September 11, 2001: A Personal Recollection
On that fateful morning, I was sitting at my desk, interviewing a young woman for an internship position, when the first plane hit the North Tower at 8:46 AM. Our office building, located just 11 blocks north of the World Trade Center, shook violently, leaving everyone on the trading floor stunned and confused. As we watched the news unfold on TV, speculation swirled about whether the crash was an accident or something more sinister.
My closest friend on the desk was adamant that it was a terrorist attack, a notion that seemed far-fetched at the time. But as the minutes ticked by, the reality of the situation became clear. The second plane hit the South Tower at 9:03 AM, and it was then that we knew we were under attack.
I didn’t see the second plane hit, but my wife, who was working on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, just four blocks south of the Trade Center, witnessed the horror firsthand. Her family, including her father and uncle, were among those who frequented the Windows on the World restaurant at the top of the North Tower, where they would often meet for breakfast.
As the day unfolded, I tried desperately to reach my wife and the people we cared about, but phone lines were down, and chaos reigned. It wasn’t until later that we discovered the devastating truth: seven people from my wife’s family’s company, including her father and uncle, had perished in the attack.
In the days and weeks that followed, my wife and I searched for answers, scouring lists of names at the New York City Armory, hoping against hope that some of those we loved might still be alive. It was a painful and emotional journey, one that ultimately led us to accept the harsh reality of our loss.
As we navigated the aftermath of that terrible day, we found solace in the outpouring of support from friends, family, and strangers alike. It was a reminder that even in the darkest of times, humanity can come together to comfort and uplift one another.
Years later, I still remember the perfect weather that day, the clear skies and gentle breeze a stark contrast to the devastation that was unfolding. It’s a memory that I will carry with me forever, a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment we have with those we love.
Rest in peace to all those who were lost on that fateful day.
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