September 11 Digital Archive

story3052.xml

Title

story3052.xml

Source

born-digital

Media Type

story

Created by Author

yes

Described by Author

no

Date Entered

2002-09-11

911DA Story: Story

I was teaching a group of new employees about our company policy and safety matters when a co-worker came out of his office and announced that a plane had hit the World Trade Center. Chills went through my body as I asked him what happened. He said he wasn't sure yet, as it had just happened, and went back to his office to watch the newscast. I nervously tried to continue the class, but a few minutes later, my co-worker again came out of his office and announced that a second plane hit the second tower. By now we were all filled with confusion and fear, but those feelings only multiplied when Todd announced that yet another plane hit the Pentagon. All of us were in shock and disbelief at what was going on, and we were angry over this spree of attacks on innocent American people.

Living and working directly across the river from the Kennedy Space Center in Titusville, Florida, brought along another set of fears. What if the terrorists were planning an attack on the Space Center? What if something like what happened in New York and Virginia and Pennsylvania was going to happen in our own back yard at any moment? The thought terrified me and although I was glued to a television set in one of our buildings, I had this dreaded feeling in the pit of my stomach that I had to constantly look over my shoulder, waiting to see or hear the destruction of the Vehicle Assemby Building (where the space shuttles are stored) across the Indian River.

Thankfully my fears were not realized, but my fears were very real, as is the pain I feel for my fellow Americans...for the families that are missing a loved one from their dinner tables; for the fire departments and police precincts who are missing their partners; for the hurting heart of every person in this world who is grieving the events of that dreadful day one year ago.

I've lived in the shadow of the Kennedy Space Center for 9 years, and I've always marvelled at the sights and sounds and excitement of shuttle launches, but none was as sweet as the first launch after September 11. Only a couple months had passed, but when that shuttle blasted up and lit the late afternoon sky, I cried. I cried for all those who lost their lives on September 11 and I cried for all those who gave their lives on September 11. I cried because watching that shuttle reminded me that WE ARE AMERICANS and the spirit of Americans will not be smothered, we will not be held down. The days of this last year have just proven to make us stronger as a nation, stronger in our families, stronger in our friendships, stronger in our marriages, stronger in our goals, stronger in our beliefs, stronger in our values, and stronger in our hearts and our minds. We are Americans and we are strong. We will rise above and without shame thank GOD for our blessings.


Citation

“story3052.xml,” September 11 Digital Archive, accessed January 15, 2025, https://911digitalarchive.org/items/show/6232.