As with most memorable events in history people can usually clearly recount where and what they were doing at any given time as the event comes to fruition or begins to unfold; unlike birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. My chosen event is the disaster of September 11, 2001. This tragic and unforgettable day means many things to many people, none of which are good.

The morning of September 11, 2001 began much like any other day until I received a phone call from a frantic friend telling me that an airplane had flown into the Twin Towers in New York City. Naturally, I was disbelieving and said that this was not a funny joke. My friend spoke calmly assuring me that this was no joke. The serious tone of their voice shook me deep inside and brought me to my senses. Next, my friend insisted that I turn on my television set. I dazedly asked what channel to which my friend replied they were certain this would be played on any and all channels. I did as my friend so frantically urged and hung up the phone to watch the unfolding spectacle. As I tuned in to CNN News a second airplane struck the Twin Towers and balls of flames were spewing out from the gaping hole. Involuntarily I blinked. My mouth went bone dry. Slowly the tall elegant buildings began to collapse, people could be seen jumping out of open windows, and there was an all out panic that could be felt even at this far distance from the drama. People on the streets screamed and ran. Sirens blared as rescue vehicles rushed to ground zero. Hopeful firefighters ran inside only to be trapped and crushed under the rapidly falling rubble. I was transfixed and horrified, absolutely unable to move. Sitting on the edge of my sofa I blinked my unbelieving eyes to see if this could possibly be a bad dream. It was not a dream, but a horrible, horrible reality! What came next was even more unbelievable. The CNN newscaster was just beginning to convey the horrific details of what we, around the United States and perhaps world, watched. Stop. Wait. Another news flash. Another airplane struck the Pentagon. My mind tried to grasp the gravity of the events which just took place, to create logic out of this unjustifiable mess. Chaos abounded. Intelligence people scrambled to locate information that might connect the dots and could lead us to who was responsible for this terrible act on American soil. News clips cut to our President reading a story book to school children in Sarasota, Florida as Secret Service Agents filled him in on fresh details of this tragedy. I wondered what words of inspiration and hope might he use to soothe the wounds we all felt? President Bush just sat there on his stool dumbfounded as the clock ticked for seven minutes while people more responsible and level-headed began the process of search and rescue, the process of closing our airports and looking for those who might be held responsible. 

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