nmah1820.xml

nmah1820.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-09

I was at work. I work for the Internal Revenue Service in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. The first I heard of the attacks was from my wife who had not yet left for work when the 1st plane hit the World Trade Center. She called me to let me know what was happening at about the same time the 2nd plane hit the other Tower. We both were stunned !! Immediately upon hearing this I talked to some co-workers to find out if they had heard about the tragedy. We were then informed by our Supervisor to please stand by for breaking news, do not leave our building. At approximately 10:45 AM we were told to leave the buildingeveryone had the rest of the day to go home and be with and comfort their family members. I left about 35 minutes later as we had two people who are handicapped that also car-pooled to work and their rides had not as yet been notified to go home. I ended up taking these two people about 20 miles out of my way to get them home that morning (now afternoon when I got them home).

Some things have changed. The security has become a big thing at my work building. Right after the tragedy security was very careful to search all employees and guests bags and person, causing delays of up to 1 1/4 hours getting into our building as they would only allow you to enter through one entrance. By the end of the 2nd week this had been relaxed and all employees were allowed to enter, after showing credentials, without a search of their bags. We are growing accustomed to the daily routine of new security procedures as time goes by.

We must remember those people, not just Firemen and Police that performed heroic deeds on that day. We must be sure never to give up ANY of our freedoms and Rights. We must remember that WE ARE AMERICANS and must, to the best of our abilities, continue to stand for Peace, Justice, Freedom and the American way of life.

Yes, we have flown our flag on the inside of our living window every day since the attacks. It is fitting to show that we are constantly showing our Patriotism and love of our country.

NO!! I have been, am now and always will be proud that I am an American and the Flag is the symbol of my country, one that stands up and defends itself from these terrorists.