9/11....

[ck80]

I'd been waiting to see if a thread would pop-up today from our members closer to ground zero, perhaps where more events are happening.

But, as it's getting later in the day... it's still appropriate to get one going and let them chime in later.

We've got many here who fit the category of having served during the crisis, cleaned up the aftermath, suffered any manner of ways - loss of friends and loved ones, health side effects from exposure that day, all sorts of stories.

For now, I'm just looking to open a thread, a space for any memories, thoughts, or prayers to be set forth.

If you were there, you know. If you were old enough, you remember how things changed that day, both in the short term and forever.

I've still got the truck I was driving in Rhode Island when the first plane hit, and the radio broadcast cut in. And its one of those moments you remember everything about - the weather, what, where, how you were doing things. And our part of the world went still as things kept coming out, even the shopping plazas closed down. Luckily I had a 40 gallon tank, recently filled, so the price gouging through CT and RI didn't impact me.

But, I can go sit in that truck today and everything feels exactly like it did that day.

Unlike the powers that be who chose today of all days to announce giving $6billion in money to Iran - Never Forget.

 

[Streetbu]

Thank you. It's gotten easier over time, but so much is still fresh in my memory. I will never forget the smell, and when my brain realized what it was the first time...

Lots of stories, I don't share most of them.
Had one guy I was talking with. You could tell he was just utterly drained but wanted to keep working. Took a break for some water and a couple of cookies. Fell asleep for 20 minutes at most, then back up and out the church door. He was one of the crane operators and had been working for 4 days straight with no more than a 30 minute break a day. Because no other certified operators were around to do it. So it was him or nothing...

 

[Built6spdMCSS]

I was five days into USAF Basic Training, Lackland AFB San Antonio, TX. None of us knew what happend the Drill Instructors asked all of us if any of us were from NY, which I am, and those of us who were to go and call our parents to make sure they are good. So the five of us that made phone calls found out then what happened. Three days later this big yellow envelope with my name on it showed up and one of them made me open it up infront of him. My mom had printed off a page by page as it was happening from CNN.com and sent it to me. Since I had that in my hands they decided to show us all on the tv what happened that day. I still have the whole thing she sent me.

 

[Built6spdMCSS]

I'd been waiting to see if a treat would pop-up today from our members closer to ground zero, perhaps where more events are happening.

I take it you mean thread...

 

[pagrunt]

I remember casing mail at the post office I was a temp at. We all thought it was just a really bad plane crash then came the next one. After realizing what was going & contacting my unit I had the only time the postmaster didn't complain about my service obligations. Ended up on stand by for the Shanksville site incase they needed more guard units for support. Didn't hit the sack for over 24 hours that day.

 

[ck80]

I take it you mean thread...

Yes sir. My vision of late has been poor and some auto-change words when I'm typing on the smartphone get past me.

That needs to be edited and fixed.

 

[john87442]

I'd been waiting to see if a treat would pop-up today from our members closer to ground zero, perhaps where more events are happening.

But, as it's getting later in the day... it's still appropriate to get one going and let them chime in later.

We've got many here who fit the category of having served during the crisis, cleaned up the aftermath, suffered any manner of ways - loss of friends and loved ones, health side effects from exposure that day, all sorts of stories.

For now, I'm just looking to open a thread, a space for any memories, thoughts, or prayers to be set forth.

If you were there, you know. If you were old enough, you remember how things changed that day, both in the short term and forever.

I've still got the truck I was driving in Rhode Island when the first plane hit, and the radio broadcast cut in. And its one of those moments you remember everything about - the weather, what, where, how you were doing things. And our part of the world went still as things kept coming out, even the shopping plazas closed down. Luckily I had a 40 gallon tank, recently filled, so the price gouging through CT and RI didn't impact me.

But, I can go sit in that truck today and everything feels exactly like it did that day.

Unlike the powers that be who chose today of all days to announce giving $6billion in money to Iran - Never Forget.

Well said.. so much changed that day.. god bless all the first responders and those who personally dealt with the horrific events of that day…. God bless the 343 brothers who gave all for others that day.

 

[pagrunt]

I forgot to add in my posting after 22 years there does seem to be too much radio silence when it come to today & its meaning.

 

[ck80]

I forgot to add in my posting after 22 years there does seem to be too much radio silence when it come to today & its meaning.

It's no longer 'popular'... <sigh>

I think there's a window of about... 20-25 years of the population who are in a position to really stop and really absorb the moment for what it is. I'd peg it as born between roughly 1955/60-1980. Wobble that a year or two in any direction you see fit, I picked round numbers.

Those too much younger generally didn't really see their worlds change by much, outside those close to Ground Zero, and lack the perspective for what was going on. Those much older than that, many have passed away, they're retired without an outlet to bring attention to thing, etc.

If you asked me, it really needs to be a federal holiday given how much can be traced to that day.

 

[Built6spdMCSS]

I was 17 when it happened and in Basic Training as I mentioned. Born Oct 1983. Then again I'm on the level of getting it. I can't say what I think of it all here.