With September the 11th rapidly drawing closer and closer, i though it would be a good idea to ask everyone here how they feel about it, now its been 5 years.

maybe you could talk about where you were and what you were doing when this traumatic event unfolded? and whether it effected you in any way? did you know anyone who died that day?

I was in school back then and i remember getting home from school and turning on the telly and seeing the news, and i stayed glued to the tv all night. i went to school with a girl called Vicky who had 2 uncles who lived in new york and both worked in the trade centres. she didnt hear from them until the day after and found out that one of her uncles had called in sick that day, and her other uncle was walking to work there (he was late) when the first plane struck. they were so so lucky that day, seems fate stepped in and wanted them to survive.

September the 11th sent shockwaves around the world and it is still painful for many people to this day, so if it has effected you or a loved one, please feel free to share it.

All week here in the U.K there are tv programs about that day, with special interviews from survivors, to interviews with witnesses that filmed the whole thing. tonight was a program about the 14 survivors of stairwell B ont he north tower. it touches me to see the heroes and survivors of that day. what they must have went through would have been awful and my heart goes out to all who lost loved ones who were either in the towers or were close to the towers.

[katheryn]

i dont live in the us but it affected everyone every were some more than most,
i was holding a birthday party for my daughter whos birthday was on that day instead of playing party games we were glued to the tv watching the events unfold, my daughter if she could would change her birthday becouse she doesnt like celerbrating on this day,
(((((((((((everyone))))))))))))

[alisandria]

I live in the US. I remember that day well...I was listening to the radio, KISS108, I thought they were goofin around, so I turned on the tv, Good Morning America was on and they had a view of the first tower being hit. I saw the second plane hit the second tower within seconds of turning the tv on. Diane Sawyer was speaking, and I was not reacting. I said how did they film, that and why are they doing a replay...then I heard her in all the confusion...it's the second tower, it's not an accident. I started to cry. I had a friend that worked in that building, and another that lived in Manhattan. He called me right away, told me the earth shook near him, and there was smoke clear over to where he was. It was soooo crazy, all the phone lines became jammed all throughout the states that day. He called me so many times, he works for disaster and couldn't get outside lines, but for whatever reason could get ahold of me-several states away. I was his eyes and ears. It was just so terrifying. I cried so much. We didn't know what was happening. We live just north of Boston where the planes came out of. My daughter was at school and they were not releasing anyone until later in the day. Some parents went and got there children...those that had family on the planes...just so sad, it still makes me cry. We lost quite a few people in our community. The days following were just as scary fighter jets flying over the coastal area. Those were the only things we saw in the sky-I live in the zone that they'd fly over back & forth...so scary. Didn't know what to think. Then the bomb scares started at the schools...that was terrifying. Finally got to a point that people stopped sending their kids until things calmed down a bit....just so many, many jumbled memories. I just remember how terrified I felt, and how utterly helpless. I volunteered for a few groups to help out in anyway possible. I did searches for loved ones, made contacts for people. Then kept vigil. Organized a memorial here one week later. So many of us got together and lit candles. We had one for each lost soul. Stayed up til the wee hours singing songs, saying prayers, and waving our flags. I'll never forget 9.11, the day I heard the earth stand still....it was just silent........deafening silence for one moment in time.

[darkeyes]

We had just moved to our present home in Aug 2001,my son was at school,my husband at work,it was a beautiful day,blue sky,early autumn sunshine.
My husband called me from work,telling me his co-worker's wife just called to say TWC was hit by a jet,he told me to quick go turn the TV on,and right before my eyes I saw the 2nd tower get it.
I,like millions,watched in shock,first thinking it was an accident until we saw the 2nd tower hit,it was obvious then,it was no accident.
My husband called me back,and asked what should we do,should I go pick up our son at school and come home? He works close to where my son was going to high school,so yes, I said pick him up and come home,we need to be together.
It seemed the world was at war and the end may be near,and if we were to die,it should be together.
I know thast sounds morbid,but if that were to happen,it's my family I want to be with.
Well anyway,it became apparent the terrorists weren't finished,as I kept glued to the TV,the other hit was made in DC,it was the scariest day in my life,I like many will never forget.
From that day on,life was more important to me,people meant more to me,and after my dad's passing in 2002(not related to 911)my life has changed,each waking day and nightfall is a gift,all material things have lost their sparkle,my life has taken a different path,much of it positive,and some melancholy. I know and have met many people that in some way were connected to the victims and/or the surviving families,to listen to their trauma,makes 9/11 more of a reality. I have noticed since that day,the more strangers I meet are a little kinder,people seem to take the time for little chit chat,not saying hustle bustle is still around,but it's different now. Through such a horrific event,I feel some positive things have evolved, more acts of kindness I see,and appreciate and I also do the same.
September 11th,2001 will always be etched in my mind and heart.
My heart goes out to all those who have been connected in some way,the families the friends, who have lost someone that day.
Heartfelt wishes for healing and peace,I send to all.

I was helping my husband pack.

He had a business meeting in Chicago and was supposed to fly out that day.

We were in the kitchen, he was polishing his shoes.

The Today show was on and we heard Matt Lauer say a plane just hit the tower. At first we thought it was a small, propeller type until we saw the second one hit.

I begged my husband not to go. Begged. He called his boss who said "OH, the flight will still take off." I was frantic.

As it turned out, all flights were cancelled.

It is hard to believe it was five years ago.

The pain and sadness and disbelief is still very present in my mind.

[darkeyes]

Here's a song by Alan Jackson that I found very moving and best describes how I felt that day and will never forget 9/11.

"Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)"

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

The greatest is love
The greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

[ www.azlyrics.com ]

[JustAPixie]

I don't live in the US, but I remember it. I had to write my biology final the next day and instead of studying I watched a plane crash into a building a hundred times over on the news. I think that day shook the whole world. My parents moved to the US six months after that and when I went to visit them I was searched from head to toe... literally. When I got my boarding pass the guy at the gate told me that I should be prepared to be searched at every point... and I mean every point! I had to unpacked and repack my two suitcases four times during the trip, and it was a straight through flight, no stop overs. The metal detecters were so sensitive that they picked up the little metal rings in my bra!!! And I have a belly ring which caused me so much trouble because it would set of the damn thing and then I would have to stand spread eagle... but here's the catch, with my arms held up I am not allowed to show them my belly ring and they are not allowed to touch me so it took a lot of explaining every time! That was a terrible trip, but I can understand the security and at least now I have a story to tell!!!

[jbug]

I remember that day. I had slept in that day because it was my day off and when I got up I just got ready and hadn't turned on the T.V. or radio so I didn't know. I went outside and my neighbor and her little boy were outside and she told me and I was in shock. I then stood there and watched her little boy and asked what is Chandler doing? She reply hunting Easter Eggs. He had come in so excited that there were Easter Eggs out on the lawn he saw the dew and thought it looked like Easter Eggs and was taking it off every blade of grass. I almost cry every time I think of the innocence of a child hunting Easter Eggs in September when the whole world was falling apart. I then went to my dad's shop where I was supposed to have the day off from but when online into the chat room I hung out in at the time and chatted. It was there that I heard about the plane in Pennsylvania. I then had to go to the doctors office about 45 minutes away and took the backroads and thought how quiet it was it was like the birds knew something was wrong and didn't even sing. On the way back I stopped at the big and tall man's shop and bought a T-shirt with a flag on it. I changed into it right then. All night long I watched T.V. and just thought how could someone hate us that much to kill our people.

Jbug

[alisandria]

Wasn't that just the worst in a way? I didn't want to hear or see any more, but was so drawn to it. I do remember just wanting it all to stop. To go away some where safe, but there was no where safe. My daughter and I talked about going up to the mountains and just camping out or something, away from it all.

We were so scared cause we live not far from a Nuclear power plant....still that is an issue, and we have the Canadian gasline going right through our city (not far at all from my house). Just all too scary. This all seems so long ago, but also like yesterday.

[dcs_no1_fan]

I still remeber that day so well I did lose anyone to it thank god but I did a friend out there at the time we tryed for days to get hold of him but just couldnt contacte him we were all thinking the worst had happened to him but he was ok the phone lines were so busy that he couldnt let us all know he was ok
My heart goes out to all those who lost there family & friends that day it still makes me cry now when I read about it ect I cant do it I have to hear updates from friends & family ect so I get it in little bits at a time so I dont get up set

I am always thinking of all thoughs who lost & who were lost that day

my heart goes out to you all

I also wanted to mention that seven employees from my husbands company were on the flight from Boston to New York, otherwise known as "the first plane."

I was talking on the phone with my sister that day and we both had our televisions on because the first plane had struck the tower...we both watched in horror as the second plane hit...my sis immediately hung-up because her husband works in the city and she immediately called him...he didn't work in either tower, but was in manhattan...it took him 11 hours to get out of New York...we could see the smoke here in Jersey...very very sad day..

[JustBen]

I remember a lot about that day, and someday I'd like to write it all down for my kids and grandkids to read after I'm gone. The memory that really stands out for me, though, occurred about a week later.

I had just come home from work and was getting out of my car when I noticed a lone jet in the sky. In just a week, I had grown used to the lack of air traffic, and seeing this jet really affected me somehow. I just stood looking up at it. A jogger was going by and saw me looking up, so she stopped to look up, too.

We looked for a minute or so, and then, as if on cue, I walked toward my apartment and she resumed her jogging. It was just this unspoken moment between two complete strangers--never to see each other again. But it's as if we had an entire relationship compressed into that short, silent moment.

[hillbunnyb]

I was asleep and awakened by the phone ringing. When I answered a friend was hysterical crying screaming sobbing incoherantly at me. I went to town to see a tv and watch the calamity for myself. As the 1st building collapsed, I doubled over as though punched in the gut, with the horror of it all.
Later I found out 2 of the firemen, brothers, who were killed, had lived across the canal from my childhood home and I had babysat them. I had a friend gather a bit of the fallout dust for me which I shared with friends who also lost people that day. Watching those buildings get hit, and then each drop like a stone, are images that will stay with me forever. Where, in God's name, were our defences?

your stories are touching.

i truly believe the attacks on 9/11 brought the world that little closer and even if for a split second, it fused nations together and changed the attitudes of so many of us.

what happened on that day was dreadful, and it was repeated on a smaller scale on the attacks on london last year. although the attacks were on a smaller scale it held a similar message. but for the brits to unite against it the way the americans did on september 11th shows the good side of humans at a time when the bad side of humans was on mass display.

keep your stories coming. it is so fascinating and touching to read peoples first hand experiences of that day. i havent actually spoken to anyone who was connected with it as i live in the UK, so it is most informative for me to read them.

take care.

simon

[SerenitysWave]

<font color="purple">I was at work that day... three of my kids were in school... my hubby home with our youngest ... at the time he was a stay at home dad (due to an accident he had).... he called me all upset.... saying we are under attack!! I was able to get him to calm down enough to explain more to me.... And while I was on the phone with him the second plane hit the towers.... I was horrified. We had a radio in the office and we listened to the news... I wanted so much to go home and get my kids and just hold them close.... I called a friend of mine who had a friend in NY near the WTC...He was ok, thankfully! I cant put into words how I feel, it is so vivid and still rips thru my heart.... And this 9/11 will also be 1 yr anniversary of my father in laws death ( </font>

When I woke up that morning and saw it on the headline news on the internet about the first plane crashing into the building...I really thought nothing of it. I just thought-Oh, another plane crash-into a building?-what ashame. I must have been half asleep 'cause it didn't sink in that it was one of the twin towers. I went about my merry little way and made my way into work. About 15 minutes after arriving there my brother calls me on my cell phone and tells me about the second plane crashing and how the plane crashes weren't thought to be accidents...
I left my client's house and went to my Mom's house and was basically in shock and teary eyed, listening to the news the whole drive down there. (she lives 2 1/2 hours away)

[alisandria]

I just made the BIG mistake of watching FLIGHT 93, and I can't stop crying...I think it's still too soon to see this stuff...just so incredibly heart wrenching, the acts of bravery of those on board!!! Just brings back a flood of memories.......

[desirae]

The day of September 11th is very vived in my mind. I was in Arizona, in girl school, and in the classroom reading a book and listening to the sound of the television in the background. When I heard something regarding the Pentagon, I looked up and told my Teacher that my Aunt Susie workjed at the Pentagon. She looked horrified and excused me from the room to talk to the Principle, who she phoned while I was walking there. Then when I got there she explained to me of what just happened, and that the Pentagon was hit. I was terrified, and I had to wait for hours to find out if my Aunt was okay or not. Finally I got a call from my Grandma, and she told me that my Aunt was on the other side of the building and only felt a shudder, she was unaware the building was even hit.

That day is a day we will all remember for the remainders of our lives, a sad day, but a day that brought America, and Americans closer together, bringing forth patriotism.

[LMo]

I'm taking an overseas flight on September 11 and I'm going to need sedatives to get me on the plane. Not happy about it. But, I'd love to read/contribute to this thread once I'm home again

[FaithisAlive]

I was watching Good Morning America while talking on the phone with my mom.. I can't remember why , but they actually had the camera on the twin towers when the first plane hit because my mom and I both watched it as it actually happened and I couldn't believe what I was seeing!
(We thought it must have been a pilot having a heart attack or something.. unable to control his plane... never thinking it was an attack.)

And the next thing I knew, people were JUMPING from the building in an effort to escape the jet fueled fire! I wept. And I wept everytime they showed replays until I couldn't look at it anymore.I weep now when I see images of that day.

And not just the twin towers, but the pentagon as well, and also the plane those brave people took down themselves.....so much death..senseless...so much pain and horror. how can anyone be responsible for such atrocities?

In America, UNITED WE STAND...we will not forget those who lost their lives that day! Praying for Peace....

[sniffles]

I remember being at college that day. We were all sitting in class listening to the lecture when someone came in and told us what had happened. There was a TV in the classroom, so we turned it on and watched as the horrific events unfolded. What a tragic event. It's so sad. I have watching United 93 and I really enjoyed the movie that depicted the bravery of the people on that flight. I think they were so courageous. While the movie was sad, it made me think about what it took to do what the people on that plane did. How astonishing.
sniffles

[Bethsway]

It just so happened that I was home from work that day and was watching the today show with Katie Curic...when the first plane hit we were all in shock and my husband and I continued watching for the rest of the day...each horrific episode unravel...until we knew for sure it was terrorists...I still shutter when I think of it...All those sweet innocent families hurt by this heinous act...hurts, heroism, deaths, and never being able to get over it for the ones who remain...It was truly a horrible day and every once in a while I still pray for the victims and their families to take the hurt away!!! I will never forget it!!!

[kvinneakt]

It was a huge shock that I recall with clarity. It was wonderful to see our fractured society come together as they did. Too bad the event turned into a political tool that has been exploited ever since.

[jennie]

2001 was a rough year for me. I'll not go into my personal details.

For healing to occur in me, I need to learn as much as I can about a particular trauma. Learning helps me cope.

I'm curious about 9/11 -related PTSD.

I'm curious about the results of studies on resilence and PTSD and complicated grief. (i.e.
Columbia University research)

If you lost loved ones, close friends, and colleagues as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and you are interested in participating in a 9-11 Grief Survey, then check out this Web site http://www.9-11survey.org/