9/11 Remembrance

Seventeen years ago yet to me it seems like just a week ago. It was just another cross-country red-eye flight from Los Angeles through Detroit and back to Burlington, VT until we landed in the Motor City. As we deplaned, the TV monitors showed one of the Twin Towers billowing black smoke. It was a surreal moment. Having grown up in in the Metro NY area and watching those towers being built, it was quite a disorienting experience.

Fellow travelers were equally dumb-founded as we all watched helplessly the utter chaos that was unfolding. We looked out the window to see piles of baggage on the run way -- officials wary that there might be explosives planted within. All that was left to do was leave the airport and try to find a place to learn more about what was happening.

After checking into a hotel and watching the second plane hit tower #2, my reaction changed from bewilderment to anger. I suspect most other people felt the same way. Watching the towers crumble to the ground was a life-changing moment and one that will forever be ingrained in my memory. The thought of all those innocent people perishing produced a helplessness that was indescribable.

By 6 pm I ventured back over to the airport to see about my bags and to my shock and surprise, I was able to retrieve them. Then it was on to Avis to rent the very last car they had available. The drive from Detroit to Burlington was eery as the roads were practically empty. No police anywhere as they were all guarding more sensitive areas rather than worrying about who might be speeding.

The following week, the entire nation was transfixed with what had happened. For a moment we came together as a nation. It showed what we were capable of. My prayers of comfort and healing go out to those who lost their lives on September 11th 2001 and their families left behind. Yes, we will always remember.