Where Were You?
Where were you when the Towers fell?
It's been 5 years since the attacks in New York City, Washington DC and a field in Pennsylvania. We've been debating how to remember 9/11. First of all, we ought to be flying a flag.
There's sure to be plenty on the cable channels. We've been watching the Naudet brother's documentary "9/11" every year since the attacks, first on CBS and then the DVD in more recent years. We've never actually pulled out the video we had our spouse tape for us the day it happened. Maybe we'll do that this year.
Is anyone going to actual memorial events? Bike rides? Motorcycle rallies? Commemorations? We'd like to hear what our readers were doing then and what they're doing today. Besides remembering. Check out a couple of the news links and other sites listed in the right hand column. Most, if not all, will have some sort of tributes up today.
It's been 5 years since the attacks in New York City, Washington DC and a field in Pennsylvania. We've been debating how to remember 9/11. First of all, we ought to be flying a flag.There's sure to be plenty on the cable channels. We've been watching the Naudet brother's documentary "9/11" every year since the attacks, first on CBS and then the DVD in more recent years. We've never actually pulled out the video we had our spouse tape for us the day it happened. Maybe we'll do that this year.
Is anyone going to actual memorial events? Bike rides? Motorcycle rallies? Commemorations? We'd like to hear what our readers were doing then and what they're doing today. Besides remembering. Check out a couple of the news links and other sites listed in the right hand column. Most, if not all, will have some sort of tributes up today.
posted by SCC at 12:05 AM
54 Comments:
I will never forget where I was that day! We were still sleeping when my pager went off, it was my mom. My husband asked why she always pages/calls so early in the morning. When I called her back, turned on the TV, and yelled for my husband to come here. He had been involved in something at work the previous night and thought it had made the news, he was obviously very wrong!! We spent the next several hours glued to the TV in horror, while we fielded calls regarding his military status. We knew he was going to be called upon to serve his country, we just didn't know when.
Myself, being a suburban cop at the time, left for work a few hours later and had to drive right by O'Hare and will never forget that eerie sound - silence, by a major worldwide airport! Not a plane coming in or going out. I spent the next 12 hours or so at work, with radios and TV's tuned into all the events, but still not comprehending it all, it was just so much to take in. In the days to come, it was odd to have the restored respect and admiration for our job. We've often been ridiculed and hated, and now we found ourselves in a new light. We would go on working, doing our jobs. My husband would spend months doing his military duty, then return back to the City.
Tomorrow, we will fly our flag as we do everyday. We will take the time to remember those who lost their lives, we will embrace our young children and be thankful for what we have.
On my way to 26/Cal. Pulled into the parking lot and saw everyone leaving the building. Had a cd playing and wasn't listening to radio broadcast. That day changed the way we live our lives everyday.
I was just leaving to take my son to school, when my then girlfriend told me that the news was reporting a plane struck the World Trade Center. We both figured a Cessna type plane. I left and then I came back from dropping my son off, by then the second plane had hit the tower and we knew this was no Cessna, we were under attack. I remember wanting to go get my son from school, was this the beginning of the end? I didn't, that was a good decision, the kids were all able to talk about it with each other and faculty, that helped them get through this. I hate these people more today than yesterday, I hate that they took away my childrens innocence. They can never get that back, life will never be the same, never forget...
At the time, I was a Supervisor for a Customer Service Call Center. Callers were mentioning what they were seeing on tv. There was much confusion and after we made some calls, we let everyone go home. Pres Bush was in FL, so there were rumors our state was being attacked. When I got home, I turned on the tv and called my boyfriend a Green Beret/Black Ops Captain who explained what was going on. Jimmy is still overseas.
It was crazy where I lived, being 10 minutes from CENTCOM, base for the Middle East. After Sept 11, I had an Army Chopper over my home @ 3am doing security in the area, there were F16's in broad daylight coming from Jacksonville, Stratocasters (huge refueling planes) and the cargo planes that dropped the food and leaflets during the day, which was startling to see.
But about a month after this happened, there was much uncertainty about our country and what would happen next. It seemed a heavy fog blanketed everyone. One night, a bunch of us were sitttng around drinking a few beers and a Marine Staff Sergeant got up, and started yelling that we shouldn't be sitting around like this and we need to take action. He grabbed this huge flag he had flying outside and said to follow him. We drove up the corner of Gandy/4th St N in St Petersburg. The Staff Sgt stood on the corner and the rest of us look at each other like what he is going to do, and he starts waving the flag, yelling at people in their cars. People started beeping their horns, stopping by to talk to my friends, many stating that they had enlisted because of the attack, police keying up the mic and flashing the mars. Police were coming out, county and city, and then a huge group of bikers stopped at the light revved up the engines. It ws the craziest yet best thing we did that night. Sometimes I met a few of my friends after they left the base for dinner, movie, etc and people would come over to thank them., Something that never happened before.
For the 1st Anniversay, our police memorial attended a special ceremony. It was raining and I was afraid the art print would get wet. Police Explorers helped me out and no damage. Kathleen Stanton, who was in the 2nd WTC Tower 92nd Floor was there as a speaker. I knew who she was before she was introduced, because she stared at the police memorial print the WHOLE time. There was also a local father/son police officers who went to NY to help. The father was a city cop and the son, was very young and a Sheriff. The look on his face was of pure trauma. It was easy to see what he had seen over in NY.
The weirdest part of the whole day though was when a Rabbi spoke. It stopped raining when he spoke and what he said, I will never forget. Later, one of my Assistants found the poem which he read.
Tomorrow I'm going to a ceremony in Summit, beause I haven't heard of anything of what Chicago is doing (?) then race to work. Lats night I posted the pics and stories of the 37 Port Authority, 23 NYPD, and 343 fire fighters killed. It was very tough. Plus for a local tribute I made a few signs to thank our local fire and cops because many went to help over in NY and they lost their brothers and sisters that day.
Here is the poem the Rabbi read that day:
"MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL"
You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news on September 11, 2001. Neither will I.
I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say "Good-Bye." I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, "Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK...I am ready to go."
I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words, and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.
I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. "I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!" I said. "Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now."
I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.
I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.
I was in Texas, Kansas, London. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me?
I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.
Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; "Come to Me... this way... take my hand." Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.
I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?
September 11, 2001 was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are "ready to go."
I will be in the stairwell of your final moments. God
God rest the police, fire fighters and citizens who perished. May their families find inner peace and strength because the memories of this tragic event will never fade.
My church prayed for the deceased and their families tonight at mass.
I was coming off the midnights in the old 10th District. Captain Blas had the CBS Morning News on TV in the Watch Commander's Office and he told me about the first plane hitting the World Trade Center. They didn't know what type of airplane was involved. I thought this was a loony suicide or an accident, like the B-25 that hit the Empire State Building.
We watched for a few minutes, hearing the reporter’s unemotional comments. Then on live TV, we saw the second plane hit the second tower. Oh my God, I thought, we are at war! Someone on Zone-10 announced the second crash; there was more emotion in that voice than in the TV reporter's comment. Nothing like the broadcast of the crash of the Hindenburg.
When I went home, I thought of how happy I had been when my daughter was born ten years ago. Back then the Berlin Wall had fallen and the Soviet Union had dissolved. It was going to be a better, safer world for her I thought. She wouldn't have to do the "Duck and Cover' drills that I had to do in grammar school. The world changed back then, it changed again on 9/11.
An officer who didn't sign up for the paycheck, didn't turn his back on hard work and sacrifice, and represented what every real police officer should strive to be. NYPD Police Officer John Perry #3266.
Rest in peace buddy.
I was on vacation in Disneyworld with my family. I arrived at Epcot and was told that the parks were closed. Upon returning to my room, a live broadcast of the second tower being struck was aired. It was too surreal to comprehend at the time. My sister in law and her husband were flying down to meet us, as we had flown down on the 10th. We were relieved when they arrived. They were fortunate enough to have had a flight that was positioned close enough to Orlando to be alowed to continue on to their destination when the landing orders were issued. We were unable to fly home, planes were still grounded. We had to rent a car and drive back. Kinda crushed in. It was eerie as the roads were pretty much empty too. We came upon our first Police Cruiser just outside of Atlanta and didn't see a plane until we neared O'Hare Airport as they were just starting to allow flights. As we were approaching Ft. Campbell Ky., we saw a convoy of CONEX trailers. This was a sign that the 101 st was getting ready for mobilization. Reality set in when I found out that a friend of mine, Pete Martin, Lt. Rescue 2 FDNY was killed in the attack when the building came crashing down on him and his entire command. On visiting D.C for the Police Memorial last year, I went to The Smithsonian and in an exhibit on 9/11, was the door of Rescue 2 and Pete's helmet.
R.I.P. Pete. You kept the faith Bro.
I hope EVERYBODY read what Murphy40pct. posted. He's spot on. God bless all REAL Police Officers like Officer John Perry. All of you naysayers who constantly complain should think about what he did when his City and Country were attacked. He didn't beef about the job,his bosses or anything else. He didn't call his city a "shithole" as many of you do when talking about Chicago. He did what he swore he would do when he signed up and took the oath if the time came.
The best thing we can do is continue with our daily routine. Show these Islamic bastards they cannot diminish the resolve of the American people. Fly the flag, say a prayer, back the President, respect our fighting men and women, and most of all tell every liberal a-hole you meet to have a nice day. Remind these liberals that all we do as a country is designed to allow them to have their convoluted views.
Remember those who died in the attack. Revile those who perpetrated the event.
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE CPD!!!!!!
GOD BLESS THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE NEW NEW YORK POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW YORK FIRE DEPARTMENT. I FOR ONE WILL NEVER FORGET THE SACRIFICE OF THAT DAY. REST IN PEACE.
Front page of the Sun Times tells us all we need to know about that rag. To the editors who give us Mary Mitchell - GET &**((#**@&@&!.
It was my first day of furlo. My phone was ringing off the hook.
I ignored it trying to go back to sleep, but it just kept ringing.
A friend (my FTO) started yelling like I was still his recruit. Turn on the F-ing tv now! I was like yea yea yea hold on.
Just as it powered up I watched the second plane strike. The phone uttered..." we are under attack". Look at these MotherF-ers.
I remember the rage well.
I still feel it now. My thoughts were of the kids in school and should I go get them.
All I can say is...GOD help them if they ever try something like this again. Then its time to clean the streets ourselves.
God bless out fallen heroes and their families! Say a prayer for them. Never forget.
I was in a week long crash course on Medical Coding when I first heard the news. Nobody knew what to say because we didn't know what was going on.
When the second plane hit, we all knew then that the US was under attack, and my first thought was my children and getting to them.
Our instructor wanted us to come back to glass instead of staying in the lobby watching the tv, and I told her she was nuts. My mind was occupied w/ my children, with wondering when my brother, who is a Marine, would be sent to fight, and of course for all the innocent victims that lost their lives.
Being so close to Philadelphia and the rich history the City has, I was also very scared that all of Philly would be attacked. City Hall was evacuated and everything was shutting down left and right.
I was about an hour away from getting to my children, and traffic was a nightmare. We were at a standstill. Getting into the school was even harder, as it was on total lock down. I will NEVER forget the look of fear in my boys' eyes as they tried to understand what was going on.
Last night my son and I watched the Naudet brother's documentary, and it's probably the 3rd time I've seen it. The tears flow just as easily now when I watch it as they did when we were under attack.
Although I won't be going to any memorials, I did take part of a blog tribute called "2996", which honors all the victims that lost their lives on 9/11.
We were asked to write something about someone who died that day in the attacks so they would not be forgotten.
Incidentally, I was in touch with the sister of the man I did a tribute to. While she was grateful and appreciative of the tribute I did at my blog on JJ, I received a letter from her saying she was shocked and appalled over the 'militaristic, pro-gun, pro-war stance' my blog stood for.
It's a shame she can't see that this isn't about her, but about her brother and 2995 others that died 5 years ago today.
It was my first anniversary on the job, as well as my first real furlough. I ran out to put some gas in my car. When I returned home, my partner called to tell me to turn on the tv. As I did, I saw the second plane strike the tower.
For the next few weeks, I watched this scene replayed over and over again on every possible medium. In a way, I'm thankful that my anniversary coincides with September 11th. I will never forget those who perished that day, nor those who gave their lives for this city. It's a somewhat morbid reminder of our mortality.
My husband & I had returned home from vacation in Washington D.C. the day before. I was watching TV and exercising. I woke my family and called my son who was on vacation in Colorado. We all watched the world as we knew it change. May all the heroes from that day rest in peace!!
It was late afternoon in the South of France.
Our day began in Cannes on the Riviera. Our motoring took us through villages in the Vaucluse on a day as beautiful as that fateful dawn in lower Manhattan.
After an idyllic drive through the mountains and villages surrounded by lavender fields, we pulled into St. Remy de Provence.
When we arrived at a restaurant in the center of St. Remy, we sensed that something was terribly wrong. All of the people appeared grim. We met with some locals and an Aussie couple. Several women were crying. Others were somber. We then learned that within the hour, two airliners had crashed into both towers of the WTC.
Contrary to the prevailing stereotype of the oft-maligned French, locals were in shock and grief. They were very kind to us.
On arrival at a chateau on the outskirts of town, everyone was riveted to French-speaking television for hours.
All trans-Atlantic air traffic was halted for nearly a week. After a month in Europe, we finally returned to O'Hare from Paris. The flight was tense. No smiles or laughter--just a somber loss of innocence that will forever remain as a defining moment in our lives.
None of us will ever forget where we were on 9/11.
God bless the thousands who were murdered, most notably the 343 FDNY firefighters, the 23 NYPD MOS and 37 members of the Port Authority PD.
I was awaken by the phone that morning just minutes after the second plane crashed into the WTC.
My mother excitedly asking if I was watching the news and that 2 planes crashed into the WTC? I thought my mom jsut didnt know what she was talking about. One plane crash maybe an accident but two???? I turned on the tv and couldnt beleive what I was witnessing. I was a new father and my wife was back to work and me on afternoons so that during the day I could care for our three month old. That morning I was to take my 14 year old step-daughter to an orthapedic since she hand broken her ankle during the weekend. I woke her to see what was happening just then while the reporter was in midsentence the first tower collapsed. I just remember thinking those poor people trying to get out and the firemen and coppers in there trying to get them out.
We got in the car and had the radio on. By the time we got to 63rd and Cicero the second tower collapsed. By the time we arrived at the Dr's office word was that several planes had been highjacked and there was an explosion in DC. I looked down at that precious little 12 week old baby kissed him and told him how sorry I was for bringing him into this world.
All I could think of was the poor childrens whose mothers and fathers werent coming home that night.
Well lots of things have changed in those 5 years. That little boy is now in kindergarten and has no idea of what happen that day. He is still an innocent little boy. That cute little 14 year old girl with the broken ankle, well it healed. She also went through a rebellious period durning that time but in the end she became very mature. At 17 while a senior in high school she enlisted in the USAF and we now hang a single star in our window.
God Bless our brothers in New York
and all those lost on that day in NY, DC and PA.
God Bless all those serving our country and those who paid the ultimate price.
God Bless the mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, sisters and brothers of those fallen.
God Bless the United States
I was on my way to work in SOS. On the radio, I thought it was a ad for a new movie or something, until I saw the news in the office. We were sent to O'hare to shut down the international terminal. A few hours later was the erie silence. Today I watch the news and all of the sorrow is still there. What happened to the RAGE? I still feel it.
Was at the 025 dist golf outing, having a cup of coffee watching it on T.V Was a very bad day.
We remember. May God bless the following members of the NYPD and their survivors.
Sgt. John G. Coughlin, Sgt. Michael S. Curtin, Sgt. Rodney C. Gillis, Det. Joseph V. Vigiano, PO John D'Allara, PO Vincent G. Danz, PO Jerome M. Dominguez, PO Stephen P. Driscoll, PO Ronald P. Kloepfer, PO Thomas M. Langone, PO Brian G. McDonnell, PO Paul Talty, PO Santos Valentin Jr., PO Walter E. Weaver, ALL assigned to the Emergency Service Unit (ESU).
PO James P. Leahy, 6th Pct.
PO Moira A. Smith and PO Robert Fazio, 13th Pct.
PO John W. Perry, 40th Pct.
Sgt. Timothy A. Roy, Traffic Control Division Bus Unit.
Det. Claude D. Richards, Bomb Squad.
PO Mark J. Ellis and PO Ramon Suarez, Transit Bureau, District 4.
PO Glen K. Pettit, Police Academy Video Production Unit.
REST IN PEACE, our brothers and sister Moira.
http://www.fdnylodd.com/BloodofHeroes.html
Copy and paste- its a great link. Ive been going back to it every so often for the last 5 years.
I was working my part-time at Northside college Prep H.S. Watched it un-fold on TV, looked like a Hollywood movie. Still cant believe it happened and all those people and buildings arent there anymore. Most citizens embraced us after that, now, 5 years later, it seems that everyone wants to get back to normal like it never happened. It pisses me off that most think it will not happen again and "all is safe now" people are back to the usual thinking about Police/Govt. having too much power. The reality is that we should have NO limits as to what lengths we can go to to prevent this from happening again. If it includes violating some civil rights, so be it. If youre innocent, you should welcome the intrusion and feel lucky that people(authorities) are going the extra mile to ensure everyones safety. Of course, the most of the liberal public/politicians would never allow it. Its a shame, we are one of the few nations in the world that chooses political correctness over peoples safety.
Murphy40pct (2:01 AM)
I admit that your moniker aroused my curiousity. After reading your glowing tribute to your "buddy", NYPD hero, John Perry, I think I understand.
John Perry was assigned to the 40th Precinct in Mott Haven, the South Bronx.
God bless John and all the other heroes who perished five years ago this morning.
If you worked the mean streets of the 4-0, Murph, you are the REAL PO-LEESE!
In a previous section someone commented on why troopers didnt kill piece of shit that killed troopers when he was on the run.....what about piece of shit that killed two CPD (God rest) in his garage but was found and captured unharmed by CPD? why didnt they just finish him off there which needed to happen/ Anyone have the answers? SCC let this be posted!
I shed tears that day over the lives lost and destroyed, and I always will...
Today's is also the one year anniverary of John Hurley's death. He left behind a wife and child and was a great cop and an even better person.
R.I.P. Buckets!!!
My flag has flown day & night (properly illuminated) since that day.
Being a piper and a firefighter I honor my brothers in blue (ALL OF THEM - FDNY/NYPD/PAPD)each September 11th by playing Amazing Grace at each of the times the towers fell.
MAY GOD BLESS THE SOULS OF THE DEAD AND COMFORT THE FAMILIES LEFT BEHIND.
FLY THE FLAG!!!
God Bless them all.
18 Spet 06 1930 Hrs. Candlelight Vigil at Gold Star Park.
I was working at the airport, my kids were frightened, they were released from school, but I couldn't go home to let them see I was ok, only calls and my reassuring them I was ok, until I could come home, late in the night and kiss them as they slept. The world was shown that we are indeed very vulnerable as a nation, the freedoms we give all those who come here are the very things that were used to end so many lives. It's hard to imagine the level of hatred the terrorists have for America, all under the guise of religion. What concerns me is that we have forgotten how our nation felt that day, forgotten that pure evil is among us, and has no remorse for taking those lives, and will take more if given the chance.
Did any of you see the report about the 18 year old Marine who was being buried at Arlington the same time the memorial ceremony was going on at the Pentagon? He was 13 in 2001, and told his parents he wanted to be a Marine to avenge the deaths of so many people. God bless that young man, and all those kids who are willing to put their lives on the line for the rest of us. Let our lives deserve their sacrifice.
May God bless the following members of the Port Authority Police Department of New York and New Jersey (PAPD) who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001:
Director Fred MARRONE, Chief James ROMITO, Inspector Anthony INFANTE, Capt. Kathy MAZZA, Lt. Robert CIRRI, Sgt. Robert KAULFERS, Police Officers Christopher AMOROSO, Maurice BARRY, Liam CALLAHAN, Clinton DAVIS, Donald FOREMAN, Gregg FROEHNER, Thomas GORMAN, Uhuru HOUSTON, George HOWARD, Steve HUCKZKO, Paul JURGENS, Paul LASZCZYNSKI, David LeMAGNE, John LENNON, John LEVI, James LYNCH, Donald McINTYRE, Walter McNEIL, Joseph NAVAS, James NELSON, Alfonso NIEDERMEYER, James PARHAM, Bruce REYNOLDS, Antonio RODRIGUES, Richard RODRIQUEZ, John SKALA, Walwyn STUART, Kenneth TIETJEN, Nathaniel WEBB, Michael WHOLEY, Dominick PEZZULO and PAPD canine Sirius.
I want to thank all of you guys for the kind words and would like to post this link to our site it is the same as this topic.
http://p066.ezboard.com/fnypdrant64609frm1.showMessage?topicID=43159.topic
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AT HOME AND ABROAD
I still get goosebumps when I think of the beloved FDNY chaplain, Father Mychael Judge, hearing the confessions of the courageous first responders before many perished with the priest at Ground Zero.
the hardest thing for me was standing next to the NYPD pipe and drum band the following year as the roll call was read and the entire band jusy bowed their heads and sobbed...God bless them all..go easy my brothers!! Filmore96..snare Emerald Society
I remember being in police academy and as I was taking our final firearms test, Officer Peck came over the intercom and announced that a second plane had now hit the WTC. As I realized that it was no accident and probably a terrorist incident or something, he came back on "3 shots in 7 seconds"!! I was shaking and confused at what was going on, but I guess I learned something because I know I can shoot under stressful situations. Scary day. I continue to pray for all involved that day and their families.
AS I was leaving for work on 9-11, a friend called and said turn on the TV. I did, just as the 2nd plane hit! I told my friend, "We are at war!". That was the day, besides mourning for those who were killed and their families, it was the day that I then realized my 2 boys who had signed up to be Marines were going to war. I will NEVER forget that day and no one else in this country should. We all came together as one, as we should be always.
Bless those who were lost, their families and BLESS OUR MILITARY as they fight to keep those bastards from winning this war!
Got a call from my brother moments after the 1st plane hit,I watched the 2nd plane hit also watched both towers vanish,I watched tv for almost 8 hrs and could not believe what I was watching,RIP all members of NYPD,FDNY and all people who just went to work that day or tried to help.
I must say tho,if we would only nuke the middle east we would be done with all those "bread to hate americans"alah loving assholes and we could spend 300 Billion dollars on our borders.
I was the tact lieutenant in 003; I walked into the office and as I poured my coffee, my secretary told me about some moron who flew a plane into a building in New York. We stood watching the TV, talking about a mission whent he second plane hit; Tom started calling the whole unti, and we got everyone we could in and into uniform. The waiting for meaningful direction was almost as unnerving as the ominous silence caused by the lack of aircraft.
I was ironing and getting my daughter ready for school when I was watching The Today Show and they interrupted their regular broadcasting telling that an airplane hit one of the towers. No one at that time knew what kind of plane and initially didn't know that it was an airliner and first suggesting it was some small single engine plane. I called a good friend of mine who is an airline pilot and told him to check it out on TV. When I got to school, the principal came out all ashen and said another plane hit the second tower, then I knew something was terribly wrong and believed the US was being attacked. I'll never forget going to work and looking at the Sears Tower and Hancock hoping that I wouldn't witness such tragedy here. I remember the sky being void of airplane traffic and how erie and surreal it was. I was glued to the TV and couldn't help feel for all those involved in NY and PA and DC. I had a hard time sleeping for weeks after just feeling so sad for so many souls.
God Bless America.
I am a Sheriff's Policeman.
That morning, I was off duty (Actually that week is was RDO on Tues/Weds/Thurs as we are on the 4/10 schedule). I was working my traffic detail at a grade school when a taxi driver told me what happened.
Went home, and was transfixed to the TV. I turned on my aircraft radio (private pilot/CFI) and I didn't hear a damned plane on the ORD approach. Same for MDW. Listened to the Palwaukee info squawker, it said that the airport was closed!
Listened to our old band 1 on my portable. No calls. No stops, No premise checks, nada. Domestics -- Zero. Pinches zero.
Few days later, I had a massive headache, and I was napping in bed. I heard this loud BOOM outside, and I sprung up from the sack.... Nearly shit allover myself. Found out later that it was an F-16 that went supersonic. That F-16 and a friend who is in the civil air patrol were the only two birds aloft over several days.
My first day back, the calls started to come again.
God bless our departed brothers of the NYPD and PAPD and the Firemen. I am certain that there is a special place in heaven for you guys.
Personally, I was asleep (having worked the afternoon shift the night before), and awoke at just about 9 am or so....turned on the cable news, and could not believe what I was seeing. When my wife awoke and came down for morning coffee, I told her, you won't believe what is happening....you know, one of the earlier posters referred to "duck and cover drills"; I remember as a grade schooler, having simulated attack drills where we (the students) went into the school hallways and took fetal positions on the edges of the hallways during the drills....maybe some things never really change, but, some observations: 1) America's war against those who hate us continues on, and demands our vigilance and our unity; 2) one tv commentator, last Friday, suggested that all of us decide what we would do if this were our "last weekend", i.e., what would we do if this were our last weekend alive....would we spend it with our families, would we read a book, go for a walk, etc., etc....because, 5 years ago, the weekend before 9/11 was the last weekend for almost 3,000 people, who were murdered the following Monday...
Had the last 2 nites off, watched the "Path to 9/11"; great movie! Bad luck for that guy that Harvey(the bad loouy)Kietel played; retired from the G and took the job as head of security for the Trade center days before the attack.
The 2nd half of the movie was tonite(Monday)then I watched Leno who had James Woods on. Lets not hate all of Hollywood.If uz remember Woods put in a beef before 9/11 that he was on a flight that he saw 4 arabs acting suspiciously and reported it to the G.Mr.Woods said tonite that he is finally allowed to talk about it:2 out of the 4 that he identified were 2 of the 19 hijackers; his flight was apar. a rehearsal.He's very supportive of this goverments fight against these a**holes. Mr. Woods was always a favorite, now he's right up there w/Heston, Eastwood, Milius, & Sellock(please add more names since Im drunk on my Dago red)!!
THANK YOU to all who posted these very heartfelt messages.
Today was hard enough, and then becoming enraged due to the lack of flags, yellow ribbons, etc. that were NOT present in our neighborhoods. By the time I got home, I was so very disgusted. But these posts shed a light on what TRUE CHICAGOANS are all about....
(Dago red? lol...)
OFFICER JOHN PERRY
His life reads like a Hollywood movie script. Officer Perry was a tall, handsome, intelligent man who spoke five languages.
Before joining the NYPD he served in the National Guard and later earned his law degree. Raised in middle-class comfort, John chose to live in a Manhattan housing project under a special program that provides low-cost, in-city housing for police officers. At age 38, John was ready to retire from the NYPD and start his own law practice.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, he was at 1 Police Plaza putting in his retirement papers when word came that a plane had slammed into the World Trade Center. Like so many other officers that day, John stopped what he was doing and raced to the scene.
John became part of a group of rescuers in the north tower lobby who directed hundreds of people to safety. He was there until the very end, helping people as the tower came down. John Perry died as he had lived, a hero to the very last day of his career.
Saw the carnage when I woke up in the morning on TV. First plane had already hit the first building. Saw the second one come in and hit, couldn't beleive my eyes.
Got a call to report in uniform for the 3rd watch. Sat around and did nothing.
Got home that night, looked at the sky from my deck, no airplanes. A very eerie quiet after a very busy news day.
Stayed on the deck about two hours and it was creepy. Did see one plane that was way to high to tell what kind of plane it was, probably a military fighter.
I had just came home after finishing a tour on the first watch, gave a good morning kiss to my 5 year old daughter, 4 year old son, and the wife before collapsing onto the bed - as I did after every midnight tour. Before I drifted off, my wife entered the room and told me a plane had just hit one of the WTC towers. I reasoned that it must have been an accident involving a small plane and dozed off.
The next thing I remember is my wife entering the room again, but this time with a sense of fear in her voice, warning me that a second plane hit the WTC. I immediately jumped out of bed and became transfixed with the surreal images being broadcast on nearly every channel.
The moment I saw the first building collapse into a mass of dust, I was overwhelmed with a sense of loss. I immediately contemplated all the police and fireman that just died in that very moment right before my eyes. It wasn't until the next day that I received word that my cousin was "missing."
Rest in peace Joseph Hunter
FDNY Rescue Squad 288
God Bless, Joe, and thank you for reminding me how noble we are capable of being.
I was getting ready for court, having had the night before off, and was watching the Today show. As I'm watching the today show, they break to the first plane having struck the first tower. Right before I left, the second plane had just hit the second tower. I called my partner and told him to turn on the TV, you ain't gonna believe what just happened I told him. As I get to 24th/california they announce on am780 that all city/county/government buildings are now closed. I was shocked that it took that long, but working for the city I wasn't that surprised. I'll never forget going to work that night in 24, knowing the potential hotbed that exsisted up in rogers park, from having a very diverse population.
As I read these testomonials I can't help feel the sadness that we all share. In addition, I can't help but feel for the first time that we can all can agree on the same sentiment and not bash one another.
God bless all that gave the ultimate sacrifice that day, for the rest of my career this day will be as solemn as the 4th of July, Memorial Day, the 6th of June and December 7th.
God bless the CPD and the CFD, I know that we would all respond in the same fashion, hoping that we never have to.
I cry everytime I think of so many kids without Fathers/Mothers. I don't know but every day I look at a clock at 9:11 and I remember.
I love my kids and every day I remember that his could be my last!!! God Bless them all and may we never forget the dead but also the ones left behind!!!
TO 9/11/2006 12:45:46 PM,
Too many civilian witnesses present.
I took my family on an east coast vacation in 1999. The highlight of our trip was a visit to the "City that Never Sleeps." We did Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, ET. All. The event my daughters talked about the most was our visit to the top of World Trade Center. We had breakfast at the Top of the World and took some never to be forgotten photos of the girls with the Statue of Liberty in the background. Little did I know how special that photo would be. I had it enlarged and it now shares an honored place in our home. That photo reminds me daily of what we are up against. What annoys me more than anything is the fact that I cannot enjoy the memories of my visit. Each time I look at the photo it reminds me of those who took away a wonderful moment in my life. Yesterday as my car flag fluttered in the wind I could not help but notice the lack of flags being flown from cars and homes. We seem to be forgetting what happened that dreadful day. For the sake of our families, our way of life, our country, and civilization in general DO NOT FORGET what these Islamist cowards did to us in the name of their head coward Mohamed and their false god Allah. Support the troops, support the effort, and most of all support our President. Just imagine where we would be right now with Al Gore at the helm.
PS: If any members of the NYPD or NYFD monitor these postings, God Bless you all. You guys stood up and did what had to be done.
For those of you who don't know - years ago all members assigned to the then Traffic Division had the honor of wearing a White Hat. Contray to what some people thought, we really were the "ggod guys."
I/WE MISS YOU JOHN HURLEY!!!!!!!!ITS BEEN A YEAR AND I STILL THINK ABOUT YOU DAILY AND YOUR THOUGHTFUL INSIGHTS INTO RELIGION AND HOW YOU CARRIED YOURSELF AS A PERSON/COPPER. YOU WERE THE BEST!!!!!! GOD BLESS YOU CHERYL AND BABY HURLEY.....YOU'LL ALWAYS BE IN OUR PRAYERS
God Bless everyone who perished on 911 and pray for the families and survivors.
America must stand strong and united. We will never forget.
I WAS HOME SLEEPING WHEN MY WIFE CALLED ME. I PUT THE T.V. ON AND SAW THE SECOND PLANE HIT. I TOLD MY WIFE TO LEAVE WORK AND COME HOME. THEN I WAS ON THE PHONE CALLING NY TO CHECK ON MY FAMILY. THANK GOD EVERYONE WAS OK.I GREW UP IN NYC AND MOVED HERE WHEN I WAS 22 YEARS OLD. I CRY EVERY SEPT 11, AND I WILL DO SO UNTIL THE DAY I DIE. GOD BLESS ALL THE POLICE,FIREMEN IN NYC AND ALL OVER THIS GREAT LAND WE CALL HOME
Islam is the religion of hate and evil and we need to start realizing that the goal of Islam is to make everyone like them or they will bring death to the ones who aren't! NEVER FORGET 911!
Where will you be when we get hit is the question.
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