9/11

I think almost everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing 5 years ago today. It doesn't seem like so long ago.
I was at the Administration Building in State College to fix a users printer. When I got there someone had said that a airplane had crashed into the World Trade Center. We naturally assumed it was just a accident. We listened to the radio reports as I worked on the printer. It was a shock when it came over the radio that a second plane had hit the other tower. Than it became obvious that there was something devious behind the planes crashing into the buildings. I finished with the printer and called into our dispatch to close out the call. As I was finishing closing out the call I was talking to the one dispatcher Len. We were talking about the World Trade Center. All of a sudden he said "I have to go, they just crashed another plane into the Pentagon". Then there was no doubt that we were under attack. We crowded around the radio and listened as the first tower fell. Some cried, I think we all said a little prayer for the people in the tower and that the second tower would hold. By the time the second tower fell we were silent. I had to go to Altoona for another call. It was a eerie ride. I kept looking at the sky, but there were no planes, no jet trails, nothing but an uncanny emptiness in the sky. I was listening to the news and trying to remain calm. I have 2 sisters and their family's that live near Washington DC. I tried to call them, but the phone kept saying that all circuits were busy. On the way to Altoona I heard on the radio that a 3rd plane crashed in Somerset county, which is less than 65 miles from where I was at. When I got to the branch they had a television on. We all just stood around and watched the news. They had not yet heard of the plane crashing in Pennsylvania. Around 12:30 they told us all to go home. I drove home as fast as I could. I still couldn't get a hold of my sisters, but I did talk to my mother and other family.
When I got back to Tyrone I stopped at Mario's pizza. There were a lot of people there getting out of work early and getting some food to go. As I stood in line waiting for my pizza, watching the replay of the towers falling, I could not hold back the tears. When I got home someone had contacted one of my sisters, I don't remember who it was though. The rest of the day was spent watching the news in shock and disbelief.

The next day the world wept with us. This country became closer than it has been in a long time. There were long lines to donate blood. Everyone had the Stars and Stripes flying from their house or yard. We were united. That seems like it has been so long ago. Sometimes it seems that over the last 5 years many people have forgotten. Forgotten that we were attacked. Forgotten the hero's that gave their life that day to help rescue others in the WTC or the Pentagon and the hero's that saved many other lives by bringing down flight 93. Today we remember, but what about tomorrow. 5 years ago was a day that changed our lives and our country forever, but will September 12, 2006 be just another day. Will we forget we are at war, just because we have not been attacked in over 5 years? Will we forget the humanity & compassion that was shown after that day? There are still people who want to murder us & there are still people in this great county who can make a difference for someone.
God Bless America!