nmah1538.xml

nmah1538.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-08

I was at work at a small post office in rural West Virginia. My son, who was working out of town in St. Louis called me to tell me he just saw a terrible accident on the news - a plane hit the WTC. I related this to my fellow postal workers; the phone rang again - my son telling me of the second "accident". We all looked at each other - and one of the rural carriers said, "two planes hitting those buildings is not an accident." Time seemed to stand still while we tried to comprehend this terrible realization - an intentional attack on thousands of Americans. Having just visited NYC a few weeks before, and knowing how large the WTC buildings were, I told my co-workers, "we will never forget this day."

I appreciate my family and friends much more. Life seems so precious and fragile. I am uneasy about flying now; wouldn't think of going to NYC this past 4th of July just in case of another attack. Since we live only 1-1/2 hrs. from Shanksville, PA, we feel very vulnerable here in our rural area now.

The loss of loved ones by the families left behind should be first; but the great efforts of the emergency workers during the gruesome task of trying to identify the remains of thousands of bodies should be memorialized forever also.

We have an American flag flying in our yard 24/7 now; we used to fly it only on holidays. We purchased flag decals for our two vehicles.

Very much so, even though I had the highest respect for our flag due to my father having served in WW II before Sept. 11th, I am much more protective about the American flag and what it stands for.