Monday Mission - 9/9/2002
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 had just gotten home after driving Mom to work. I was laughing because on the way home I saw someone that I knew from chat on the road going the other direction. My friend IM'ed me and I didn't believe her at first, but then I turned on the TV. A whole bunch of us congregated in a chat room.
2. When those truly responsible for the attack are apprehended, what do you think would be the most fitting form of justice?
Change their hearts so they can see the error of their ways.
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?
I think other forms of media, video footage, photos, written first-hand accounts will convey the emotions to future generations better than in the past, since we have these forms of media available to us today.
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?
Yes. Try to live each day if it were your last, because it very well may be.
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?
The only time I felt unsafe in the past year was when travelling in the US.
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?
I would like to see the Yankee Stadium memorial service again. That was the most moving ceremony I ever saw in my life.
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 one of people fleeing over the Brooklyn Bridge.