We’re all aware of the significance of today’s date, Modern Philosophers.
My Facebook and Twitter feeds have been dominated by comments urging me to either never forget, or to always remember what happened on this day 13 years ago.
Who’s ever going to forget the events of that day? The visuals provided to us almost as they were happening, are forever burned into our minds.
That date is going to be this generation’s “Where were you when JFK was shot?” moment.
Even though this blog is about my life in Maine, I have made no effort to hide the fact that I am a New Yorker. I grew up in Brooklyn, and spent the first 27 years of my life living in The City That Never Sleeps. I used to work in the Empire State Building, so I felt even more of a chill on that fateful morning, as it occurred to me that I once spent my days in a building that would certainly be classified as a prime terrorist target.
On that morning in 2001, I was sound asleep in Southern California, more than 3000 miles from where the world was changing. I was awakened by a phone call from my then father-in-law, who was an early riser. My wife and I went into the living room to let the newscasters tell us about, and show us the horrors inflicted upon my beloved hometown.
There was definitely panic on the left coast. We lived just outside of Los Angeles, and there was fear that the city could be a target of further attacks that day.
What I remember most about the day in California was my boss refusing to close down the business. I was the Director of a Tutoring Clinic, and I knew parents weren’t going to bring their kids for lessons after what had happened that morning.
He insisted that we open, and hardly any of the students showed. It was a time when people should have been home with their loved ones, but I had to make my employees sit in the office with nothing to do.
I was worried about people I knew back in New York. I had no idea if anyone worked at the World Trade Center, or down in the area. I didn’t know if the city was safe, or if more attacked would be coming. I was glad to not be in New York, but at the same time, felt guilty for not still being there.
Needless to say, Modern Philosophers, I have never forgotten the events of September 11, 2001, nor do I think I ever will.
Right after waking up this morning, I hung the American flag from the front porch of The House on the Hill. I also wore my Yankees cap to work, with the iconic “NY” logo proudly displayed for all the see.
I will always be a New Yorker. I am a proud American. I will never forget…
Those who lost their lives, their families and loved ones, the heroes that responded…they will all be in my prayers tonight.
The Return of the Modern Philosopher 
me too, austin –
🙂
My best friend worked for an airlines back then, she shared an apartment just a couple of blocks away from Ground Zero. Never Forget. Good Post, Thank you.
I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for reading…
As I noted in my blog post, 9/11 was mostly absent from my social media. And it didn’t seem to be trending any where. Glad that was not totally true. Keep up the good work.
Thank you. Have a good night!
I wrote a poem in commemoration, which I already published on my site.
That said: I remember it all too well. But I also remember what my mother told me that same day as we watched the terrifying news broadcasts. She said: ‘People do terrible things, but that doesn’t mean you have to let it stop you from doing the things you want to do.’ She urged me to continue living for myself, to create positivity in the face of all the negativity and denounced the climate of fear.
Excellent advice…
She’s quite the woman!
🙂
It must have been awful watching and wondering from Los Angeles, Austin, unsure if people you knew and loved were in the World Trade Center or too close nearby. Great post to honor those that were there. I like your photo with the new phone, too, sir.
Thanks. That was actually an old photo from last Independence Day…
Reblogged this on The Return of the Modern Philosopher and commented:
We will never forget…
I remember. And I remember for weeks and months after as my reps helped customers save the last voicemails their loved ones ever left.