1. Where were you and what was happening in your life the moment when you first became aware of what was happening at the World Trade Center in New York City last September 11th? What was the first thing you did when you heard the news?
I woke up at about 10 or so and turned on the TV to find one of the trade towers on fire and thought, "What in the hell happened?" When I found out it was a plane, I thought someone must have royally screwed up. Before I knew it, I saw the second plane hit live and I knew it was no mere coincidence. I was just shock. It wasn;t until I saw the first tower fall and then the other than I was in complete disbelief. I was contacting the staff at USF trying to keep them updated and to get any news. All I could remember was how mcuh it reminded me of the Gulf invasion when I lived in Kuwait and the nightmare it was for me then. The first thing I did when I heard the news was call my mom and tell her to turn the TV on.
2. When those truly responsible for the attack are apprehended, what do you think would be the most fitting form of justice?
"If" they are ever found, and if they were not even dead....you know, I am not sure. I don;t condone violence, and as much as I would love to say put them to death. I can't. Then again, less guilty people have been killed for less severe things. Justice will be served in one method or the other....and, it all depends on WHO finds the person(s).
3. This will probably be much like when our parents respond to "Where were you when JFK was shot?"- an event never forgotten by those who were there. But how do you think the history books should present the 9-11 attacks? Should it be included for all future generations? How can we truly convey the shock, the outrage, the emotions and pain of that day to the children of our children?
Of course it should be included, it is a piece of history. I just hope the historians get it right. There should be no bias, no finger pointing, no commercial commemorilzation of it. It you want to talk historically then forget about the emotional responses (I think it is assumed that any tragedy elicits sadness and anger).
4. No one in that building, in the Pentagon, or on the planes (other than the terrorists) knew that 9-11 would be their last day to be alive. For me, it brought home the reality that I could be gone at anytime, without any warning. Now, I really want each day to have some value. Did the events of 9-11 bring about a change in the way you live your life?
No. I always live every day as if it were my last. Being through two wars has desentitized me in regards to my attitude changing. Anymore and I would be a recluse.
5. Several who loved to fly in planes will not step foot in one anymore. Many parents are more protective of their children. A year later, do you find yourself feeling more secure than back then? Or is it just a matter of time before something else happens?
I won;t live my life in fear. Whatever will happen is going to happen.
6. The best way for me to honor the those impacted by the attack will be to refrain from any media that day. No papers, no radio and especially no television. Others will light candles, and others will attend special services. What, if anything, will you do to personally reflect on the tragedy?
Live my life and have a quiet moment. Life does not and should not stop. We should not dwell on the past, but remember it and learn from it. Celebrate it? No. At least not with parades and whatever activities people come up with. We don;t celebrate the Holocaust do we? Silent Memorialization is sometimes stronger.
7. One of the visuals that touched me the most were the walls and walls full of hand made "Missing" posters. What image will you always have in your mind when you recall the events of 9-11?
The only standing frame of one of the towers. It says so much with so little.
BONUS: Who's gonna come around when you break?
I wish I knew. Hard for me to accept the "people care" ethos.
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on Monday, September 09, 2002 at 11:58 PM.
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