Remembering 9/11...A Must Read!

[Gabkatt]

I re-post this every year and the stories are a must read!!


I'll try not to make this a novel! I had a meeting in Columbus, Ohio that morning. As the news got out, the city was evacuated because no one knew how large the scale of the attacks were yet. The flight that crashed in Pennsylvania was headed to Cleveland and turned back toward DC over Ohio heightening the anxiety. By that afternoon I was told our Pastor was in DC and his sister was in Manhattan. We were in contact with both, his sister was watching everything unfold and Pastor was ministering to people out in the mall in front of the capitol. A friend and I left around 4:00pm to go get them out of their. We got to DC around 11:00pm to pick him up and then left for New York. You couldn't get to Manhattan so his sister had to walk out to meet us. We arrived back in Ohio Wed. Sept. 13th.

Having said all of this, the friend that went with me to DC and New York was leaving with us for Disney in 7 days. I want to say first that the vacation meant nothing in our minds with everything going on. We struggled with what to do! Our hearts were broke and angered like everyone's were! The country was on high alert. For our safety, do we cancel or what? Our families had saved and planned, everything was set. We decided we were not going to live in fear and press on! The airlines were grounded and then very backed up, so we drove. Disney had additional security that was very obvious and right out walking the parks. Yet, because the international travelers were blocked at that time and many people cancelled the place was empty. Very surreal! It would have been a dream trip, but we just couldn't fully get into it because we knew on some level this was all because of this national tragedy. So every day we got up and together we prayed for our nation and the Heroes who gave their lives and their families. I thanked God for my family and our safety! It was very humbling to hear my kids being so mindful as to why the parks were empty and remembering that every time we walked onto a ride.

What does it mean to you? You hear the date 9/11 and where does your mind take you? Everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing. I have seen another thread on here that is similar but a year old. I want to know where your thoughts go now and has it changed?
We Will Never Forget!!

 

[goofyinohio]

Honestly this day makes me sick to my stomach. I have trouble getting up and going to work because of how I felt that day and how I felt for a long time after that. The positives if there are such a thing that came out of that day was how our country came together and displays of patriotism every where you went.

I can remember being in Downtown Columbus as well and was in one of the tallest buildings as well. All I wanted to do was get out of there and go home and be with my family. I sat hypnotized as most people did watching TV.

Have a Disney Day everyone!

 

[RoyalRoseBlue]

I worked at CBR, but my shift didn't start until about 1 or 2 so I was still sleeping. My cell rang and it was fiance at the time. He told me to turn on the tv and all I saw was the two towers on fire and the pentagon. Of course I started freaking out 'cause I'm from right outside Philly, so I asked him if everyone at home was okay, and he said yes, Philly was fine. I was glued to the tv. Somehow I got up the energy to go to work, and I knew I couldn't call out since they had closed all the parks and the resorts would be packed. When I got there, I couldn't believe my eyes. I've never seen anything like it. The amount of people was unbelievable. I remember all the kids being in the pool and the parents surrounds all the tvs at the bar. Luckily we had Mickey and the Gang come for awhile to hang out with the kids and play some games. It was weird not seeing fireworks at Epcot that night and not seeing the normal tour helicopter fly over. There was just a silent, erie feeling over the whole resort.

 

[Jrabbit910]

Sept 11 2001 will never ever be forgotten in my heart... We worked for one of the companies in the building. The day of the attacks I was in Florida at the CSR. My DH & I were eating breakfast and forgot something in our room so we had to go back. Upon returning, I turned on the tv and saw one building hit. My dh & I just sat and watched because we thought it was an accident until we saw the next building attacked. We immediately starting calling friends and family that we knew were in the building. At first all lines were just ringing then it turned busy. A disbelief and sickening feeling came upon our stomachs. We tried to get a flight out but couldnt. We wanted to be home... We then rented a car the next day and drove from FL or NY... The radio was playing sombering songs. When we arrived home we attended mass after mass of fallen angels.

Sept 11 is not just any day anymore... its a day to remember all the lives that were lost. Friends and family will live on thru our memories and words. God Bless all the victims and in my heart God Bless all that were lost in Cantor. I know your having a the year end party in heaven & you are missed so dearly.

6 years later or 60 years later, it will always touch my heart.

 

[abolanwoski]

I was sitting on my bed in Shades of Green, painting my toenails and getting ready to go to one of the water parks. Dh was in the shower. I looked up and saw that they thought there had been some kind of "accident" where a plane ran into the WTC. I was still watching when the second plane struck and they realized it was no accident. Needless to say, we spent the day at SOG (they closed all the parks).

We had just got to WDW on the 8th and had a 2 week vacation planned. Alot of people left early and of course, many never came (there was a few days there where no flying was allowed anywhere). Very quickly, WDW became a bit of a ghost town. No lines for rides, no need for ADRs. By the time we left, they started shortening hours and cancelling shows/fireworks because so few poeple were there. I think, I remember them actually closing a couple of hotels for a few months too.

I was glad we were there when it happened. Back in WY (we were stationed there at the time) DH's co-worker were on high alert and working 72 hour shifts. It was the Happiest Place on Earth on the Saddest Day in History.

 

[JPoppins]

I remember hearing everything on the radio - no tv's at work, and coming home that night to see the pictures of the planes hitting the towers. Sometimes I think I never should've looked. The images won't ever leave me and I won't ever forget looking up at the sky in Los Angeles and seeing nothing moving. No Helicopters, no planes, no small planes nothing moving. For a girl growing up in a large city with 2 large airports and multiple small airports all around, this was eerie.

I also remember that Friday night hearing singing outside, we went out to see what was going on and everyone from our apartment building was gathered outside and when you looked up and down the block others were gathering in front of their buildings. Some waived flags, we all brought candles down with us and we sang. We sang every patriotic song we could remember, we sang and cried. We cried for the loss of lives that day and beyond, we sang to unite against this faceless threat.

We came together as neighbors, as communities, cities and as a nation that day. We need to remember all the loved ones who were lost that day and some who gave their lives willingly that day for others. But we need also to remember that we came together, each one of us, as neighbors and as a nation. We cannot let them divide us.

 

[Stan's MaggieMouse]

I've been on the verge of tears all day, it's so hard to remember how awful that day was. I remember what a beautiful day it was, clear blue sky and then it all fell apart.

I regret that I stayed at work, they should have closed and if not, I should have gotten up and left. I should have gone home to be with my children. School let out and my older son, who was 17 at the time was home alone. I never should have let him see those images alone. I should have been there.

Maggie

 

[jlatina32]

Like the majority of Americans, I remember that day like if it were yesterday. I had woken up to the sound of the telephone ringing. My DH picks it up and it was his friend telling him what had just happened at WTC. I overheard a small portion of the coversation where I only understood two planes crashed into a building. I didn't think much of it so I stayed in bed. DH proceeded to get dressed for work and he left. My DS who was 1 month old at the time was crying so I got up out of bed, went into the living room and my mouth dropped open. At that time, my mom was living with us so she was already aware of what was going on and she filled me in. I immediately called my DH and asked him if had seen what was going on and asking him if he was okay. Tried to get in touch with my brother who was doing an odd job around the area of WTC. I couldn't get a hold of him, my sister, or my dad so my nerves were at their highest. At that point I was completely naive to the fact that terrorists had attacked us. For some reason, I refused to believe what I was seeing on T.V. I went to the window of my apartment and looked up and all I see was dark smoke in the sky. My heart dropped when those buildings collapsed and I felt so much sadness and anger. I still feel that way when the anniversary comes around. It feels so surreal and as if it were some horrible movie.

I am just glad my family got home safely but I am saddened by the fact that so many others didn't. My heart and my prayers are with the families of those who lost a loved one on that fateful day.

I live in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn where I am only 3 blocks away from the water front and the view of the city is so cool. Even after 9/11, I still think I live in the best city in the world.

 

[OnTheBrink]

I was at my parents' house, on the phone with my priest, planning my husband's funeral. He had died 2 days before.

I feel very disconnected from the September 11th stuff. I was obviously distracted. I do remember later that day driving the 4 hours from my parents' house to Miami to prepare for the funeral. All the toll roads were open. At the rest stops everyone was like zombies. Flags were at half mast. And it seemed appropriate to me that the entire world should stop to mourn with us. I know that's not what it was, and I know that it's selfish to think that, but there is still no way I can think about September 11th without feeling just a tad bitter about September 9th.

 

[1ABTINK]

I won't forget what happened.

 

[DisneyChristmas]

Sept 11 2001 will never ever be forgotten in my heart... We worked for one of the companies in the building. Sept 11 is not just any day anymore... its a day to remember all the lives that were lost. Friends and family will live on thru our memories and words. God Bless all the victims and in my heart God Bless all that were lost in Cantor. I know your having a the year end party in heaven & you are missed so dearly.

6 years later or 60 years later, it will always touch my heart.

Hi, I've sent you a private message about a Cantor co-worker who was lost that day. Please check for "private messages" here at Disboards. Thanks, Beth

 

[POOHDRMR]

I was watching the tv that morning holding my 2 month old dd.I live in Long Island NY and almost 500 victims of the attacks were from here.I remember feeling like the world would never be the same after that day and alot of saddness for what my daughters world would be.Through the years I think of the day often and I seem to be more emotional about it as time goes on.I still don't understand hatred like that.I have many friends and family members that lost people that day so it effects life here.This morning I was on the phone with my sister during the reading of my nephews godfather's name at the memorial service.I am watching the history channel today with all the programing about it.I am thankful that I didn't lose a family member but I mourn for all those who did.I hope that those who helped in the recovery efferts that are now sick get the help and money thay need.I get upset very easily now when I hear about soldiers that died overseas and other tragic events on tv because before I think I was detached from it but now i know there are people at home that lives are forever changed.I also cherish my life and my family and don't take it for granted.God bless all those who gave their lives that day and all their families who have lost grately.I know I will never forget.

 

[Mischa]

My hearts go out to everyone who lost a loved one on 9/11 six years ago. It is a day I will never forget!

Every year at this time I think about what happened that day and where I was...I worked only a few miles from the Pentagon at the time (in DC). I was watching all the events unfold on tv that morning and then we all heard this "boom". I went across the floor to another office that had a direct view of the Pentagon. The people there were staring out the window and pointing. I looked and saw the dark smoke. I blinked a few times, not really believing what I was seeing! I made sure everyone in the room was ok and then went back to my office and told everyone what had just happened. They couldn't believe it (it hadn't hit the tv yet). Moments later it was on CNN and we all just stared at the TV. We heard another "boom" and the windows in our bldg. shook. I calmly said to my boss "I'm going home". He told me "not to panic". I wasn't panicked, I just wanted to go home and be with my husband! I called my friend (we had carpooled into work together that morning). She was in a panick. Her son was scheduled to be at the Pentagon that morning and she couldn't reach him. Little did we know at the time, but her son was at the Pentagon and was ok (and helping people there). We got my car and it was sheer panick in the streets! I finally managed to get out of DC, but we had to drive by the Pentagon on I-95 going South. The smell! It was horrible! We weren't allowed to stop to see anything (and we didn't really want to!) It was so eery driving on I-95 and we seemed to be the only car on the road! I got home and hugged my husband! And of course watched TV.

I tried calling my parents and finally reached my mom (after about 2 hours trying). They hadn't seen anything, they had been working in the yard. My birthmom called me to make sure I was ok. She had been trying since that morning to get a hold of me after seeing what happened at the Pentagon, it was around 4pm when she & I spoke.

I found out that my cousin's husband was to have had a meeting at the Pentagon that morning, but thank God it was cancelled, so he was safe at this office.

I will never forget 9/11/01 and even though I never met anyone who had died that day, I feel as if I've known them, and mourn their loss like their families.

God Bless!

 

[Gabkatt]

I can remember being in Downtown Columbus as well and was in one of the tallest buildings as well. All I wanted to do was get out of there and go home and be with my family. I sat hypnotized as most people did watching TV.

My wife and I were their for a meeting together and were on the 7th floor of our hotel. Not very high, but you just didn't want to be their! Do you remember the streets? Everyone walking brought traffic to a stop and when you were moving, the police & national guard was circling everyone around the city only letting a few people out at one time...it took hours to drive out. I can't imagine New York!

 

[bethmomoftwins]

It's my birthday today. I am also from Long Island, NY about 25 minutes by train to NYC. Our town lost a great number of people in the attacks, a few of which I knew. It's a very, very hard day. I watch all the History Channel programs and cry. And it sucks because I never feel like celebrating my birthday anymore.

I also have a friend who was working in the Pentagon on 9/11 who was thankfully okay. I was home watching Sesame Street with my 2 year old twins when it happened. I will never be the same. Our world will never be the same. That makes me so sad.

 

[Snowy-girls]

Hello,
I was at home,cleaning and a news flash came on the tv about what they thought at the time was a terrible accident,then i watched the 2nd tower get hit live on the tv.I just sat there in complete and utter disbelief.I picked up our daughter who was only 5months at the time and just held her so tight and cried.(I'm crying now as i write this).GOD BLESS AMERICA.

 

[marc1477]

I had just gotten up and tried calling a friend of mine who lives in Brooklyn before I turned tv on.. He had just moved there a week before. I eventually got ahold of him a few min(about 35 min after I called him) and before the first tower fell. My mouth fell open when I saw the plane hit the towers and then the Pentagon. I could not believe what my eyes saw when the towers went down.

I will never forget that day, nor do I want too.

 

[Epcot Mom]

Like everyone else, I remember what I was doing that day and in the days to come. Like the previous poster, September 11th was significant for our family, it is our anniversary. We choose to celebrate our anniversary, respectfully remembering what happened in 2001. Sept 11 was our anniversary long before 2001 and we're keeping it. Having said that, we will never forget the tragedy of 2001 and was has happened since then. The stars and stripes are flying in front of our home right now.

 

[TheLastPrincess]

I was 16 years old, and had gotten up early that morning to go to the gym before starting school (I was homeschooled). When I got back, I started to cook some eggs for breakfast when my mom shouted downstairs, "A plane hit the World Trade Center!"

"The what?"

"The World Trade Center! Remember, when we went to New York and went to the top with you and Maggie? Turn on the TV!"

So I did.

I saw the second plane.

I watched it fall.

My heart fell with it.

Sad, sad day.

 

[arielsleepingbeauty]

My hearts go out to the families and the victims. I was in the hospital having my baby that day. While the world thinks that day was horrific, for me it was different. She is my sunshine and everyday i thank god that she is alive and healthy. My oldest daugher is named Emerson and at the time it was unusual for a girl to have such a name. Jeremy Glick a passenger on Flight 93 had a daughger named Emerson and so in two ways I am always reminded of that day.