nmah6026.xml

nmah6026.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2003-09-11

I am the Office Manager of RiverPark Center in Owensboro, KY. On 9/11/01, I was at work early because of a meeting of our Executive Committee. Shortly after 8 a.m., our Sales Manager called me to tell me to turn on the television immediately. I went into one of the offices with a television and turned to see pictures of the burning Trade Center Tower. As I and another employee watched, we saw the second plane hit the other tower. At that time, we both thought the same thing...that terrorists had attacked us on our own soil. The Executive Committee meeting was breaking up and I reported the news to all the members as they exited. I don't think I stopped crying the entire day. I kept the radio in my office tuned to NPR all day. When they announced that the first tower had collapsed, I had to run back to the television. To see the skyline with only one tower standing was so heartbreaking. Then, of course, we got word that the Pentagon had also been hit. Watching the replays of the planes crashing, the buildings collapsing, all I could think of was the people. How terrifying must their last moments have been, whether on those planes headed for the buildings, or in the buildings knowing they could not get out. Along with the grief of that day, my pride in my country was never higher upon hearing of all the acts of heroism that occured all day and for the weeks to come. How much I wanted to reach out to anyone who lost someone that day, no one can ever know. I pray they will find peace and remember their loved ones with tenderness and joy.

I definitely appreciate every moment of every day and tell all family members and friends how much they mean to me. And, of course, I worry when any of them travel now. I pray for our service men & women overseas, even if I'm not sure I agree with their being there. And I pray that no other country will ever have to experience what our country and the world watched happen on 9/11/01. PEACE!

The acts of heroism of the firefighters and officers who rushed into the buildings to try to rescue anyone they could. The passengers who fought back on the airplane that crashed in Pennsylvania. And especially how this country was united in their grief & anger.

I wear a pin every day now, whereas before 9/11 I would wear one on July 4th and Flag Day. I have always felt so proud to see the American flag...that has not changed.