I was at work, a bagel shop in Altoona, PA, when a customer said, “Did you hear about the plane that hit the WTC?” We hadn’t. We turned on the news and were shocked, as we had all assumed it was some small commuter plane that had gotten off course.
As we were listening (No images as we did not have a TV. Only radio which was on NBC News.) the horror started unfolding. Two planes. Then the Pentagon. After a bit, reports started to trickle in about the plane in central PA. Not going to lie, alarm bells started ringing in my head. “Central PA? Where? Why? What’s so important about central PA? What do we do?” No one gave a more specific location and, as such, we didn’t know if it was headed for us. I started to panic a bit. I borrowed someone’s cell phone and called my grandmother in Memphis to let her know I was fine and that nothing had happened to Altoona.
The rest of that day is a blur. I’m not sure it matters, really. All I know is that I won’t forget where I was or what I was doing that day. Its forever burned into my memory. As it should be.
As a military brat I’ve always been patriotic. Comes with the territory. I can’t say that 9/11 made me more so. Perhaps more aware of it would be a better phrase. Whatever our differences politically, this a pretty damn good country and one we should proudly defend.
Heartfelt thoughts go out to all who lost someone that tragic day. To those still suffering. To those who lose their lives every day in defending our home, be they police, firefighters, or our military.
