COMMENTS

7 responses to “Open Thread Update: Twenty Years Ago Today.”

1. I was driving across the International Divide on my way to work (as a school counselor) at the Crownpoint Boarding School for Navajo children. I had the radio on and heard about the first airplane. I remember thinking, “Oh my God, the people!” I while later, still on the road, I heard about the second plane, and knew immediately, “That first plane was not an accident! We’re under attack!!” The shock sent shivers down my spine. By the time I got to the school, I realized I would have a big job to do, trying to allay the fears of children and adults. How was I going to manage this when I myself was quivering in fear? I thought, “This is war! We are now at war!” And all my memories of past wars came rushing through my mind. “Oh, dear God, NO!” When I got to the school, the principal had not yet heard, and thought I was over-reacting! I said, “No, I’m not! Turn on the T.V.!” We gradually let the children know, and had parents come pick up the smallest ones. We allowed the older children to watch T.V. in the dorms. I was by that time on full alert, looking for tears, fearful faces, and in some cases laughter which was close to panic. I think the teachers were even more frightened that the children, as they knew what the consequences of this day would bring. The legacy of the Navajo Code Talkers from WWII was strong in their memories. We all watched in horror as the buildings came down. Three days before this, I had taken a class in elementary education, and we were playing with colored paper and glue and spangles, and I had drawn what turned into Manhattan, with criss-cross streets, two towers (in 3-D), with green feathers on top, but a large ball of bright red at the bottom. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I had a strong premonition of something very wrong in New York City.

   Reply to Linda Kerth

2. More people have died as a result of 9/11-related illnesses than were instantly killed on the day of the attack. According to the World Trade Center Health Program, “hundreds of thousands” of Lower Manhattan residents, workers, and students were sent back into a toxic stew through lies told by the Federal EPA (Christine Todd Whitman: “I would like to assure the people of Lower Manhattan that their air is safe to breathe and their water is safe to drink”. She later admitted, under oath, that she knew the area was toxic and was following “orders from much higher up” to state the opposite. As a result of these lies, the World Trade Health Program, unless Congress acts to extend the Zadroga Act, will run out of funds very soon. Is this how America “remembers” the victims of 9/11?

   Reply to Kathryn Nocerino

3. We were winding up our European river cruise in Prague, the time zone was plus six hours ahead of NYC. On 9/11, We decided to eat dinner in a small intimate establishment. As we entered, the eatery, a young man came toward us and asked if we were from the states. An affirmative answer brought an anxious response in broken English, “sorry for your loss.” What loss?

   English speaking restaurant patrons all contributed information about the first plane flying into the tower. Remembering the previous bombing of the towers and the plane that hit the Empire State Building in the ‘40s, we did not realize the severity of what was happening.

   We forgot about eating and returned to the hotel to watch CNN. We saw the second plane fly straight into the second tower. This was no accident. My retired husband had been involved in building skyscrapers in Chicago. His comment was those towers were considered at risk for collapse because of their construction.

   Comprehending the enormity of what was happening, was beyond measure. The biggest personal challenge happened post attack. Within hours the US embassy in Prague closed. We were on our own. The cruise company was firm, they would offer no assistance. The banks would not accept our US money or travel checks. The hotel agreed to extend $50.00 with internet each day on our credit card. The hotel provided a print out that said we should keep a low profile and avoid going out in groups. All air transportation was cancelled. We remained in Prague for two more weeks, constantly trying to find our way home.

   The bottom line was, as Americans we were naive. The Prague citizens we met said we were lucky to have no major terrorism on our US soil. I lived in countries where terrorism was a constant event. In the US I did not give any attention to terrorism. Or the threat of such acts.

   Each year, my husband and acknowledges 9/11by contributing in ways to make a difference and promote peace.

   Reply to Anne Plodzien

4. On Sept. 11, I was being an nyc 911 emergency operator. I reported to work, the needs of the city came first, as voices first responses was to pick up a phone and seek out help before the daily world of each person changed in the history of the city.

   Reply to Denise aka Niecie

5. I still can feel the sensations of fear and disbelief as I awoke to the horror we simply call 9-11. I am a transplanted New Yorker, and watched this grim story unfold from Oregon.

   Anger and an overwhelming sense of tragedy came later, building and then settling in my heart. I know I see people differently–all people. What are their life plans . . . their philosophies of life . . . their reactions to others . . . their needs . . . . how does America measure up to them . . . and affect them. We are so ignorant of others’ lives in our own country; can we be good allies deserving the same from world partners? In these fraught times?

   I had to watch the 20-year commemoration in small doses, but still all resonated, all moved me. My takeaway, if that is an appropriate term in this case, is that perhaps we may use the “album” we are creating and saving for others will indeed serve as one way to see each other, across all borders, for who and what we are.

   Thank you for this opportunity to share.

   Reply to Eileen Kovac

6. On 9/11 I was working at Gouverneur Hospital (in Ground Zero) as an x-ray tech. My shift started at 10 am so I was getting ready for work when the first plane hit. I previously worked for Pan American Airlines so I took a quick look out the window and saw it was a clear day. I knew immediately it was not an accident and I tried to call work – all lines were down. On my way to work, I saw an airplane burning, stuck half in/half out of one of the World Trade Center buildings. Our hospital had been closed for patients – only open for World Trade Center victims. We watched the towers burn, people jumping out, the implosion, the mass confusion from our hospital. I took X-rays of people who ran to our hospital with broken bones, skull fractures, etc., everyone covered in grey ash, including their eyelashes, and in shock.

   Reply to Jean Montoya

   1. It was of course a devastating day for all of us watching from a distance, but hearing your more detailed first hand experience gives an even clearer picture of the senseless horrors endured by so many. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply to Kim