On September 11, 2001, I remember being at home and watching the morning network news program abruptly break their normal coverage and start broadcasting pictures of first plane's crash site at the World Trade Center, (North) Tower. Then, while they were showing American Airlines Flight 11's crash site, United Airlines Flight 175 flew into the second Tower. It was utterly astonishing. Next, United Airlines 77 crashed at the Pentagon. It really did seem like America was under attack by a foreign army. Later, the news began reporting the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
I remember driving on Pennsylvania Avenue to my office in S.E. Washington, D.C. and seeing faint black clouds in the distance just beyond the U.S. Capitol Building. Do you remember what you were doing?
Yes. As a New Yorker, it effected my life deeply. I do not know anyone who was killed that day--but the reality of the horror of the attack came right into my living room. The smell--the odor of toxic fumes from that hellish black smoke hovered over the whole city for weeks.
My wife works in Manhattan so getting her home was an all day task--all the roads into Manhattan were closed.
When I finally was allowed to drive over the Verrazano VBridge from Staten Island to Brooklyn, which ordinarily gives you a gorgeous panorama of the NY skyline, there was the fiery pit spewing a cloud of black smoke.
And the gaping hole where the towers had been.
I drove into Manhattan this morning--the police presence was massive--this time to keep the peace for the dignified remembrance ceremonies--and the raucous pro and anti Islam demonstrations.
It is a shame that we as a nation are beginning to lose touch with our core values--one of them is freedom of religion.
I sincerely hope we, as a nation, remember that one of the reasons folks come here from other countries is so they can be free to worship in their own way.
I'm sharing this from my Journal Entry: Wednesday: September 12, 2001
Yesterday, airplanes crashed into The World Trade Center in New York City. There was another that crashed near Camp David and another in a Pennsylvia' s field. All were within minutes of each other. They were all related to terrorists acts.
This caused much chaos and confusion around the nation and the world. In addition, many lives were devasted. It was horror! Panic in New York because buildings collasped. People were running everywhere.
I dreamed of planes crashing and colliding in the sky on July 28th. It's my second dream that has come true. I don't know what this means or if it has any reference to me. I just pray and trust in Jesus. "Lord, I don't know, please keep me safe and give me courage." --END OF ENTRY. [Edited]
My prayers continue. Thank you for allowing me to share this. --MIISRAEL
Saturday, September 11th 2010 at 10:22AM
MIISRAEL Bride
I was in our apartment in Staten Island preparing to go out with my husband to take care of a jury duty summons.
Saturday, September 11th 2010 at 3:02PM
Jen Fad
Wow! Thank you all for sharing. This day changed Americans' lives everywhere and more so, it impacted those who lost their love ones. My prayers are for peace and that America lives out it ideals.
Saturday, September 11th 2010 at 7:30PM
Nona Ogunsula
