we are okay. Emotionally drained, we sat in front of the TV in a mix of amazement and agony as we watching the horrific footage of the day. Eventually, sleep took over. And the next day, reality. Is the subway working? Do we go back to work? What happens how? Mark was first. I sobbed as he left out apartment to take the subway back to work. The A train. Back down there. I called my staff … the Orchestra was stuck in Germany (all planes grounded in the U.S.), so I had to hold down the fort, and I convinced myself we could do more as a team than alone. Fear of dirty bombs on the subway led me to call a car service to take me back downtown to Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center. To my job. Little did I know it would also become my therapy. And this is where my story should really focus. Because what we at the New York Philharmonic (NYP) did over the hours, days, weeks, and months that ensued was amazing. We cancelled the Opening Night Gala, and instead offered a memorial concert with Kurt Masur leading the Orchestra in Brahms's Ein deutsches Requiem, also projected for free onto Lincoln Center Plaza. The artists donated their fees, the profits were donated to relief efforts, and we had a concert for the people of New York. It was tremendous. Because music has a power that transcends all, in my opinion. It didn’t end there. in October 2001, the NYP musicians played a series of free lunchtime concerts all over lower Manhattan for those who lived and worked in the area. The Stock Exchange, banks, offices, and more. It was heart-wrenching and healing all at the same time. The sights I saw I cannot describe properly — from lobby’s with covered windows (so as not to have to look at Ground Zero), to rubble and dust-covered streets and buildings, to tears and thank yous from many who attended the performances. After one concert, Elliott Spitzer (then-Attorney General) took us to his office where he had a clear view of Ground Zero. I remember him saying he had asked they not cover his window because he needed to see it. A colleague took a photo from that window, and it’s probably one of the few photos I do have from all of this. I need to back up a bit. Because Saturday, September 15, my husband headed down to Fordham University for his weekly classes — just days after this tragedy. But he never got off at Fordham. He kept going until he reached the WTC site. At that time, it had not been blocked off, so he was able to walk freely and see the complete devastation. And when he came home in tears, I knew I needed to see it, too. The next weekend, we went back with our friends Kerry and Tad. By then, it was all roped off … limited access… but it was enough. Those are images are forever in my mind. But I have no photos — and I would guess most New Yorkers probably don’t because, to us, it was a graveyard. There was no social media or camera phones like today. It was raw, and we had tears streaming down our faces the entire time. Which takes me back to the concerts the NYP musicians gave in lower Manhattan. I went to so many, I cannot count. Not because I had to, but because I wanted to. It made me feel like we were doing something and making a difference in people’s lives. Concerts like these lasted well into February of 2002. Perhaps longer. I can't really remember anymore. In September of 2002, the Orchestra performed the premiere of John Adams’s On the Transmigration of Souls — commissioned by the New York Philharmonic, using actual notes and letters left around Ground Zero and around Lower Manhattan for loved ones. Surviving family members were in the audience. And the work was remarkable. I can’t describe it, but you should hear it. And by the time we completed that premiere, I felt I had lived 9/11 for a year. From the HBO special on the tragedy (for which the NYP played the score), to John Adams’s work, to all the media coverage of our music, the personal stories of friends and colleagues. And, the fact that New York was standing tall, not backing down, and moving forward together. I could write so much more about my experiences of 9/11. Such as my brother moving to NYC a week after this happened; Such as the moment I watched President George W. Bush announce we were going in after"them"; Such as the first time I learned a friend lost a loved one. I could share the email I sent to family and friends the evening of 9/11 (which I recently found). I could share about the trip Mark and I took to Maine a month later and stopped saying we were from NYC so we wouldn't have to talk about it. I could share our first Yankee game after the attacks, when George Bush's speech was shown on the jumbo tron; or the first game when air space restrictions were lifted and we held our breath as a plane flew over the stadium. And then there was the Thanksgiving visit from my family in November of 2001, and the journey back downtown so they could see what New York had been living. I could go on and on and on because writing this opened the memories buried deep inside. And I think that’s good. But for now, I will pause. It’s been 12 years. So I wrote this for me. Because it’s important for me to remember. Because someday I want my kids to know what happened. Because New York is still “my city.” And because we must always remember those we lost, as well as those who have fought, and will continue to fight, for our freedoms. Don't just hug your loved ones tonight. Hug them often. Referred to by Where did you hear about the website? Facebook, Twitter, other social networks Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 10th Anniversary Collection Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. How has your life changed because of what happened on September 11, 2001? form question The below is an actual journal entry that I wrote on the A-train as I was traveling to work on September 11th. It was subsequently published on a now-defunct website and was entitled "Prelude." September 11, 2001 8:15 AM It's one of those rare late summer mornings: crystal-clear, bright, blue sky, fresh east wind; lovely. These are the days I live for. Nothing can upset me for very long during September, October and November. I feel good; refreshed. To me, Autumn is like starting again. It really is, you know. Spring is the rebirth but Autumn is the preparation for the rebirth. In the fall, we lay the foundation for what follows. In Winter, we develop like the dormant plants in the ground and in the Spring, life begins again. Summer is adolescence, adulthood, and old age all in one. You know, in the beginning of the summer, you possess all of this energy: gotta have a romance, gotta do this, gotta do that. By mid-summer you've settled into your routine, whatever it may be. By August, you're tired of everything -- tired of the heat, tired of your lover, tired of the frenetic pace of summer. You're exhausted in late summer--especially by late-August/early-September. However, by mid-September, the cooler weather begins to set in--nights are cooler and star-lit--days are clear and exquisite! I can't wait until the leaves start to change. I wish I was going to Ireland again this year...I think maybe next year... I'll deal with my problems after the Fall. I just want to enjoy the Autumn--I don't want to get bogged down in the shit during my favorite season. Referred to by Where did you hear about the website? Facebook, Twitter, other social networks Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 10th Anniversary Collection Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. How has your life changed because of what happened on September 11, 2001? form question On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, at 8:45 AM, I ascended the stairs of the A train stop at Fulton Street, called my husband from my cell phone as do every morning, and chatted with him for a few minutes reminding him to vote and move the car... I heard a huge boom... I looked up and saw the first tower burning...it took me a few seconds to realize that the "paper" I saw falling out of the windows were actually people diving for their lives. I stood there thinking terrorists had struck again until someone told me that it was a plane that had hit the tower... Oh, thank God, I thought, only a plane...an accident. Minutes later, the second plane hit.... huge explosion.... people scattering. Then, it hit me: Bastards! This is no accident! Terrorists! The word blew through my head like a shot...Terrorists...Oh, God, I have to get out of here, now...I thought. I ran to my office at 55 Water Street...I'll be safe there, I reasoned. Of course, I didn't get very far because they had evacuated my building... I wasn't safe anywhere at this point. I left my building and stood watching the masses mill around in shock...people crying; people gawking; people confused... I was thinking to myself, How am I going to get back home? I live in Northern Manhattan. It takes me an hour from door to door via subway. I walked north on Water Street...strange how your usual routine takes over when you're in shock. I talked to people along the way...people who had loved ones in the towers... a man in a suit dashed by -- his wife was in there. Women sobbing for co-workers and friends and family who were presumably dead. People who were reminiscing about the last bomb to hit the Trade Center... I got to Fulton Street and I heard a huge rumble and I looked up to see Tower I collapse like it was a house of cards... Dust everywhere! I could see and I couldn't breathe.... Gotta move, I thought. Keep moving...keep moving. I ducked into a church. I hadn't been in a church in years.... amazing how you cling to your familiar routines in crisis. In the church, I broke down. I told the lady I met that I'd seen everything and she shushed me, "There are children here...their mother works at the Towers...they're terrified." Oh, God. How selfish of me! How could I be so wrapped up in my pain to not see the horror in those kids' faces. The lady told me to drink water and sit for a while..."You're safe here," she said, "You're in the projects. They don't want us...we're too poor." Projects? Safe in the projects... Yes, what a concept. Safe in a church in the projects. After a while I left the church. My four-year-old was at school in Hudson Heights...gotta get to her. Gotta get home... Oh, my God! Suppose they hit the George Washington Bridge! Gotta get to Alexandra. I went out on the street and I heard another rumble. I turned and looked and watched Tower II go down. Weather geek that I am, I thought, Southeast wind. Move Northwest...NOW! As I was moving I heard someone yell, "Get down. Get down, now" Oh, God. Here we go again.... I made myself small against a building...and wondered what I should do next.... I saw two men get arrested for attempting to rob someone... I'm outta here...my head screamed at me.. You will not die today...not here...not now. Keep moving! Keep moving! A bunch of official-looking limos screamed by... I need to get away from these limos....they're targets... "Which way is 9th Avenue? Can anyone tell me which way is 9th Avenue?" At last I reached Chinatown...OK. I think I know where I am...Bowery...West is that way.... Finally, I found 6th Avenue...asked a cop which way to go. "Up 6th as far as you can and West..." East wind, I thought, easy. Met a man as I was walking...he had his dress shirt fashioned into a sling.... He told me he had escaped from the 80-something floor...he doesn't know how...all he knows is that the smoke came so quickly that people were dying around him...he's thankful to be alive. More people: a woman on a park bench...she was on the 23rd floor. Maintenance people who escaped...all heading up 6th Avenue. Also, well-dressed people...you can tell by their shoes, mostly. Look at their shoes... "Thank God you're alive." "My friends, my coworkers...probably dead." "Yes, but you're alive. You're going home. God blessed you today." I made it to West 4th Street and 6th. A man sitting in shock on the stoop of a bank. "Sir, are you OK?" "The plane crashed directly into my office. I had a beautiful corner office...if I wasn't running late, I'd be dead. My employees are most likely all dead." "Oh, God. I'm sorry. Thank God you're alive. Can I get you water? "No, I'm fine...thanks." "Go with God, my friend. Remember the gift you were given today...focus on life...not death." Word of the devastation finally got me...I stopped to listen to a radio. High jacked from Boston! Oh, God...those poor people. We were lucky; we didn't know what was about to happen. Those on the plane knew.... they knew...had time to prepare; had time to be terrified. The Pentagon; the White House... someone told me Federal Plaza had been hit and the Stock Exchange. Sharon! Oh, God. Rumors were flying everywhere...What if they hit the Statue of Liberty? My cell phone wasn't working. My people had no way of knowing if I was hurt or dead.... Oh, good...only 183 blocks to go. Gotta keep moving.... gotta keep going. I ducked into Saint Vincent's Church...noon mass. I need God right now. Sobbing...sobbing. How could God have saved me today? Was I more worthy than those he took? I'm a sinner...ungrateful sinner. Why was I spared today? I almost got off the A train at Chambers Street because it was such a nice day...but I was late. Go to Fulton, my head told me. Note to self: Always listen to your intuition. Never doubt that little voice in your head. Of course, there was the job I almost had in a law firm on the 82nd floor...turned it down to go to S&P. At one point, I got onto the subway that had begun running again after several hours of being out of service. As I sat on the train, I panicked. Can’t be here…not safe and I bolted from the train. On the way out of the subway, I met a man who asked me if the trains were running…”Yes,” I told him, “but I don’t feel safe here.” After I made back up to street level, I finally made it to 30th and 8th Avenue...I need food and I need Irish. The Molly Wee Pub was mobbed. A man offered his seat. I took it and sobbed on his shoulder for a second or two and ordered a shot of good Irish whiskey to calm my nerves. Amazing, I thought, when the going gets tough; the tough go drinking. At last, my cell phone rang. Lev called to tell me that Sharon was alive and nearby. 23rd and 9th Avenue at a friend’s house…not a problem after the distance I’d already walked. The apartment was your typical Chelsea apartment, small and small. I saw Sharon and we both dissolved into tears. I was so glad to see her alive and OK. Eventually, we took the A-train uptown. Everyone was talking about what had occurred downtown. Sharon noticed a man sitting with a huge duffle bag and wearing army fatigue pants. We both felt bad vibes from him; he was smiling and smug and put his sunglasses on when Sharon looked at him. Could he have been involved? Or did we imagine it? Nobody is above suspicion. That’s a huge price to pay in a city as culturally diverse as New York. Safe at home, at last. I had to take a shower immediately to wash the death and dust off my hair and soul. Unfortunately, the water could only cleanse my body and my clothes. No amount of water or soap will ever wash away the dirt on my soul; not even time can remove that stain. I slept last night; I don’t know how…I guess I was exhausted; physically and emotionally. When I awoke at about 8 AM, I looked outside and thought, “What a beautiful day! What a horrible nightmare!” It wasn’t until I moved. It wasn’t until I felt the soreness in my muscles and my lungs that I remembered… It wasn’t a dream. It was cruel reality. The wind is from the South tonight and the smell of wire burning and death is creeping up the Hudson River north to the Bronx. It reminds me of the old movie “The Ten Commandments” when the creeping Angel of Death killed Yul Brenner’s son. My immediate coworkers are safe but we don’t know what happened to those employees who were commuting through the World Trade Center at the time of the explosion and subsequent collapse. All we can do is wait and pray. How will you remember the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks? form question Personal reflection and sharing (for the first time publicly) the stories that I wrote in the days, weeks, and months following the attacks. The above story was written as a blog by me on the day after the attacks. Referred to by Where did you hear about the website? Facebook, Twitter, other social networks