In Your Words
Remembering 9/11
By Mitch Traphagen mitch@observernews.net
Sep 11, 2006, 08:46

President Bush pauses for a moment of silence on September 11, 2001. Mitch Traphagen Photo

Five years ago today I was in Sarasota, Florida, covering President Bush.  He was visiting Booker Elementary School to talk about education. 

On a nearby television monitor, I saw the first tower burning.  Like most of the assembled press, I had no idea what was happening.  We were told to quickly take our places as the president was about to speak.  From him, I heard that both towers had been hit.

Despite being surrounded by media, I was strangely cut off from the news.  I didn't hear the details until I made it back to my car after the president had left.  As I drove, I heard the news that a tower had collapsed.  I was in shock and began to wonder if this was the beginning of the end.

The thought of all the people in the towers, in the Pentagon and in the airplanes made me physically ill.  It still does today.  Remembering 9/11 is more than just marking a solemn day - it is remembering those who lost their lives on that day for simply going about their lives.

It’s been five years since America was attacked in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. Much changed that day, and much changed in the years following. But regardless of what has happened since, it is important to remember that one day in September.

I worried about my family.  Prior to that day, my wife and I had joked around with each other about what we would do in the event of a cataclysmic event.  "We'll meet here" or "We'll meet there" we would say without much seriousness.  On that morning, I wondered if she remembered where "there" was - just in case.  I worried how I would be able to get north to see my family again.