nmah226.xml

nmah226.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-08-19

Such an excellent project.
I was in Russia, in a town called Temruk roughly 1500km south of Moscow on September 11.
This day will always remain vivid in my mind.
I met a lady via internet dating and was a guest at her home on this day.
We were chatting when suddenly this lady's daughter rushed into the room and said to her mom, America is at war.
She turned to me and repeated in english, "America's at war!"
I was as they were, stunned and shocked, and just a tad nervous as I was in Russia and did not know who America was at war with.
There was a tv that was not connected to an antennea so I set to work and was able to make a connection that worked.
Looking on in complete disblief, we watched over and over as the Russian news showed footage of the unfolding events.
Not a word was said as we were all transfixed by the utter disaster we were witnessing.
It was confusing as I pleaded for details as I do not speak Russian.
My first words were....it looks like the work of terrorists, specifically I said bin Laden.
What impressed me the most about this day, aside from the tragic events, was the reaction of the common people in Russia. Shock and disblief, but most of all sorrow for the American people caught up in this tragedy, as well as anger towards the perpetrators of this henious act.
These emotions were expressed to me on several occasions.
I had limited access to the internet, but was able to communicate home (Canada) twice and was starved for information.
Yes the plane ride home at the end of September was filled with worry the entire trip. But I made it back safely, and was never so relieved to see the CN tower upon my arrival in Toronto.
Canada was victimized on that day as well,a young man close to our town was lost that day as well as other Canadians.
Our hearts however do go out to our American brothers and sisters, and hope this is never repeated.

There is a definite concern for flying, I used to only be afraid of the flight itself, now there is so much more to be concerned with.

The absolute courage of the police forces, as well as the firefighters...they gave new meaning to the word "hero"

Many American flags have appeared on our landscape since that dreadfull day, out of respect for all the victims, and for the bravery of the various rescue personnel.
Also even Canadian flags seem to be displayed more often since that day.