nmah73.xml

nmah73.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-07-13

As I was driving to work I heard the news on the radio of a plane hitting the WTC. No one knew any details yet. When I got to work I was the first one to mention the news to my co-workers.

I work in a chemical lab and radios are not permitted in our work areas. Anyone with a radio in their office was an important person that day.

Once radios were discovered and turned on, people stopped working and listened to the news at it unfolded. It was very hard to listen without the visual picture, especially when the towers collapsed.

Many people wanted to leave and be with their families. I couldn't wait to leave and hug my son.

That night I was glued to the TV. I just felt that I had to see everything that I could as it happened. I wish I could have been there to help in some way. I wanted to visit ground zero to pay my respects for those lost. I felt that I just had to be there. Unfortunately, I haven't made it there yet.

I still feel the need to visit the sights. I did make it to Shanksville which was an emotional experience for me. I think about 9/11 often and I have bought books and magazines to have for my son when he is old enough to really understand what happened.

I am still reluctant to fly although I realize I shouldn't be. I am very afraid of what the future holds, especially for my son.

Everything.

I used to fly my flag on the special holidays. I now fly my flag every day. I used to carry the American flag as part of the color guard in high school and have always had respect for the flag. My father was a WWII vet and he also flew his flag every day.