Four Years Ago Today

[cjcrescent]

It was four years ago today that terrorists flew hijacked airliners into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and hijacked another airliner that crashed in Pennsylvania.

Lets us remember all of the victims and their families in our prayers today.

[Anonymous]

You've got that right.

In the Bible the Messiah tells us to pray for our enemies...

[Anonymous]

I was hoping someone would post a thread about today.

Thanks.

[selector]

And, if I may inject a gentle reminder, please do not ever forget that your northern neighbours offered prompt and full refuge to those of your nation who were stranded in airspace in flights across the oceans. I say this as a need to express that Canada was also affected in a great way, and responded as best we could. Later, when our troops were rallied to join in the war against terrorism, we were villified for not joining soon enough....and called fence sitters.

You were not alone in bearing the burden of that terrible day.

[Tracklayer]

9/11/01. A day that won't ever be forgotten. I was at work when the maintenance man came running into the office and said a passenger plane had just crashed into one of the world trade center buildings. No sooner than I got the TV on and flipped to a news channel, the second plane hit.
I thought I'd get through today without any tears, but it still hurts just as much as it did then. God bless this great country, and please bring our troops home soon.

Tracklayer

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Tracklayer

9/11/01. A day that won't ever be forgotten. I was at work when the maintenance man came running into the office and said a passenger plane had just crashed into one of the world trade center buildings. No sooner than I got the TV on and flipped to a news channel, the second plane hit.
I thought I'd get through today without any tears, but it still hurts just as much as it did then. God bless this great country, and please bring our troops home soon.

Tracklayer

Same thing for me, I was working at my computer from home when my graphic designer called and said to turn on the TV, just then another plane went in, I was in shock, I had never in my life seen such a tragic event "in person/realtime" and remember being absorbed by all the coverage, the rage and saddness I felt, how proud I felt to be an American, how our whole country for once was unified by the event.

[dave9999]

I was working on a building for the Pensacola Police Department on September 11, 2001.
I had breifly heard something on a morning talk radio show. I had no idea what had happened
when an officer came over and asked if we had been listening to the news. He then went on
to tell me the story. I remember thinking that this was some kind of accident. He then returned and
told me that a second plane had hit the towers and about the Pentagon. I still get a sinking feeling
in my gut when I recall that morning. It seemed so surreal. Let's hope that Homeland Security is
staying on top of things. With all that's going on in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast, this
country doesn't need another catastrophe. Good luck and God bless, Dave

[Piedsou]

I was in my office at the U.S. Naval Research Lab. NRL is located on the Potomac River in southwest D.C. I ran down to the river when word reached us that a plane had crashed into the Pentagon. I looked up river and saw the largest smoke cloud I have ever seen. It blotted out the city. After some time I could smell the burning jet fuel even in my office located in the center of my building. I had a couple of model railroad friends who worked in the pentagon and luckily they made it through untouched. The workforce was evacuated home, but I volunteered to stay. No big deal at all, but something I am proud of to this day. I will never forget what I saw and experienced that day. It's hard to believe it was 4 years ago.

Dale Latham

[Anonymous]

I pray for our enemies to die.

QUOTE: Originally posted by David Foster

You've got that right.

In the Bible the Messiah tells us to pray for our enemies...

[Darth Santa Fe]

QUOTE: Originally posted by On30Shay

I pray for our enemies to die.

If that's how you feel, than hope our enemies aren't doing the same, which they probably are.[:0] It might be better to pray that they change and stop attacking and killing.[:)]

[espeefoamer]

When I got to work that day( I rode the bus,an so didn't have a radio on) a lady told me that a plane had flown into the WTC.I first thought that some bozo was drunk and flew his Cessna into the building.She then told me the whole story[:(].Everyone there just hung around the radio for the first couple of hours listening to the news,then the boss came by and told us to get to work.This was a very terrible day.

[Anonymous]

[#ditto] To what everyone has said,

All of the victims of the horrible trajedey that happened on 9-11-01 are in my prayers.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET!

[dgwinup]

Don't get me started!

I grew up in that area and my younger brother watched the towers being built!

I support our troops and that includes our Commander-in-Chief!

When the WTC was attacked, George Bush was President and C-I-C. He hasn't received much criticism that he did nothing during that crisis. He's still President and getting villified in the press for doing nothing for New Orleans. What's the difference between the two disasters? Rudolph Juliani ! I believe Bush learned that Juliani was able to handle the crisis and gave Federal support without interference. In New Orleans, the mayor looked like he was going to take charge, then passed the responsibility on to the Governor, who didn't handle the situation well at all. By the time the mayor and governor proved that they couldn't handle the situation, 2 or 3 days had gone by and Bush was being blamed for everything. It wasn't one person at fault, it was a whole system that failed to react in time.

I am pained by the losses in both of these tragedies. I prayed hard for the New Yorkers and I've prayed hard for the people of the Gulf coast. My neice is a doctor and was working in New Orleans when Katrina hit. Thank God she is safe now.

When the New York Fire Department lost so much, New Orleans rallied and donated a new fire engine to New York. Now that New Orleans has lost so much, New York has returned that fire truck to New Orleans, along with about 350 fire, police and emergency medical worker volunteers.

God bless them all and God bless America.

Darrell, proudly but sadly quiet...for now

[Billba]

I pray for the victims and fallen heroes. May they now have peace
I pray for their families. May they have loving memories.
I pray for the public servants. May they have strength.
I pray for our president and the other elected leaders. May he and they be guided by the hand of God.
I pray for our enemies. May they turn from the hatred in their heart.
I pray for our service men and women, thank them for their service, and will give them a loving welcome home when they return.
I pray for victory. This is one war we can not win alone.

[Anonymous]

That's how I feel. I aint forgot, and I aint comin down.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Darth Santa Fe

QUOTE: Originally posted by On30Shay

I pray for our enemies to die.

If that's how you feel, than hope our enemies aren't doing the same, which they probably are.[:0] It might be better to pray that they change and stop attacking and killing.[:)]

[bbrant]

I was at work in a downtown Pittsburgh high-rise when I heard some co-workers talking about a plane that went into the WTC. By the time we got the tv working in our conference room, the second plane had already hit the 2nd tower. I was speaking with my mother who called to ask if I was ok or if I thought about leaving since the building I work in is a high-rise and that seemed to be what they were going after. I said I wasn't and planning on leaving and stayed put.

Around 10:20 my wife called me and told me a plane went down near Somerset (PA) which is where my parents live. I tried calling my parents because they live in a rural area. It took a while to get through but I was able to find out they were ok. I later found out the plane went down in Shanksville which is, as the crow flies, about 7 or so miles from where I grew up and where my parents live.

After Flight 93 went down, our building - along with others in Pittsburgh - were evacuated. Was - and still is - hard to believe all the events that happened that day. Took almost a year until I was comfortable going back in our building. Since then, my family and I moved into my grandparent's farm house right next to my parents. We've been over to visit the Flight 93 memorial many times. So hard to imagine what took place in that field 4 years ago. May all the innocent people be with God.

Brian

[MidlandPacific]

QUOTE: In the Bible the Messiah tells us to pray for our enemies...

The Bible also tells us (Romans 13:4) that the ruler bears not the sword in vain, for he is a revenger to execute wrath on him that does evil (I'm paraphrasing, but it's easy enough to find that online). So any prayers I have for the enemy will be directed toward a sudden change of heart and a speedy surrender, followed by trial, execution, and disgrace.

[Anonymous]

I currently work on the top floor of a building next to and overlooking ground zero. Today and every September 11th / 12th always seems so normal, and no one ever talks about it, I guess it's our way of healing the wounds and not letting the terrorists win by not being afraid.

[dgwinup]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bcauldwell

I currently work on the top floor of a building next to and overlooking ground zero. Today and every September 11th / 12th always seems so normal, and no one ever talks about it, I guess it's our way of healing the wounds and not letting the terrorists win by not being afraid.

Don't let the wounds heal without the salve of comfort supplied by friends and co-workers discussing what happened and how it has effected you.

To this day, I can not watch any program regarding the WTC attack without getting angry all over again (not as mad as I was at first, but still angry with the terrorists). I was talking with my brother yesterday about this, and he still feels that the US should go after the terrorists, even if that means crossing borders to bring them to justice. I tend to agree. I also believe that any person or country harboring terrorists is fair game. Terrorists are COWARDS. They may think they are brave, but they have NO concept of what true bravery is all about. Their goal is to destroy all the things that they can't provide for themselves, to deprive all others of anything the terrorists don't want anyone to have. They are a bunch of mega-maniacal cowards who's highest and best use is as a target. May they all die and rot in he**!

That being said, God bless you and have a nice day!

Darrell, ranting quietly...for now

[bbrant]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bcauldwell

I currently work on the top floor of a building next to and overlooking ground zero. Today and every September 11th / 12th always seems so normal, and no one ever talks about it, I guess it's our way of healing the wounds and not letting the terrorists win by not being afraid.

I don't know about you but it took a while for me to feel "comfortable" working in a high-rise again. I used to sit under a vent for the a/c and certain times it would kick on I thought for sure I heard a plane coming for our building. Not ashamed to say I was very edgey for a year or so afterwards.

Brian

[MidlandPacific]

QUOTE: don't know about you but it took a while for me to feel "comfortable" working in a high-rise again. I used to sit under a vent for the a/c and certain times it would kick on I thought for sure I heard a plane coming for our building. Not ashamed to say I was very edgey for a year or so afterwards.

I know what you mean. When the government reopened National Airport, the flight path for departing aircraft took them right over the Pentagon. I worked up on the top floor at the time, so every one of them sounded like it was coming right into the building. It made you just a little bit jumpy.

[Anonymous]

I remember coming downstairs, turning on the TV, and noticing that it had switched to BBC News 24 (this is usually a satellite channel, when it appears on terrestrial TV during the day it's a bad sign as they usually turn to News 24 for major stories - the most recent time it happened was during the London bombings). They were showing the smoking hole left by the first plane to hit, and caught the second plane impacting - before then it could have been a tragic accident. I've since read the offical 9/11 commission report which is available in most bookshops (in connection with my International Politics degree course). Some of the transcripts of communications on that day make very difficult reading, particularly the recordings from the plane that eventually crashed when the passengers fought back - desperation can give amazing courage to people, and they were within seconds of overpowering the hijackers according to the aircraft voice recorders. Truly they were the first to fight back against this new form of terrorism.

[Anonymous]

Everyone,
I know I'm late chiming in on this thread. But like so many, the memory of that day compels one to respond, if only to be heard. Like so many attrocities that occur in history, this on will live in our hearts forever. To honor all that fall at the hands of these perpetrators of evil, may we allways celebrate their lives. Though they are not with us in body, may their spirits live on in our hearts and may peace one day reign in place of terrorism.


Dave Hodgins

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rripperger

QUOTE: In the Bible the Messiah tells us to pray for our enemies...

The Bible also tells us (Romans 13:4) that the ruler bears not the sword in vain, for he is a revenger to execute wrath on him that does evil (I'm paraphrasing, but it's easy enough to find that online). So any prayers I have for the enemy will be directed toward a sudden change of heart and a speedy surrender, followed by trial, execution, and disgrace.

St Paul wrote Romans...

"Vengeance is mine" saith The Lord.

We reap what we sow. Defend ourselves from evil YES... ALL THE WAY. BUT teach, persuade and pray for a change of heart, for understanding... don't make more martyrs, don't make more hatred, don't give them an excuse to attack us.

I've lived and worked in London right through "The Troubles" and since... thing I always did before my wife died was tell her I love her before I went out each day and when I came home. You never know what's going to happen today.

[MidlandPacific]

QUOTE: We reap what we sow. Defend ourselves from evil YES... ALL THE WAY. BUT teach, persuade and pray for a change of heart, for understanding... don't make more martyrs, don't make more hatred, don't give them an excuse to attack us.

Sorry - but I'm going to have to respectfully disagree. The US isn't reaping "what it sowed" in the Middle East - it's reaping what other people sowed. The martyrs and the hatred come from other sources and are directed against us because we're a handy target. The people who are fighting us have irrelevant personal reasons for their antagonism, and no amount of education or forgiveness and no services of national reconciliation are going to change that. We're giving the Iraqis (and those who prove able to emulate them) a last, best chance to really change things. And if that doesn't work, then, as Gladstone said, "the resources of civilization are not yet exhausted."

And I think you know what I mean by that.

I lived through 9/11 (I was in the Pentagon at the time), and the whole anthrax business came home to me when my father opened an envelope full of white powder with a Glasgow return address (fortunately, it was a rather sick hoax, but the tests the FBI did on him revealed that he had been exposed to anthrax spores that were presumably borne on other letters). I appreciate what London went through in the troubles and the measure of responsibility that many Americans bear for it (Paging Senator Kennedy, paging Senator Kennedy). But I do not want to spend ten, or twenty, or thirty years adapting and changing my life because of the personal problems of some Middle Eastern nutjob who doesn't like women who can talk back. If that means a hell of a lot of death and suffering at that end to make sure there's none here, I can live with that. There's an easy answer for them, after all: they can just quit. But as long as they're going to kill, particularly innocents, then I'm convinced that we have no choice but to fight. And if at the end of the day, they prefer the fate of the Carthaginians to the rational acceptance of our existence, then I'm quite certain US Strategic Command will be capable of supplying it. If you think my appreciation is wrong-minded or too bloody, I would close by reminding you of the words of the leader of Lebanese Hezbollah:

QUOTE: We aren't fighting so that you will give us something. We're fighting to kill you.

That's plain enough for me. How about you?