9-11-01

 

 

World Trade Center, New York, NY

 

 

 

"Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or working on some stage in L.A.?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Risin' against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?"

~Where Were You By Alan Jackson~

 

On September 11, 2001 I was in New York State.

To be exact when I heard about the first plane,

I was standing in front of Ferdon Hall at Camp Glen Spey.

My father and I had woken early to head up and meet with the ranger.

 

I remember telling my father how amazing it was out that day.

The sky was so blue and not a cloud to be found.

We had just arrived at camp when the first report came through

The ranger told us as we walked over to talk.

 

At first my father thought it was a joke.

Country boy trying to pull a fast one on us.

Then his wife said over the radio

"Another plane hit the second tower"

 

I can honestly say my heart stopped.

I at this time had already been working in aviation.

I knew the flight paths around New York City.

I knew that I had friends flying around covering the first crash.

 

Then as we prepared to get to work when the unthinkable happened.

The first tower collapsed.

 

Our long day of helping fix things around the camp,

Turned into a long quiet ride home.

And as we came over the hill on Route 3 in Clifton,

The first signs that life had changed appeared.

 

Thick black smoke could be seen in the distance to the south.

And as we approached Rutherford the highway grew to a stop.

Fire trucks raced past us filled with volunteer's wanting to go help.

People crying in their cars as the reality hit.

 

When we arrived home a creepy silenced filled the air.

You never realize how much air traffic is over head until it's gone.

It was gone for a few days and I welcomed it when it returned.

 

And during all this our country pulled together.

We didn't let it destroy us,

We morn for those who were lost,

And celebrated those who survived.

 

Today we remember that day,

But we don't let that day control us.

We are stronger then the attacks!