How will you remember today? September 11...

[Rakkasan187]

How will you all remember today, September 11....

 

Growing up in the late 60's and 70's I had an early appreciation for history. I remember asking my dad what he was during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He and his family were eating Sunday dinner when they heard the news..

Fast Forward 60 years.. My son who was 8 years old at that time would then ask me what I was doing on September 11, 2001.

Each year on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks I would speak to the children of my son's school and would answer the kids questions. I have now started speaking to the members of my church about 9/11.

It was history repeating itself, as I told them that I used to ask my dad what happened at Pearl Harbor...

This is where I was on Spetmeer 11, 2001...

I was on duty at Fire Station 25 on the East side of the city of El Paso, Texas. Since we are two hours behind New York's time, we were just waking up at 0700 local. My wife, a school teacher called me and told me to turn on the TV. She mentioned there was an accident in New York involving a plane that crashed into a building.

I got home in time to witness the second plane hitting the WTC. I grabbed a notebook and started writing the events down as they happened.

About 2 hours later after the Pentagon was hit, I received two calls. One from the Fire Department advising that all leaves and vacations were cancelled in the event that we needed to deploy search and rescue teams and confined space experts from our department to New York. The second call was from my Company Commander recalling all senior leaders from our Army Reserve Unit. I was ordered to report for duty on September 12, 2001 as the 5035th Garrison Support Unit Military Police Detachment and the Command Group was called in. As the S-3 Sergeant Major, I would remain on active duty until July 2005.

Now retired from the Army and the Fire Department, I still have very strong ties to the Department and what I did for those 11 years of service. Had I not injured myself in the line of duty, I would be just completing my 17th year on the job as a firefighter/medic.

A day does not go by that I do not think about the men and women who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Sunday at Church I was asked to speak about that day and I did. I opened with a verse from the Bible. I put on a display of small items from the NYFD, NYPD and from the Pentagon.

 

One of the verses that I recited was this one:

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends". John 15:13

 

The first responders who went in to rescue and help those victims knew that the situation was in peril, but they went in anyway. There were so many individual acts of heroism on that day.

I too would also ask that as you go about your busy day on September 11, that you say a Prayer or just pause and take a moment of silence and reflect on what these men and women sacrificed on that day.

I Pray daily for the safety of our men and women first responders, Police, Fire, Medical, Military, those who run into danger, when everyone else is running out.

I would also like to thank each member on the Forum who is or was a first repsonder. Police, Fire, Medical, Homeland Security, Border Patrol, ICE Agents, TSA, Nusrses, Doctors anyone who has an active role in protecting our citizens and country. Thank you all and may the Lord Bless you and your familes..

 

I would like to dedicate this post to Firefighter Mark P Whitford, Engine Company 23, NYFD, Manhattan, New York. Mark and his entire company responded to the World Trade Center on September 11, and they were all lost when the South Tower Collapsed.

 

Last year I met Mark's brother, New York City Police Officer and Command Sergeant Major Chris Whitford when he attended the Non Resident Sergeant's Major Course at Fort Bliss, Texas. I was his instructor and when he left he gave me a challenge coin that he designed in honor of his brother.

Thank you Chris for your service, and Mark, thank you brother and to the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 9-11.. May God grant you Peace...

 

Leigh..

 

[ka bar]

Even though I am not an American, that day will be with me forever...

 

I would just like to say how horrified the rest of the world was...

 

I have always felt the American public get seen in a very unfair light to the rest of the world...

 

You are good, decent honourable people that just simply didn't deserve that...

 

I don't know anybody involved, but my admiration and respects goes out to the emergency services personnel who tried to save as many lives as possible...

 

And also to the passengers of the flight that tried to overpower the crew...

 

The American people/military have sacrificed a great deal to keep the world safe throughout history...

 

And it isn't forgotten...

 

To all the victims of 9/11...

 

Be free....be at peace...

 

Regards, Ben.

[Rakkasan187]

Even though I am not an American, that day will be with me forever...

 

I would just like to say how horrified the rest of the world was...

 

I have always felt the American public get seen in a very unfair light to the rest of the world...

 

You are good, decent honourable people that just simply didn't deserve that...

 

I don't know anybody involved, but my admiration and respects goes out to the emergency services personnel who tried to save as many lives as possible...

 

And also to the passengers of the flight that tried to overpower the crew...

 

The American people/military have sacrificed a great deal to keep the world safe throughout history...

 

And it isn't forgotten...

 

To all the victims of 9/11...

 

Be free....be at peace...

 

Regards, Ben.

Ben,

 

Thank you for those Heartfelt and emotional words..

 

Leigh

[BROBS]

Leigh,

I still remember that fateful day. I was in college at University of Iowa.

 

I woke up, got ready, rode the bus downtown like usual... these were the days before smartphones and checking news on the can in the morning.

I walked into the Union to get coffee or food or something and saw the dining room packed, with everyone glued to the televisions.

I looked up and remember seeing the first wound to the buildings, emitting a column of thick smoke.

It was then I realized that something was different, something big had happened.

 

It struck a different part of me. I felt helpless against it.

I can't imagine the terror of those in the building, or the terror of their families.

 

All we can do is today say that never again will we let this happen.

Never let our guard down.

 

And remember those who were lost in this senseless act of cowardice.

-Brian

[Rakkasan187]

Leigh,

I still remember that fateful day. I was in college at University of Iowa.

 

I woke up, got ready, rode the bus downtown like usual... these were the days before smartphones and checking news on the can in the morning.

I walked into the Union to get coffee or food or something and saw the dining room packed, with everyone glued to the televisions.

I looked up and remember seeing the first wound to the buildings, emitting a column of thick smoke.

It was then I realized that something was different, something big had happened.

 

It struck a different part of me. I felt helpless against it.

I can't imagine the terror of those in the building, or the terror of their families.

 

All we can do is today say that never again will we let this happen.

Never let our guard down.

 

And remember those who were lost in this senseless act of cowardice.

-Brian

 

 

Brian,

 

Thank you.. Never Forget...

 

Leigh

[The_Brick]

This is an important part of history, since we are at a point where children are entering school that do not know what happened on that day. Many people were affected by the events because they lost family and friends that day, were called up to help with the aftermath, had to deploy to hostile environments. I was 7 years old at the time of the attack and was living in Kaiserslautern, Germany at the time. I remember I was at home channel surfing trying to find something to watch since it seemed like there was nothing to watch on every channel. The variety of German news as well as AFN channels were reporting the events that were happening in Manhattan, and I remember not fully understanding what was happening at the time other than airplanes had crashed into buildings. Later that day my parents helped explain to me what happened and what terrorism is. I also remember seeing the aftereffects in and around Kaiserslautern with German armored police vehicles at gates, the heightened security and security measures, the placing of T and jersey barriers around the BX and other places around the base, and the preparation for the possibility of future terrorist attacks as well as going to war. I thank the men and women that risked their lives and the thousands that paid the ultimate sacrifice that day as well as the years that followed at home as well as the various corners of the world ensuring that an event like that never happens again. I respect that after 9/11 the country came together and made every effort to look for survivors and those that joined the military to ensure that those involved were brought to justice-your sacrifice will not be forgotten. Thank you Leigh for posting this as well as your story, and the other members for sharing their story.

 

-Dave

[teufelhunde.ret]

I attended morning colors aboard Parris Island this morning.

[Rakkasan187]

This is an important part of history, since we are at a point where children are entering school that do not know what happened on that day. Many people were affected by the events because they lost family and friends that day, were called up to help with the aftermath, had to deploy to hostile environments. I was 7 years old at the time of the attack and was living in Kaiserslautern, Germany at the time. I remember I was at home channel surfing trying to find something to watch since it seemed like there was nothing to watch on every channel. The variety of German news as well as AFN channels were reporting the events that were happening in Manhattan, and I remember not fully understanding what was happening at the time other than airplanes had crashed into buildings. Later that day my parents helped explain to me what happened and what terrorism is. I also remember seeing the aftereffects in and around Kaiserslautern with German armored police vehicles at gates, the heightened security and security measures, the placing of T and jersey barriers around the BX and other places around the base, and the preparation for the possibility of future terrorist attacks as well as going to war. I thank the men and women that risked their lives and the thousands that paid the ultimate sacrifice that day as well as the years that followed at home as well as the various corners of the world ensuring that an event like that never happens again. I respect that after 9/11 the country came together and made every effort to look for survivors and those that joined the military to ensure that those involved were brought to justice-your sacrifice will not be forgotten. Thank you Leigh for posting this as well as your story, and the other members for sharing their story.

 

-Dave

 

Dave,

 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your observations..

 

Leigh

[Rakkasan187]

I attended morning colors aboard Parris Island this morning.

 

Sir,

 

Thank you.. Semper Fidelis..

 

Leigh

[Leatherwringer]

I remember every day...all I have to do is look down at my arm.

Glad to be off of work today...seems right to be home with the family....cant watch TV....just too intense. I remember, I just dont like reliving it on our HD big screen.

 

 

[CNY Militaria]

On 9/11/01....I was a 9th Grader and watched the events unfold at school....On 9/11/10 I arrived in Kandahar City, Afghanistan for a year long tour, living and working less than 1,000 yards away from the building where most of the 9/11 attacks were planned from....On 9/11/14, I am a law enforcement officer remembering all those who have and continue to put their lives on the line every day.

 

Justin

[Rakkasan187]

I remember every day...all I have to do is look down at my arm.

Glad to be off of work today...seems right to be home with the family....cant watch TV....just too intense. I remember, I just dont like reliving it on our HD big screen.

 

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2D274905279693-today-wtc-cross-140306-02.blocks_desktop_small.jpg

Leatherwringer,

 

Thank you for sharing these very personal and moving thoughts with us all.

 

I am glad that you are home with your family today....

 

Leigh

[Rakkasan187]

On 9/11/01....I was a 9th Grader and watched the events unfold at school....On 9/11/10 I arrived in Kandahar City, Afghanistan for a year long tour, living and working less than 1,000 yards away from the building where most of the 9/11 attacks were planned from....On 9/11/14, I am a law enforcement officer remembering all those who have and continue to put their lives on the line every day.

 

Justin

 

Justin,

 

Thank you for your service to our country..

 

May the full Armor of God shield you and protect you..

 

Leigh

[vintageproductions]

There is a fire station across the street from our showroom.

While I was pulling this morning, I stopped and watched the ceremony the Firemen were doing with the flag at half mast and their heads bowed. It was a very emotional scene.

Just typing this I am getting chocked up.....

[Rakkasan187]

There is a fire station across the street from our showroom.

While I was pulling this morning, I stopped and watched the ceremony the Firemen were doing with the flag at half mast and their heads bowed. It was a very emotional scene.

Just typing this I am getting chocked up.....

Bob,

 

Thank you for sharing..It has been a very emotional day.. As the years go by it gets a little easier to discuss, but it is always emotional for me..

 

Thank you again for your comments and what you observed today..

 

Leigh

[MAW]

We had a couple minutes of silence today at the time the first plane struck.

 

Flags at half-mast.

 

 

I hate it when people call it a "tragedy"....; it was an attack.

 

The first line that comes to my mind is a quote from one of the "Young Indiana Jones" episodes that takes place on the Mexican Border in 1916....when this American officer walks into a bar, orders a drink, and says (in part).....

 

"God bless the United States of America......and death to all of her enemies."

 

 

That about sums it up.

[BROBS]

 

I hate it when people call it a "tragedy"....; it was an attack.

 

Not to nitpick but you wouldn't call it a tragedy?

An attack can be a tragedy.

 

I feel it was.

 

-Brian

[Wharfmaster]

Attending a local ceremony that will honor all, Military and Civilian.

 

 

W

[Garandomatic]

I think that was supposed to be a young Patton.

[MAW]

Not to nitpick but you wouldn't call it a tragedy?

An attack can be a tragedy.

 

I feel it was.

 

-Brian

 

Brian: A tragedy involves a degree of accidental chance. Someone drowning in a pool. A random car accident. An unfortunate occurrence.

 

This is much, much different than being attacked by enemies of our nation....a deliberate effort to kill citizens to further an ideology.

 

In my opinion, softening the terminology goes hand in hand with revisionist views; even if unintentionally.

[BROBS]

It actually does not involve a degree of accidental chance. A tragedy can be an accident, but by definition a tragedy does not have to be an accident.

 

trag·e·dy

ˈtrajidē/

noun

1. 1.

   an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress, such as a serious accident, crime, or natural catastrophe.

 

I guess I don't see this as a "softening" of the event... simply an adjective. I don't believe many (if any) people mean it or see it in this way, either.

Not trying to argue by any means and please don't take it that way. By definition, this event is certainly a tragedy.

 

By no means should we "soften" the event or try to justify what the terrorists did. Perhaps "tragedy" is too weak of a word to use, but I'm sure the media latches on to terms that many citizens will understand. These days their word bank is shrinking by the minute.

 

regardless, sorry to derail the topic with semantics.

 

This day is about remembering those we lost on 9/11 and really BECAUSE of 9/11. What about the troops sent over there we lost.. to me they are part of all we lost on 9/11 as well.

-Brian

[Robswashashore]

Leigh -- Thank you for starting this thoughtful thread. I remember on September 12, walking my son, who was then 8, to school. He usually took the schoolbus, but that day, I wanted to escort him personally. I wore the only uniform it has been my privilege to wear, that of the Den Leader of his Cub Scout Den, and I carried my heavy walking stick, and I stood guard at the door of the school, just to show "them" that even the old ladies of this country could stand firm.

 

Thirteen years later, this afternoon our small town had a ceremony in front of the Fire Station and my son, now a Firefighter/EMT, stood at attention with the rest of the Brewster Fire and Rescue to honor their brothers who showed "the greater love " on 9/11. My little boy, whose hand I held on the way to school after the first 9/11, is now a tall, strong young man who has pledged to risk his life for others. I was so proud and grateful, and especially want to thank my friends on this Forum who have served as first responders and as defenders of our dear country.

 

"America, America, God shed his grace on thee,

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea."

 

Jean

[m1ashooter]

I was pulling into George Bush International Airport to catch a morning flight as the attacks were happening. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I had been out of the AF for just a few years and I wanted a piece of these people.

 

I went home and gathered my family of two small daughters who were scared around the table. I looked them in the eye and told them fear not. There are many men like your Dad who will not let this happened again.

 

I then loaded a M1 Garand and body armor in the trunk of my car and I carried the gear with me for six months. I will not let something happen to our people if I can help it. Again with the rise of ISIS and the uncontrolled entry of people over our southern border, I have again. loaded by friends in my trunk.

 

I grew up in NJ and watched those towers being build and then lighted up against the night sky. I was very concerned for my Dad who is a member of the brotherhood. He is a Vol Fireman and I figured he was headed into the city. I couldn't get hold of because of communication outages. When I finally did I asked him where he was. He was with some of our local company men manning a cities house so the paid guys could work on the recover site. Its what fireman do.

 

I asked him if this is what he felt when he found out about the attack on Pearl Harbor and he said to me Son this is your generations Pearl Harbor..

 

I paced many a day because I wanted revenge. One night when I had trouble sleeping I went outside into the night. All flights were still grounded which is an odd felling when you live only a few miles from an airport. I heard the sound of victory in the night sky. It was the sound of a fast mover flying CAP over my city. At that point I felt better knowing that other men would carry the fight and kill those who did this not only to the people of America, but the world. Let us not forget that people from other lands lost their lives that day as the towers came down.

[uniformcollector]

I was about to fly home with my family from Idaho that morning. We watched the second plane hit on the news and were all shocked at what had happened. A friend of mine worked in the financial district during the attack as a stock broker. As horrible as it was to watch, I can not even imagine what it was like for him to experience it. He still has his shoes, covered in the dust from the collapsed tower, in a box. It was a horrible day and I hope that we are now more prepared in preventing another event.

 

R.I.P. Col. Canfield Boone, Lt. General Timothy Maude and all those who lost their lives that day

[gwb123]

MSNBC ran the footage from that day, matching minute by minute the current time of day.

 

We all know what happens next, but I forced myself to watch it.

 

It was like living through it all over again.

 

On the day it happened, after the dust settled, I went outside and raised my US flag. I was well beyond the age of military service. It was the only thing I knew to do.

 

Mine was the first one up on the block.

 

By evening, every house on the street had a flag flying.

 

This day just brings that all back.