TheNYRBlog Reader Remembers 9-11

TheNYRBlog reader Chris D. gives his thoughts on 9-11…

I remember the day vividly. I was a sophomore in college and I woke up to news of a plane hitting one of the Twin Towers. At the time, the news stations were erring on the side of caution ruling the event accidental. In my stupor of drowsiness and reluctance to attend class, my initial thoughts were that it was a terrible accident and I hoped not many people had perished or were injured.

As I stepped into my communications class, my professor had hooked his computer up to the stereo and was broadcasting a local radio station. He clearly knew what was going on. After the second plane hit, his face turned stone cold and he said, “There is no class today.” I ran back to my dorm, losing a flip flop on the way. As I approached my dorm, my thought process was scattered. I didn’t know how or why this was happening. I finally reached my room and sat glued to the news for the next 12 hours straight.

New York City is like a second home to me. I visited there so much as a kid and continue to visit, even though I’ve moved farther away. My memories of it are vast and detailed.

9/11 has been ingrained into my mind forever. It was a day that saw two mighty towers fall, but since that day, mighty Americans have gotten back up, dusted themselves off, and have held their chin high – just like they’ve always done after a tragedy. The impact of that day never gets old and it never fades away.

This song was one of the first tribute songs I heard after the towers collapsed. Every time I hear it, it brings me back to the day:

To the civilians and the brave souls who lost their lives trying to save others, I salute you all.

Meanwhile, Patricia G. sends me this story from Roll Call on her friend New York City Firefighter Ken Haskell who overcame the great tragedy of losing two brothers, also firefighters, on September 11, 2001 to become a homeland security advisor to Long Island Congressman Peter King.

Finally, here’s an entertaining piece in the New York Post on a New York City firefighter wearing an Islanders t-shirt during the Rangers visit to his firehouse on Tuesday.

…h/t to reader Ken D.

I continue to receive 9/11 tributes, memories, songs and more. Please keep sending them as I will continue to post them until the 10th Anniversary on Sunday. For more on what I’m looking for click here. I think this is a great way to honor those who were lost that day. Send them to [email protected].

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