story3201.xml

story3201.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I first learned of the attacks around 7:30 in the morning, Pacific Time, after both towers had already fallen. I was in my car on my way to work at Microsoft in Redmond, WA when the reports came over the radio that we were under attack and that the Twin Towers no longer stood. At first, I was furious at the radio station I was listening to for telling such a cruel joke. I thought that the announcers and reporters were acting out a play similar to The War Of The Worlds and I kept waiting for someone to come on and tell me where the play would be playing locally...but no such message ever came. As I got to work, I raced up to the television set in my office and turned on the Today Show, which had broken it's taped coverage and was broadcasting LIVE from New York. They showed the planes crashing and towers falling, the fires at the Pentagon and in Shanksville and reporters covered in ash tried to keep their composure as they tried to get a grip on this. Being in Washington, I felt very removed from it all, but also incredibly connected. Most people immediately left work and headed back home where they could watch the continuing reports with their families. The whole thing felt like a horrible nightmare. People in Seattle were fearful of an attack on the Space Needle or Microsoft or any sort of turmoil. We lit candles, came together in schools and parks, and held each other close. Complete strangers were as close and compassionate as old friends. Thousands of tears were shed for the victims and heroes who died and even more were shed for those who had lost loved ones and friends. I was insanely angry at those cowards who used our own openness and freedoms against us for no other reason than they didn't like us, but I took great comfort and relief in what I saw within this country. For the first time in a long time, this country came together in solidarity and unity. For the first time in a long time, we were truly the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The terrorists tried to break us and tear us into fragments of fear, but they only made us stronger, braver, and more resiliant. I'm not a religious man, but I have prayed hard for America and for what has been lost. I can only hope that we never forget what was lost and what happened to us as a people and as a country. God Bless America.