story1031.xml

story1031.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-08-16

I was in my office working when I received a call from my wife, Sharron. She asked if I knew what was happening to our country. I did not. She was crying and told me that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center and one had also hit the Pentagon. Then I heard voices outside of my office and after telling my wife that I would call her back, I went across the hall where a TV was turned on to CNN. Several co-workers were watching in dismay. As we all stood, not speaking, watching the burning North Tower, we saw the 2nd plane hit the South Tower. It was one of the most frightening things I have ever seen. We were all in shock and couldn't believe what we were seeing. Then it happened, the North Tower began to collapse. All we could think about were the people still inside of the Tower. Moments later, the South Tower fell.

About 10:30, we were told to go home, but there was such a traffic jam since many of the bridges had been closed. I waited until noon to leave after hearing the 14th street Bridge was open to South bound traffic. As I crossed the bridge, my vehicle was the only one on the bridge. People were walking on the other side of the bridge, heading back into DC. Then I saw the flames and smoke rising from the Pentagon. I guess it really hit home with me at that point. I just could not understand how anyone or anything could have done this, especially to the Pentagon. The vision of the collapsing towers kept playing over and over in my mind, then the 2nd plane hitting the South Tower. As I approached the George Washington Parkway exit, I saw a lone man, standing next to the guard rail of the 14th Bridge. He was waving a large American Flag. I hooked my horn and waved to him. I didn't realize at the time that the American flag would shortly become an everyday scene on cars, trucks, buildings, office doors, and almost everywhere! And, almost one year later, the flags still fly, and my guess is they will continue to do so. United We Stand, America.

September 11, 2001 is a day that Americans will never forget. Mad, yes. Afraid, yes. Deeply saddened and sickened by this terrorist act, of course.

May God Bless America and ease the pain of those who lost their loved ones on 911.

Dr. David L. Schertz
National Agronomist
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Washington, DC