nmah1494.xml

nmah1494.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-08

I am a Red Cross volunteer and was assigned to NYC for 6 weeks following the terrorist attacks.
I remember watching Good Morning America when they announced there was a fire in the World Trade Center. At the time they did not know how it had started. I immediately called my Red Cross chapter to let them know our help may be needed in NYC as it was when the crane collapsed a few years ago and closed off Times Square. They then announced it had been a plane that had hit the tower, causing the fire and it may have been terrorist related.That made me angry! I immediately hung the flag off the front porch and started to pack for NY. The next hour or so seems surreal. I didn't want to loose sight of the television yet I felt the need to get packed and down there as soon as possible.
I received a phone call regarding an employment application I had put in. I was answering questions for my potential employer when I watched the 2nd plane hit. I went numb. All I could say was "Oh MY GOD!" over and over again. The man on the other end of the phone replied "What is WRONG with you!" as if I was crazy. He had not been aware of what was happening. I explained what I had just seen but he seemed to be more interested in the interview.
I got the call from our chapter to go to NY. The only problem was...how! No planes, trains or a rental car to be found. We tried desperately to get transportation for myself an other volunteers from the area. I even tried to rent a bus to take all of us at once. I had a message in to the rental agency to Hold a car if one should come in. My hands were tied. It was a long sleepless night.
I got the call at 8AM..we had a car! The chapter called and had another volunteer in need of a ride so I would be meeting her on the way. The phone rang. It was the gentleman I talked to the day before. He wanted me to come in for a formal interview. He no longer thought I was crazy! I explained to him that I couldn't make it and why. He told me to give him a call when I returned. I was out the door. Once I stood at what we now call Ground Zero, the events of the past 2 days seemed a blur. Now looking back so do the 6 weeks I was there. I was glad to help and I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else. I'm very happy to be home with my family.
One more thing,I called about the job, went in for an interview and was hired on the spot.

Following the attacks I found I have become more protective of my family, friends and co workers. I was angry about the attacks. How DARE they mess with MY Country..MY State..My People! It has given me that "Mother bear syndrome" You'll be sorry if you mess with my cubs!

I think every second and every thought , word, sight and emotion of September 11th should be remembered. What was meant by some to break our spirit, has brought us together and made us stronger as a Community, Nation and Family.

I hung our flag shortly after hearing of the attacks. I feel the flag has become a stronger symbol for this country.