Most of us remember exactly where we were and what we were doing the morning of September 11, 2001. I was on the 7 train headed to Manhattan when my train was re-routed. All the riders expressed our displeasure about the inconveniences of being late not having a clue what was going on in the world right above us. Even now, six years later, I don’t think we would of believed it if we did.
It wasn’t until we walked upstairs that we learned about the attacks on our country, our city, my home. Dozens of people were crying on the street while others sat on the sidewalk in utter disbelief. Most of us were on our useless cellphones hoping to get in touch with loved ones. Many were listening to the radio fearing what was going to happen next. Its a day when life in New York City just stopped. Its a day of overwhelming anger and sadness but it was also a day we all came together, sharing the same pain and despair.
This past weekend a childhood friend of mine was in town after spending the last few years abroad. He asked to go to Ground Zero for the first time. Saturday we stood on the street he and I walked on hundreds of times as kids. The street where the Twin Towers (that we took for granted growing up in the city) once stood. There is now a growing memorial marking the 6 years that have passed.
After a few minutes of silence I looked over and saw tears coming down my friend’s face. Despite being in NYC as regularly as I am I couldn’t help but follow suit but then something happened. People standing next to us, New Yorkers themselves, also started crying. It was from that moment of complete sorrow that a sense of unity was formed similar to 6 years ago. Then, in a New York minute, we all went back to our lives.
Today is a rainy, dreary day in Connecticut but for many it reflects the somber mood as we cover 9/11 ceremonies across the state. Its a day to remember the victims but it is also a day to honor the men and women serving in the U.S. military and in harm’s way everyday. THANK YOU!
