9.11

Six years ago today, terrorists attacked America.

Six years ago in 2001, I was a freshman in college.

Everyone remembers where they were when the World Trade Center was attacked. Today, once again, was a somber day as the events of September 11, 2001 echoed in my head.

It was a normal Tuesday when I woke up at 7 a.m., an hour before my biology lecture. My typical routine involved eating a quick bowl of oatmeal while watching Good Morning America just before catching the bus. But this morning – as I soon found out – was different.

I turned on my TV to hear the weather forecast – instead, I heard sounds of hysteria and confusion (I haven’t seem news anchors so terrified before). Then, I caught replayed footage of an airplane smashing into one of the Twin Towers, followed by a second jet colliding with the sister tower minutes later. My jaw dropped probably all the way to the floor as I sat at the edge of my bed in total disbelief trying to comprehend what had just happened. Eventually, the terror unfolded...

Many classes were canceled and replaced with discussion groups, mourning services and conferences held on campus. Still, there wasn't really any way to find solace. Actually, all day I kept pinching my arms and rubbing my eyes to make sure this wasn’t a dream.

Soon after the attacks I called my parents, my sister, and then my brother. At times I also sought refuge in dorm rooms sardined with new friends. We talked about the news and how we felt – how we lost our sense of normalcy and security that day. We prayed and grieved for the deceased – those we didn’t even know but who we felt so much pain, sympathy and regret for.

Innocence was lost for many people that morning; however, it seems our patriotism has grown even stronger since then. It was a day with no answers, but with an unending line of people who came forward to help one another.

Many ceremonies remembering the victims marked the day around the nation, including some in the Milwaukee area.

Besides flying all flags at half-staff today, at UW-Milwaukee, the Conservative Union honored the victims by placing a tiny American flag for each of the 2,974 people that were killed on September 11. My sister, a UWM theater student, said that many other students stopped by the area and reflected on the day. “It was very eerie,” she admitted.

In addition, there was a memorial ceremony at the Milwaukee County War Memorial. Dozens of people gathered there including the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department. The bell of the U.S.S. Wisconsin rang eight times – one for each branch of our five armed forces, once for the fire departments, once for the police departments and once for those who lost their lives in the attacks. I listened to this ceremony on my way to work.

Sadly, some people have become complacent – to them it’s just another day. But to me and to many Americans this is a very sacred day. After six years we haven't stopped remembering. And we won't forget. Forever we will honor those who were lost in the attacks on September 11 as well as those fighting or who have fought in the war. Together we will stay united and will continue to stand proud!

Everyone remembers where they were, what they were doing or who they were with when they got news of the terrorist attacks. Here’s your place to share your thoughts, feelings and anecdotes.

Comments

[Andrea]

I also was in school, but in my junior year. My classmates and I were sitting in our 7am class when one of the profs in the building came through the door and told my teachers to put on the TV. We watched the breaking news. When our class was over, many of us still sat in our seats. I dont' think we knew what to do or where to do. Time stood still.

[Dumass]

"I don't know where bin Laden is. I have no idea and really don't care. It's not that important. It's not our priority." - G.W. Bush, 3/13/02

[Pinky]

Unlike you, I was in fifth grade and we were on an overnight camping trip. Everyone was crying. My math teacher had to tell us about it.

I didn't even know what he said. He was like, "There's been a terrorist attack." I thought, "Oh, okay . . . what's that??"

[Melissa Davis]

I've been reading this blog for a while. I remember reading Erin's touching 9/11 post and it's great to see that you felt the need to reflect on the day too. It's good you girls are sensitive to that day and what happened. Thanks for keeping this blog going.

[Eric]

I was sleeping when the first plane hit...my sis came to wake me up...didn't know what was going on so I went back to bed...ended up getting up right about the time the towers fell...I remember, when the reality of what had just happened sank in, getting very angry. Terrorism in general is such a stupid act. Nobody is going to respect you if need to resort to acts of violence to try to get what you want, even if the cause is a nobel one. The only form of protest that wins any respect is one involves self sacrifice.

[Mary]

I also remember being in class. I will never forget the look on my professor's face when he came back into the room b/c another professor had pulled him out. He didn't say anything and just turned on the large screen TV projector. It was strange...over 300 people sat in complete silence and watched at the second tower was hit. That moment will never be forgotten, nor will the first sounds I remember hearing were tears throughout the room. My professor never said anything, just sat down in front of the room and cried. It was by far one of the most terrifying moments and will be a day that all Americans will know forever.

[Scott]

I was at work when reports of the first plane hitting the first tower came on the radio. Shortly after there were more reports of planes missing or not responding to controllers on the ground. No one new whether it was an accident, whether it was planned, or what would happen next.

When it was finally presented as an act of terrorism I remember thinking that whatever we did as a country that we were on very delicate ground. I also remember thinking that this was the start of something big and that everything would be different after that day. It was very scary in the time shortly after that. In fact where I worked at the time, about a month later we recieved a package that was thought to include anthrax, and authorities responded to the situation as such.

We are still living in the shadow of that day. We have not forgotten it, but as days go by we become less aware of how important that single day was. I pray that the world does find peace and that this is something we can tell our children about and not something they will ever have to experience firsthand.

[Kristin]

On 9/11/01, I was in high school. I was sitting in my 20th Century US History class (eerily appropriate) when we heard the news of the first attack. In every class I went to the rest of the day, we did nothing but watch the news, talk about it, and cry.

I've lived in New York City for over four years now. Last year on September 11th, I was living in the financial district, and I had to walk past Ground Zero on my way to the subway. It was the most sobering experience I'd ever had -- seeing all the people mourning and paying their respects, as I shuffled off to work at 8am. I don't live anywhere near there now, but even still, it was a difficult day. On one hand, I wanted to honor the people whose lives were affected by the tragic attacks, and hope for a brighter future... but on the other hand, part of me will always be afraid on that day. Numerous times during my hour-long subway ride to work, I found myself praying for the city's safety, hoping that no one would try anything on the "anniversary" of 9/11.

There's one other part of the day that I wanted to comment on... I teach in a middle school, and there was a school-wide assembly yesterday morning (as there is every Tuesday morning), but we started this one with a few minutes of silence in remembrance of those who died. After the silence, the principal told everyone that he used to have to talk to his 6th-grade students every year about the fact that history isn't just in the past, it isn't just dead people hundreds of years ago. But since 9/11/01, he hasn't had to say a thing about it -- the kids understand that history touches them. Several of my students lost parents in the attacks. And even though the entire school was between the ages of 4 and 7 in 2001, they still remember what that day felt like to them. Things like this mean different things to different people, and I just hope that we don't ever forget what that day was like and how to be compassionate to each other in times of need.

I know this was a long comment... This subject just touches my heart in a very specific way... Thanks for writing about it, Karen.