Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. I am a pilot for American Airlines. On September 11, 2001 at 0750 CST I was piloting an MD-80 aircraft and approaching New Orleans on a flight path from West Palm Beach, Florida to Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. The First Officer and I had just finished our breakfast and were enjoying a beautiful flight over the Gulf of Mexico. I remember having my coffee with my feet up on the foot rests by the yoke. I asked the First Officer to monitor the ATC radio while I adjusted the ADF frequency to a New Orleans beacon. The ADF is similiar to a radio in that you listen to the sound the beacon makes to identify the navigation station. This station happened to be a news station (WWL-870). I heard a newsman talking over sirens and saying something about a plane and a building. After receiving more information, I asked the ATC controller if they were watching the news...her reply: "Oh, yeah", in a dark voice. At this time other aircraft asked what was up. I referred them to the news station. Soon everyone was commenting. The ATC controller requested that all planes contact their company...this was standard procedure, but was impossible due the immense amount of radio traffic. Next the controller said that ATC was recommending all planes to land. I looked at our options, and by now the best plan to proceed to our original destination of DFW. I informed the flight attendants of the situation and decided not to inform the passengers til we landed. The landing pattern at DFW was eerily quiet. The tower controller gave us clearance to land...I still remember her saying "have a good day" out of habit...my reply was that "I'm not so sure about that". After landing I informed the passengers and allowed them to use their cell phones...quiet crying broke out in the back. My cell phone had thirteen messages on it. We unloaded the passengers at the terminal and moved the plane away from the gate to make room for other flights. I will never forget how quiet the DFW terminal looked at noon on a bright, sunny day. NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. My entire career was changed in those few moments. NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? The resilience of the American people. NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? A flag is now permanently displayed on my front porch. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah5712.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2003-09-11 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 68.106.172.226