Where Were You?

Where were you on the morning of September 11, 2001?

I was at home that morning, getting ready for a flight out of town later in the day to attend a business seminar. A friend had passed away the previous weekend. My plans were to get ready for my trip, go to work for a few hours, attend the memorial service, and then head to the airport for a 9 o'clock departure.

As I packed by bags, I was listening to the KQRS Morning Show when they announced a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. I immediately thought the worst. Off went the radio, as I spent the next hour or so channel surfing news coverage from ABC, CBS, CNN, FOX, and NBC. After the second plane hit the WTC, I distinctly recall ABC's Peter Jennings crying "where is the President!" (President Bush, who had been speaking at a school in Florida, was being moved by the Secret Service to Barksdale Airforce Base in Louisiana, where he addressed the nation.)

When it was reported the Pentagon had been hit, my survival instincts kicked in. I went to the nearest gas station to fill up my car, along with the empty gas cans that I located in my garage. I dropped the gas cans off at home and then went to the grocery store and purchased a cart full of non-perishables. On the way home, I picked up three 40 pound bags of dog food. During this time I had checked in with family and friends via cell phone. We all were at at a loss to explain what had happened or what we should do. Bin Laden was the natural suspect, but how could he pull this off in America?

I checked on the ammo supply for my firearms. I was well stocked for handguns, rifles, and shotguns, but after hearing that air travel had been shut down, I went out and purchased a large variety of bullets and shells to supplement my arsenal. I then dropped those off at home and headed for the office, wearing shorts and a t-shirt.

Except for the fact that everyone was in shock, things at work were normal. I discussed with my superiors the option of renting a car and driving to my destination, since air travel had been suspended. We agreed that my trip would be postponed until we learned more about what was behind this obvious attack on our country. The seminar went ahead, but money was refunded for those could not make it. The hotel I was to stay at allowed me to cancel my reservation without penalty - no questions asked.

The afternoon flew by, and at five o'clock I left for home, where I changed into something respectable and proceeded to the 7 pm memorial service. I arrived about 30 minutes early and had the opportunity to talk with the family and dozens of friends, many of whom I had not seen for years. Again, people were in shock. How could this happen in America?

The service was over by 8 pm. After spending a few minutes talking with those in attendance, I left with some friends for a local bar/restaurant. There were several TVs on when we arrived, but all were tuned into sports or reality shows. After asking more than once, and having several other patrons echo my desire, the bartender reluctantly agreed to switch one of the TVs over to CNN so we could get an update on the tragic events of the day.

We ate our appetizers, drank our beers, paid the bill and left. We tipped the barkeep exactly what she deserved, given her cluelessness about the significance of the day. I think she was just happy we were gone, so she could switch back to her favorite TV show and get paid to watch it.

Upon returning home, I cracked open a cold one and drank it in the backyard. I noticed an aircraft flying overhead in the darkened sky. And then I noticed a second. They were both F-16s, circling the Minneapolis/St Paul metropolitan area, separated by 180 degrees. I went to bed that night thinking about how I had never had imagined military aircraft would be patrolling the airspace over my house. The F-16s stood guard 24/7 for the next several days, ready to shoot down anything that dare take to the skies.

In the days ahead, some of my worries subsided, along with the rest of the nation. Watching both Democrats and Republicans stand tall alongside President George W. Bush was reassuring to say the least. I'll never forget Great Britain Prime Minister Tony Blair appearing with our President pledging his nation's unconditional support of the United States. New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's pragmatic words of encouragement not only set an example for his fellow New Yorkers, he inspired the nation as well.

In the weeks following 9/11 we learned of the thousands of everyday heroes who put their lives at risk on that fateful day, many of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice. Firefighters, police officers, paramedics and civilians who helped to save countless lives at the World Trade Center. Average Joes, like Todd Beamer, who challenged the hijackers on United Airlines Flight 93, and prevented a direct hit on the nation's capitol. After the Pentagon was attacked, military and civilian personnel bravely tended to the needs of the wounded and fought to control fires, while at the same time responding to the series of attacks against the United States.

I can only appreciate the significance of the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor from what I've learned in history books, or from stories I've heard from those who were old enough to remember that day. As the years go by, Pearl Harbor becomes, more and more, just a another chapter in history, rather than an event that greatly affected and changed the future. With 9/11, much of the country has already relegated the day to simply nothing more than a "Breaking News" promoted by CNN.

September 11, 2001 is a day I will never forget. I'm confident that my loyal readers won't either. Today is a day most of us will take a few moments to remember, even our pacifist President. Another terrorist attack could happen anytime or any place. This is why we all need to keep 9/11 in mind all 365 days of the year.

I've shared my story from 9/11, but far too many seem to have forgotten theirs. I'd be interested in hearing yours. By all means, share your story in the comment session.