nmah6579.xml

nmah6579.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2004-08-26

I work several blocks from the World Trade Center. I remenber the morning was crystal clear and very comfortable. Because I work several floors under ground I rely on others for reports such as weather and events. That morning my wife called from the New Jersey Turnpike to tell me that she could see that a plane had crashed into the WTC. I went to the internet to check out the information. At that point a fellow who worked for me arrived and said that he had seen a second plane hit the center. I indicated that they were probably just small aircraft. He ssemed to be in shock....no thay weren't he said. They were large planes. At this point members of my staff ( approx 75 ) started getting telephone calls from concerned relatives. Semi -panic set in. I told everyone that it would be better to remain below rather then exit to the street. Some didn't listen. Later in the morning people from the street started to make their way down to our location because thay had heard that we had emergency kits. I had them settle in an empty conference room and had water and soda brought to them. Needless to sya, the day proved to be very confusing. I didn't exit the building until approximately 3:00p.m . I was amazed at the smell and soot covering everything. Normally I wouldn't use any aids, but this time a put on my mask. It was that bad. I can remenber standing on the back of the Staten Island ferry and looking a the WTC location. I couldn't believe that it was no longer there. For days after everything was rather surreal. Troops guarding the buildings and streets.

How everyone came together to help and provide assistance. My daughters have become very patriotic since 9/11

I began to fly a flag on the front of my house immediately after 9/11. It hasn't come down yet.