September 11 Digital Archive

story9362.xml

Title

story9362.xml

Source

born-digital

Media Type

story

Created by Author

yes

Described by Author

no

Date Entered

2003-07-02

911DA Story: Story

It was about 4:00 in the afternoon on September 11 when a portion of our architecture study abroad group was en route by subway to visit an architecture firm in Berlin when the first plane must have hit the World Trade Center. When we arrived at the firm in Berlin's west side, they opened the door and asked "Have you heard yet?". The group of about 6 of us were confused, so they sat us down, got tea, and told us that a plane had hit the World Trade Center. At first we thought it was a small plane, like the one that had hit the Empire State Building years before. They had no television in the office and no one could get images on the internet--it was bogged down with heavy traffic. All we had was British Radio, and we didnt know how serious it was until we heard of second and third planes striking and the emotion of the british announcer that we knew something really serious was happening. As we made way back to our hotel, people on the street cars were asking us if we were Americans, and expressing their sorrow.
When we got back, everyone's eyes were glued to tv, and we saw first images--it looked like an action movie, nothing that could possibly be real. No one could contact their parents, internet cafes were packed, and flowers began to innundate U.S Embassies.

Later that night RadioHead dedicated their Berlin concert to the victims of 9/11, and a march in support of the United States was held at the last minute. Germans wore american flags across their chests, they had support gatherings in several countries. When we traveled out of Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate was draped in a black cloak that read in german "We are all Americans Today". Although our europe trip lasted its duration through November, our conflict with Afghanistan made things volitale in some places, but overall, the people were very supportive, lining up to sign condolence books.

While i am sorry i wasnt able to be with my family in these hard times, it was quite an experience to see how supportive our friends in other countries can be, and what a help it was to have that kind of understanding--it was tough not being home, and the only outlet being CNN.

When i came home, the airport was empty, but i had never seen so many american flags in my life, on cars, on houses..such patriotism--and i hope it lasts, because in the toughest of times, each other is what is most valuable.

Citation

“story9362.xml,” September 11 Digital Archive, accessed January 10, 2025, https://911digitalarchive.org/items/show/10854.