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Where were you on 9/11

hotrodgrany

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 19, 2006
Messages
781
Location
Holstein, Iowa
Just a little late, but where were you 9/11? I was in Sioux Falls, South Dakota doing some shopping, and when I was leaving WalMart, a lady came in shouting, but didn't get what she was talking about. I preceeded to get gas in my Stang, when I say the 41Street lined with people. When I was getting gas in my Stang, that is when I heard what happened, what a shock it was to hear of this. I went back to out camper and turned on the TV to see for my self. I was on vacation and spending some time with my husband, as he was working in that area. I called family members checking to see if there was anyone that would be deployed because of this and were later. but all I could think of others that may have to go to protect our country. All I could do is say prayes for all those that lost loved ones, and left family behind. This is one event in history I will never forget as long as I live. God Bless America.
 

BroadwayBlue

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2005
Messages
2,900
Location
Hudson Valley Area, NY
My wife and I were on our way to work about 40 minutes north of Manhattan.

It was a beautiful clear day not a cloud in the sky.

When I heard the first report of a plane hitting my wife asked if I thought it was on purpose. I recalled the story of planes flying into the Empire State Building many years ago so thought this could've been something like that.
When the 2nd plane hit my first reaction was ... something must be screwed up with the radar systems or something ... a computer glitch!! Being in the technology field I guess my mind went there first. But ... it was a clear day ... it didn't make sense. It was then I realized something else was happening. This wasn't an accident.

I can still recall the reports on the radio and as they were interviewing someone telling the story of the first plane, they said a second plane just flew over and hit. The radio announcer thought the person was a kook and making it all up. They started to question his integrity and then they got the report it was real.

By the time we arrived at work we were all watching TVs and watching the news unfold on our computers...

The memories are very vivid for me. I didn't personally know anyone that was in the Towers but did work with people who lost family members.

I knew of many people trapped in Manhattan unable to get home and co-workers that were in NYC from the Chicago area on business. Some shared a hotel room with a complete stranger because there was nowhere to stay.
The people of NYC all pulled together in many way.
I recall having to drive them around to find a rental car a few days later so they could drive back to the Chicago area to be home with their families.
They closed down our office on the Friday to take a long weekend and spend time at home.

While there are many stories of people helping each other out in different ways, those stories don't compare to the heroism and loss of life that day. It will be a day that will never be forgotten like Pearl Harbor was for my parent's. They could remember where they were when they heard that news on the radio. My Mom was driving under the George Washington Bridge. I always remember her telling me that and she told me a number of times. She was 9 years old and scared about what was unfolding. I think in the future we'll look back on this the same way with our children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, etc ...

I was always amazed at the massive size of the World Trade Center.
On a number of occasions I visited the Twin Towers for business and pleasure. I remember coming up the stairs of the subway or walking toward it and looking up and being amazed at the size of the buildings. No matter how many times I went it still amazed me.
It's a very empty feeling to see the empty space where they used to stand ...

The words to Alan Jackson's song, Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning is something I think a lot of us can relate to. The words are below.

It was something that was difficult to comprehend back then. Since then my wife and I have had 2 children in a much different world than we knew. I wonder how I'll answer their questions in the future.

I could probably keep going with many thoughts but let me just say ...:flag:

"Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)" - Alan Jackson

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love
...
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
 
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hotrodgrany

hotrodgrany

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 19, 2006
Messages
781
Location
Holstein, Iowa
This is so true and I can relate to you and this song as I listen to it and what he is saying. Less us never forget.
 

PFSlim

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 9, 2004
Messages
1,546
Location
Weatherby Lake, MO
At the time, I was still serving as a commander in the Air National Guard. However, at the time, i was in Las Vegas at a meeting. I called back to my unit (who was flying the B-1B at the time) and they felt we were going to be activated. They wanted me back asap, however no real easy way to get back. I hitched a ride with some baking folks in KC and then drove direct to Wichita to report for duty. I stayed in Wichita for 3 straight weeks first getting my 400 folks ready to go and later running our command post until released to go home. Our B-1's were not called. In 2002, I finished my time with the Air Guard.

Paul
 
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