nmah5836.xml

nmah5836.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2003-09-11

I was at work and watched play by play as one plane hit and then another interruption by the network that another plane had hit the other world trade center building. Horrific breach of national security.

I drove to New York one and a half weeks later and witnessed first hand what remained. What stays in my memory most was the ash covered buildings and the smell. The smell of everything that had desinigrated, everything....

Worst smell ever in my life. I had arrived by the subway and when I returned into the subway I had an immediate panic that something deadly would happen before I could get out of the subway that day. I arrived at my destination fine but the impending fear coupled with what I had just seen seriously questioned my confidence of safety.

I had never flown on a plane before and approximately two weeks after this I got on an airplane to Washington through the Baltimore, MD airport. I witnessed the security in the airports which consisted of military men and many security checks.

At this time I saw the destruction to the pentagon. I was not afraid to fly but I was very concious of what was going on around me.

This anniversary of the attacks is significant to me. I had the opportunity to witness the pentagon and what was left of the world trade centers in New York. What are we doing sitting at our desks this morning? Why are we not all able to reflect and attend the masses today?

Melissa Menard
Providence, RI

I am afraid that this will all too soon be forgoten.

I have more appreciation for my family.

I am fortunate to have my family, many, many lives have been changed by the absence and death of relatives and friends.

I acquired many flags after the attacks. My daughters made flags from construction paper and crayons. They sold them and then donated the money after teh attacks. Awesome for a 9 and 10 year old, Katelynn and Krystal.