story1782.xml

story1782.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-05

I was fourteen years old, I was at school on 9/11. I am from the United Kingdom, and the attacks happened around 2pm UK time.

I didnt find out until i got home at 4pm. My younger brother told me, "Planes are crashing all over America!! The WTC towers have collapsed!" I thought, "nah, not the two towers. It must be a smaller, more insignificant building"

I watched the news, and herad that thw WTC towers had collapsed, although they were showing pictures of when they were still standing. I was confused. I wasnt sure if they'd actually collapsed or not. I also heard about the Pentagon and Pennsylvania.

Over the next hour, it all became more clear. I felt numb. I have never been to the US, and it was as if it was all pretend. I wanted to do something. I wished i could just be there in New York, helping people. I also had strange thoughts. "Could I have done anything??" It sounds so crazy, but i just wished i could have prevented it somehow. I wanted to turn back time, and somehow stop it all. I felt so helpless.

In my fourteen years on this earth, i had never seen anything to bad. People jumping out of the WTC is something i'll never forget. I couldnt believe human beings would do that to other human beings. I would never ever wish that on anyone.

Now, a year later, i still keep the edition of 'Newsweek' so that i can show my children. I will want them to realise that there is evil in the world, but also that there are an immense amount of caring people who will pull together in times of need.

The things that happened during that time made me realise that my problems are so petty.

God Bless America...the UK is your closest ally, and we will always support you in your times of need, as you would do for us.

Remember.