Where Were You During the World Trade Center Attack? Tell us your story!

The World Trade Center Attack
September 11, 2001

Where Were You When You Found Out?
How did you find out?
How has this affected your life? What has changed?

Everyone is saying we will remember the day of the World Trade Center attack
for the rest of our lives, like we remembered the Kennedy assassination.
Record your experiences here of that day - 9-11 - and what has changed since !

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>>Share your story here!<<

Linda

At work - 7 WTC - New York, USA Monday, January 14, 2002
I was at my desk at 7 WTC, drinking coffee and complaining it was too light (funny how little things like that used to seem important). All of a sudden, I heard a very loud explosion. Debris was flying past our windows, and we knew we had to get out of there (as we were there in 1993, thought it was another bomb). We ran down the stairs to the lobby, but they had locked all the front doors because of debris and bodies falling all over. While we crowded into the lobby waiting for building security to let us out, the second plane came crashing into the other tower. Now we knew it was no accident. All I could think of is if those towers fall, we'll be right underneath. They let us out of a back door, and we ran down the West Side Highway. We looked up at the towers to see fire and smoke, and then people started jumping down. Everyone was screaming, and sirens were everywhere. I thought of my brother, a NYC fireman, and wondered where he was. We started to hear a rumbling, getting louder and louder, as if some huge thing was chasing us. We couldn't see what was going on because of the smoke and dust. We went over to the high school and tried to make phone calls, but couldn't get through. Then a policeman came in and told us to get out because the second tower was ready to come down. Well, then we really panicked, because we didn't even know the first one had gone down because of all the smoke. We just started running north, and every now and then looked back to see what direction the tower was going to fall. The loud rumbling again, now we realized what this sound was the first time, and watched in horror as the giant caved in on itself, throwing debris all over the place. After walking for what seemed hours, we got to a safe place, and it was amazing how most people were kind of in a daze. I thought about my son, and I knew he would be worried sick by now. I finally got home hours later. My son who is 24, just broke down and cried when I came in. I found out later that my brother (the fireman)
was off that day. (thank God) but he was worried about me, and drove into the city. He lost ten good friends from his firehouse. I can't believe this happened. I still think I am going to wake up from a dream. I worked at the WTC for 12 1/2 years, and I miss it very much. The fountain in the plaza, with benches and concerts in the summer, the concourse with all it's stores downstairs, I can picture it so perfectly in my mind. And I can't help but think about all those people who died. How many times I must have seen them in the crowd, happy and alive, and singing along with whatever band was out there. I miss them all. God bless us. This should never, ever happen again. And I want to thank all of you in other states and countries for all your care and support. It truly helps to know how others are keeping us in their thoughts and prayers. I don't object to anyone coming down to view "ground zero". As long as it is done with respect. The WTC was always an attraction, so people should be able to see it now, the way it is, also. Thank you for coming here, keep visiting, keep praying, keep us in your hearts. We need you.

Monday, January 14, 2002

Just woke up - California Saturday, January 12, 2002
It was still pretty early on the west coast when the attacks happend. I had just woke up and grabbed a cup of coffee, and logged on my computer. AOL was running the story about the first tower being hit, and everyone thought it was an accident. I don't normally go to chatrooms, but seeing the image of the world trade center engulfed in flames made want to, I also switched on my TV and was shocked at all I saw unfolding. Shortly afterwards the second tower was hit, and we all quickly realized this was no accident, next it was the Pentagon, then flight 93 crashed. Everything was happening so fast it was surreal, and we just kept wondering what would be next, and when would end. It was a day I don't think anyone can ever forget, the day before was just another ordinary day, but by the 11th the whole world had turned upside down

Saturday, January 12, 2002

Raja Shah

The terible event I ever saw in my entire life... - Karachi/pakistan Friday, January 11, 2002
It was the 11th of September, 2001 as you all know. I just got bore and start surfing the web, then suddenly i quit and switched on TV i was just changing the channels to see some good program and during that my finger stopped at CNN, i saw the one building burning and there was a report on CNN that some light transport aircraft has hit the first tower of the WTC. I was watching the same in the meanwhile another jet airline came in the video I thought that the plane as was seen in the video was turning to land at some airport nearby, suddenly the plane hide behing the WTC and was never seen flying again it was the first ever airliner crash that I ever saw in my life on the TV being transmitted LIVE. I was shocked at the moment, rushed into my father's bedroom and asked him to see the TV.....oh my God, Bless the entire World.
And then the other plane crashes news followed one after the other, and shocked the world.

Friday, January 11, 2002

kevin newbegin

i was afraid - michigan Thursday, January 10, 2002
the day started off normal. as i went to school i felt different,somehow.i was in second hour when i heard. when i heard i felt violated and scared. we spent the whole hour listening to the news.

Thursday, January 10, 2002

Aunt, brother, sister-inlaw - Harrisburg, PA Saturday, December 29, 2001
I was on my lunch break from my job and I heard it on the radio that the WTC's had fallen. At first I thought it was a replay from a movie or something, then I switched to other channels and they were talking about it. I was scared to death for myself as well as my family who live in the area of the atacks. I frantically called to see if my brother, sister in law, and Aunt were allright. My bother and sister in law were, but I hadn't heard from my aunt who worked in the Penatagan. Later that week I found out she was ok and had left the area where the plane hit 10 minutes before it happened.

On my lunch break I drove home and turned on the TV to see America under Attack. I was truly worried then, wondering what's next to get hit? How many planes were hijacked. I got really upset when they said a plane went down in PA, i thought OH my God where? Because I have family all over PA. Needless to say my family was ok, but I never felt so heavy hearted before in my life and for the first time in my life I looked at the person in the car next to me, or the slow moving driver in front of me, not as an object , but as a fellow American-EQUAL regrdless of race, economic status, or religion.

The next day I was ticked that my job decided to have work and proceed like nothing happened. That was a patient day for me, whoever needed to be let in during the traffic jam, fine, go ahead.

On my way to work the next day, Lee Greenwood's proud to be an American played on the radio-I still get goosebumps thinking about it now-And once again I did something I had never done before-I cried for not me, not my problems, but for my country and my American people!!

Saturday, December 29, 2001

Valerie N. B.

Mental Hospital - California Monday, December 24, 2001
I was in Charter Oaks Mental Health Facility in West Covina. I was the only person awake watching a cartoon, all of a sudden an important interuption thing came on showing the second plane crash. I started crying seeing all the people running and screaming for their lives. For the next 3 days that was all the staff put on the TV, talked about in group, and talked about with eachother. After a while it didn't affect me so much and I kept telling them to be qoite, forget about it, and that it was over, trying to convince myself of the same thing.

Monday, December 24, 2001

Joseph Jessop

Where I was. - Orderville, Ut USA Wednesday, December 12, 2001
I woke up and every thing was going normal until I got on the school bus expecting to
hear music, but it just had the news, and I was asking people what had happened, but
nobody would tell me. I got to school and said something about it to my first period teacher,
and he turned the television on, and everyone watched as they showed what happened. It
was a terrible sight. The worst thing about it, is that I have a fellow class mate that was in
New York for the trimester. she was unharmed, and is now going to school here in orderville
utah, and i am glad to know every one was able to be here, and I would like to give hope to
those who have lost loved ones in this tradegy. I would also like to thank those who are over
fighting in afghanistan, and I wish them the best of luck. thank you.

Joseph Jessop

Wednesday, December 12, 2001

Grits

informed by prayer chain - New England Friday, December 7, 2001
I was working from home. I got a call from our church's prayer chain. The woman on the
other end sounded extremely upset and said someone had called and suggested "we put all this stuff happening with
the World Trade Centers on the prayer chain". I said "What stuff?" She replied, "you don't
have a tv on do you?", I answered "no". She just said, go turn on your tv to any channel and
began crying.....I hung up and did so. Just like most of us, it seemed surreal and like a movie,
yet I knew it was no horror film dreamed up by Hollywood. My husband and I watched the news
nonstop for days, crying, praying, asking "why?" --- we are praying still. Mostly I pray that none
of our fallen country men and women died in vain, let's all be better Americans for this, let us
not help our enemies be victorious by going back to the materialistic selfishness that began in
the 1980s! Parents, let's put our children's welfare and needs above our own for the
short time they are in our care, Neighbors let's forgive each other for how we can irritate one
another and just be more understanding that we're all struggling, Politicians, please remember
our country was begun on Godly principles and that you were elected to serve individual
people NOT corporations; Any one of the people aboard the airline flights that were hijacked,
or the people in the WTCs or the dear emergency workers who lost their lives would be
greatful for the chance to be a better American today and tomorrow, can't we all just do
that, can't we all just put forth the effort to be a little better each day?

Friday, December 7, 2001

marzia

I thought my dad was joking me or that he got crazy... - italy Thursday, November 15, 2001
I was coming back from hospital, a friend of my mum was really ill, we went to visit her. She was getting better, a lot better. After that we cam back home, I had my mobile and it started 'beep-beep' and I saw it was my dad. I didn't know anything yet, I still was in my car. He told me: 'a plane fell down in new york, all the airports are closed, don't go to anywhere, just come home, fast'. He didn't know it was a terrorist attack. Nobody knew it, it was the first tower. I thought my dad was getting crazy, how could I think a similar thing? So my mum drove me home and we entered the room, wehere my dad was watching tv, cnn was everywhere on our tvs, here in italy we have 3 state channels and 3 private. My dad told America was under attack, he saw the second tower attack live. First I didn't know what to say, I didn't say anything. I felt like I must had been home when that happened, I know it's stupid, but I feel like I didn't cry enough, even if all days after it, when I woke up in the morning the first thing I thought of apart from my boyfriend, was people in fire and so lonely. If I had been able to do something I would have done it, nobody could do anything, or sure someone did, but nobody could have saved all people...my thought for them will be coming to n y when i'll get older. I'm sure america will survive, even if nobody will never forget and my children one day will know that something so bad happened in the world (with the other bad things), I hope they will live it just as a history part, that will never repeat.
God don't bless only america, bless all the world
marzia

Thursday, November 15, 2001

Sol Flamberg

In the WTC the night before - Manchester, England Thursday, November 8, 2001
I consider myself very lucky and the gift of life I have is one I spend wisely each day. Myself and my new fiancee were at the World Trade Centre on the observation deck the evening of the 10th September. We arrived at 4:50pm escaping the rain and were told that because of the bad visibility it would be better for us to return in the morning. We chose not to and rode the elevator the 57 second journey to the top. We spent a few hours there, ate pizza, rang my mother, took some pictures and pressed some pennies. We left feeling happy and had a wonderful experience. The pictures I took in the last 14 hours are shared on my website http://www.sollybear.co.uk - look under digicam pics.

Thank you for the opportunity to share these with you.

Thursday, November 8, 2001

Garden Boy

just one who cries over this - Minnesota Thursday, October 25, 2001
This tradegy has affected me in a way that I'll never forget.I'm creating a website in dedication to all the victims and us working together and trying to stand up against terror no matter what part of the world it strikes.I've cried everyday working on my site.I would love to post anyones thoughts,hopes and prayers on my site if you send them to me via e-mail.It can be news or something you wrote...or a prayer..dedication etc...fears,hopes and thoughts.I will get your letters up very quickly.This site is located at ..i have an e-mail addy there and I'll post one up above.Bless all of you and stay safe and keep your eyes open....hugs all around...

Thursday, October 25, 2001

Kathy

A Friend's Return to Work Days after the attack - NYC Friday, October 19, 2001
We have a wonderful friend who is an attorney, Andrea. Her office is in midtown but she was on her way to the Second District Court of NY, which was in WTC 1, when the tragedy occurred.

She was in the Courtland Street Subway Station which collapsed as she was being evacutated by the NYPD. She was rushed into a building and then out into the street by well meaning people who were trying to find the most safety for the most people. She too decided that it would be better to be uptown and so she walked to her office, some 40 blocks away. She spent the next few days with her family and returned to work later in the week.

She found her desk stacked with work. She picked up one case after another: 1 World Trade Center, 7 World Trade Center, 1 LiIberty Plaza. She looked at the floor numbers so proudly emblazoned on these letterheads, 45, 84, 21. Where were these people? Not friends just adversarial lawyers? What would become of these cases that, until September 11th, were the center of some people's universe?

Friday, October 19, 2001

When the WTC Fell - New York City Friday, October 19, 2001
This is a story about a friend, Mark, in New York. He was taking his morning shower after his significant other, Kelley, had already left for her work in the D&D Building at 59th and Madison.

Kelley and Mark live in 88 Greenwhich which is the fancy name for what New Yorkers remember as 19 Rector Street. (An old Wall Street joke: Broadway got her but 19 rector. ok so it's a bad joke, but these wall street types are not known for their good jokes)

But the important point is that their apartment is just a few blocks from the WTC. While in the shower, Mark heard a swoosh and a roar but disregarded it as a sonic boom, and continued his shower. Then he heard a pounding on his door. There were sirens by now and there was another swoosh and a roar.

By now Mark was dressed, grabbed thier passports, his briefcase and made it out his door to hear the WTC coming down.

As his door is about four blocks straight away, the debris and the dust was coming down and towards him at a tremendous rate. He started running. Uptown, Kelley's building was evacuated, she started running downtown to find Mark. Somewhere along the way they reached each other on their cell phones and found each other at the corner of 23rd and Park.

This is an amazing distance and an amazing feat in a City turned on its head in the initial confusion and panic.

Last I heard (a couple of weeks ago) they had lost their apartment and were hopeful that the City engineers, when they have time, will examine their building and find it liveable or at least allow them in to take some of their belongings.

Friday, October 19, 2001

Joe

I was curious when it happened - NJ Friday, October 19, 2001
I was in school in math, just about 10 minutes into class. there was an annoucement for teachers to log onto their computers, and find out the news. I have two teachers in the room, and the woman was sitting at the computer and looked wierd, then my manly, math teacher almost started, crying, i got suspuicous but i kinda gave up. Then almost everyone went home early (expect for me)then at lunch me and friends were looking at eachother like something, happened, we know it, but we arent sure wut. The funny thing was there was a really bad fire in my town that morning, so my and my one friend, though maybe several homes in my town caught fire. Then when i got back from lunch, we were going to reading, and a bunch of us asked our 1 teacher, if she would tell us wut was going on. She said i can tell u this much, it isnt local, and they dont want us to tellu guys, she said but it is really sad! You guys will find out soon enough, we said c'mon, then she told us. Our jaw dropped, and several of us cryed! i was one of them. then we had 2 periods left, i tryed to tell my friends in the hall, but they didnt understand wut i told them. those 2 periods were the longest periods, of my life! I BOOKED HOME AND THEN SPENT AN AFTERNOON IN TEARS WITH MY FRIEND!!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

-Joe-

Friday, October 19, 2001

Amanda & Mary Beth

scared 2 death - TN Thursday, October 18, 2001
by amanda & Mary beth
i was at school that day. it seemed like a normal day.
i was in geo and we turned on the news and we saw the first
plane hit the world trade center get hit. all of my friends
got so scared and was afaird of war. my best friend at that
time her cousin was in the wtc.all of my friends were going
home. her cousin was never was never found. i guess she
died or something. it was so sad. the only thing i really have
to say is it was so sad and it got blow up.
i feel for all the people who was in there and for all the people
who had to lose their loved ones or close friends in the wtc crush.
it was the worst day of my life to see that happen to all of those
inncest kids and adults. that day keeps replaying in my mind and in my
heart everyday. that day will never leave anyones mind for as long as we
live. it was such a bad day for anyone for who hear about it, seen it happen
or had a loved friend friend or family memeber in there.
thankx for reading our story,
love,
Amanda & Mary Beth

Thursday, October 18, 2001

Donna

I Was A Sleep Until My Husband Called - Oklahoma Thursday, October 18, 2001
Well was a sleep when the phone ring I pick up the phone and my husband said, go outside and take all the military tags and stuff off the car and I said why, he said we had just been attacked and I just said huh! what are you talking about he said just do what I said take the tags off the car, so I said ok. Started looking for a screw driver and couldnt find one so I just went back into the house still half a sleep mind ya! and just turn on the TV when all of the sudden I saw the second airplane fly into the building, and I just screamed OH MY GOD! Lord help them. And I just stayed in front of the TV from that moment on crying praying God Please help them, cause it brought back memories of the bombing here in Oklahoma. My husband is in the Marines and The Recruiting Station Headquarters was in the building that was bomb as well as our bank. In fact I was just in the bank on the 15th just 4 days before the bombing. I just sat and watch TV until it was time to go to work and cry and cry and then got up to get ready to go to work praying all the way to work please dont make us work today. I was just so depress and sick inside. Well needless to say I had to work they was going to Open the call center back up at 3:00pm and thats when my shift started but I work for about 4 hours then left I just couldnt take it anymore. How I will never forget all the families that was seperated that day and lost forever. However my heart and prayers go out to all the family members who lost love ones that day and I prayed to God that he will help heal your hearts in time for time it will take.

Thursday, October 18, 2001

- Tuesday, October 16, 2001
I was out birthday shopping for a friend. I was at a store and saw the TVS. They were all on one station. I saw the second plane going into the towers. I asked a lady standing next to me. "What's going on?" She looked at me with tears her eyes. "You don't know?" my reply was "No. A plane went into World Trade Center and then Pentagon. A plane went into the Pentagon, WTC and now the second tower. Then we stood their and watch together the story getting worse. We both cried when we saw people fall out of the bulidings. Neither one of us could believe what was going on. I came home in shock and in tears.

Tuesday, October 16, 2001

Lauren

Just A Normal Day..... - Virginia Monday, October 15, 2001
I remember being in jym class and the PE teacher saying that everything after school was cancelled. No one knew why......

So I went through the rest of the day and then the afternoon announcements came on......"Students and faculty, today our nation was attacked by terrorists. The World Trade Center is no more, The Pentagon was attacked, and a plane crashed in Pennsylvania." Our usually rowdy class was speechless......We could not believe it. God Bless all the people that were killed and all the police and firemen that are trying to help, President Bush and the government, and most of all.....Our armed forces.....without you, past and present, we would not have the freedom that we take for granted every day.

Monday, October 15, 2001

Patti - Cartersville/USA Sunday, October 14, 2001
That was suppose to be MY Heart goes out to these families!

Sunday, October 14, 2001

Patti - Cartersville/USA Sunday, October 14, 2001
I was at work and my boss lady called to me to come and watch the news I wasn't going to beleive what just happened. I broke down crying so hard I made myself sick. I felt so helpless! You have got to understand that it was not only the World Trade Center for me it was also the fact that my son is a US Marine, he is my youngest son and I just felt like my whole world just ended. My hurt really goes out to these families because I would not know what to do if I lost someone I loved for such a terrible reason. God Bless them all.

Sunday, October 14, 2001

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Where Were You When You Found Out? How did you find out? How has this affected your life? What has changed?

Where Were You When You Found Out?
How did you find out?
How has this affected your life? What has changed?