story4568.xml

story4568.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I retired from QWEST Communications in August 2001 and was at home on September 11. I came downstairs a little after 8:00 and turned on the radio to PBS Morning Edition as I did every morning. As I was making coffee and waking up, I was aware that what I was hearing on the radio didn't make any sense. I heard Bob Edwards say that another plane had hit the Pentagon at 9:40 and that the first tower had collapsed at 10:05. Reports were just coming in about a plane crash in Pennsylvania that may or may not be related to the events in New York and Washington. It was time to turn on the TV. As I watched in horror with millions of other Americans, I remember thinking that the world would have to get used to seeing only one tower in the World Trade Center. Then at 8:28 local time, the unthinkable happened as I watched the second tower collapse. I sat, stunned, and watched the cloud of smoke and ash envelope lower Manhattan. This image I will carry to my grave. As the day progressed I followed the events with the rest of the world. Reports of the Pennsylvania crash were developing. I heard stories of brave passengers and crewmembers who rushed the cockpit and sacrificed their lives to prevent yet another disaster.

I don't remember what day it was that I opened the Denver Post and saw that the pilot of flight 93 was from Ken Karyl Ranch. About a mile from where I live. The name Jason Dahl was given as the pilot. His picture was on the front page. I didn't recognize the name, but I recognized the picture. I had met Jason Dahl at my favorite "watering hole" Q's Pub. I hadn't seen him for a year or so, but I immediately recognized him and I thought, "My God! I know that guy!"

He wasn't a regular like myself, but he did come in once in a while to have a beer with a couple of his friends. We were introduced by a mutual friend and kind of hit it off. We didn't become close friends, but we did shoot the bull and swap a few jokes. He told me that he was a pilot for United, and enjoyed being home with his wife and kids and being able to get out for a beer once in a while. I remember thinking that this was a "good guy" to have as a friend. I remember his great laugh and wonderful warm smile. He knew my name. But then at Q's, everybody knows Pete. And to think, I didn't remember his.

I went out to breakfast with a friend this morning, September 11, 2002, and read in the paper that there was going to be a memorial service downtown at noon. I asked my friend if he wanted to go. It didn't matter, because I knew that we were going. As we sat there and listened to the names of the passengers and crew on flight 93 read aloud, I cried. I cried for my friend Jason Dahl and for all of the others who died that day. I cried for the times in which we live, and I pray that in my lifetime we may fine peace and unity on Earth. God bless America and the world we live in. May we preserve it for our children and generations to come.