story4644.xml

story4644.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I had just begun my day as a City of Milwaukee Parking Enforcement Officer. I was in the process of issuing my first citation, when a man shouted, "How can you give us a ticket when they just attacked the World Trade Center again". I immediately turned on my radio and tuned in. Hearing the news, I couldn't believe my ears. I then called everyone I knew in Milwaukee, Chicago and New York. My New York friends who worked in the Trade Center were ok. Just arriving to work 115 floors below, in the mall basement, they immediately left the area and headed towards China Town. Everyone else was okay too.

Throughout the day, I had to depend upon my own radio for information. My employer, the City of Milwaukee, Parking Enforcement unit, didn't give us any information, no cautions, advisories or warnings. It was to be business as usual in parking enforcement. Working in Downtown Milwaukee offered numerous targets and a bit of caution might have been helpful. Getting sent to the Firstar Bank Building, our tallest office building, at 42 stories was immediately surrounded. The tunnel under a part of the building was sealed. Guess who got to go ticket and tow all of the suspicious autos surrounding the tower? Yes, it was I. Not the police or fire dept, but just a regular guy, an unarmed, unprotected parking Officer. Well, all went well and uneventfully, I am still here, and proud to be an American serving in Government. The rest of my day was full of both grief, awe, and hate.

My first stop during every visit to New York was a trip to the top of The World Trade Center. It was a view that could never be duplicated anywhere else. I will miss that view, the ride to the top of 2 WTC and more importantly, those who perished. It was and still is like loosing a dear, dear friend and family member.

I hope in time that the buildings will be replaced exactly as they once proudly stood. Both as a sign of strength, defiance and as a living Memorial to all those who perished 11, September, 2001. That would be a true fitting memorial. Let those who perished and were never recovered, guide and protect the New World Trade Center and their employees.

For through rebuilding and recovery, their names, lives and memories will live on. Everyone died a little bit on 11, September, 2001. Now we need to move on and rebuild and remember!

Edward J. Fleury
Milwaukee, Wi.
The United States of America!