9/11: Ten years later

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We have adjusted to the airport searches and increased security but I don’t believe we can shake our feelings of vulnerability.”

I was getting ready to go to my High School teaching job on Sept. 11, 2001. I watched in disbelief when a second plane struck the Twin Towers and said to myself, "This can't be an accident." I didn't use the word terrorism, because as a US citizen, it wasn't within my realm to use that word. On the way to school, I contemplated how I would teach that day. Some kids needed the reassurance of routine, while others needed to talk about what they had viewed. It was a day that we lost our innocence, collectively as a nation.

We have adjusted to the airport searches and increased security but I don't believe we can shake our feelings of vulnerability. We all became victims that day, knowing that our unstoppable spirit as a nation could be breached. We also all became survivors of 911.

Tina V., 49, Kelso

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The biggest change for me personally that day was realizing that ‘Homeland Security’ was now not a notional concept for which my fellow service members and I had trained over the years to handle, but was in fact part of our daily operational rhythm.”

I was getting ready to go to work at the Seattle Times -- I worked in New Media Engineering -- that morning. I started out my work day not knowing how it would ultimately end but fully expecting to be called up to deploy with my Coast Guard Reserve unit as the morning unfolded. By nightfall, my unit and I had departed and were on station providing security coverage at a number of Puget Sound locations.

The biggest change for me personally that day was realizing that 'Homeland Security' was now not a notional concept for which my fellow service members and I had trained over the years to handle, but was in fact part of our daily operational rhythm. The next biggest change I experienced was placing my life on hold in order to return to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to a region where I had served years before during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Brian W., 46, Seattle

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We have adjusted to the airport searches and increased security but I don’t believe we can shake our feelings of vulnerability.”

I don't remember what it was like to have loved ones meet me off the jet way, or not to have to take off my shoes. Nor do I remember a lack of military presence with assault rifles in airports. I can only vaguely remember when getting through security didn't take two hours.

J. Sinn., 26, Alaska

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I knew that my family was fine, but my neighbors’ daughter worked at WTC and her daughter went to preschool there.”

I heard about the first plane hitting the first tower after I arrived at work that morning from someone in my office who had the news on. No one knew that I knew someone who worked in the WTC. I left work because I just knew it was not a day for "business as usual" and I drove home, listening to the news coverage on the radio and all the events that occurred during the 20 minute drive. It was surreal. It was terrifying and hard to listen to. I knew that my family was fine, but my neighbors' daughter worked at WTC and her daughter went to preschool there. They told me they could not reach her by phone. I knew they were in agony of not knowing. I went to their house and sat with them until she called to say that they were safe. I realized that day that in times of crisis we all have to reach out and help others.

Everyone can find their inner strength and hopefully, make a difference. No man is an island.

Susan L., 53, Ft. Lauderdale

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We had ashes fall on us as we walked the students to the school bus.”

On that date I was teaching in my Special Education preschool classroom in Brooklyn, NY. I remember hearing non-stop fire truck sirens outside my classroom window as they headed to the Twin Towers.

When we found out what happened, my 2 classroom assistants began to cry and I told them to leave the classroom. At that moment I knew I had to just take care of my students until they could see their parents. I sang and did activities with them with a smiling face and hiding my true emotions. We had ashes fall on us as we walked the students to the school bus. When I arrived home and saw my husband, I knew I could finally cry. Since that date and as a teacher, I feel that it would be impossible to ever encounter a day teaching that would be more difficult.

Marilyn C., 42, Seattle

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At age 53 going to Iraq was rather difficult and definitely life-changing.”

Sept. 11, 2001 turned my world upside down. I was at home on Veteran's Day, Nov. 11 when the phone call came. Since I was a member of the California National Guard I was activated to serve 6 months in Operation Noble Eagle, which was to guard the Santa Barbara Airport. I left my teaching job and the next day I was helping the nation feel safe again at airports. I returned to teaching the following spring with only 2 weeks left in the classroom before summer. It was only a short time later in Feb. 2003 that I was activated for Operation Iraqi Freedom and served for over 14 months. At age 53 going to Iraq was rather difficult and definitely life-changing. I came home a disabled veteran (foot and knee injuries) and wrote a book about it titled, "One Week End A Month - My Ass!" I finished my teaching career and retired in 2008.

John B., 61, Seattle

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The attacks led me to see that all persons are intimately bound together in an existence we don’t fully understand.”

The attacks of 9/11 led me to firmly understand that the world we live in is not the pleasure garden we prefer to think it is; that everyone wants to be happy, but because of our ignorance of the way we truly exist, often direct anger at others we falsely perceive as being apart from us. In this sense, we create the suffering we experience, because when we cause harm to others, we are really attacking the cells of the whole body. The attacks led me to see that all persons are intimately bound together in an existence we don't fully understand. This understanding will be complete, and our happiness fully attained, when we value the happiness of all others before our own.

Dan C., 53, Sammamish

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We keep our head up and our eyes open wherever we are while we enjoy life and our culture, but we never forget 9/11.”

My dreams, aspirations, and fears have not been affected by the 9/11 terrorists. My family and I traveled extensively before 9/11 and continue to do so now. The world has so much beauty to offer and so many interesting people to meet that we will not be deterred by narrow minded misogynists stuck in the fourteenth century. We keep our head up and our eyes open where ever we are while we enjoy life and our culture, but we never forget 9/11. I would like to close with a message to those who cheered the acts of 9/11. If your goals were to drive America out of the Middle East you have and will continue to fail. If you think we will cower in our homes you have and will continue to fail.

We remember when someone kicks in our front door and bring vengeance to them ten-fold.

Dale S., 55, Sammamish

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Total safety had always been an illusion and living with an edge of uncertainty became the new normal.

Having lived sometime in Europe for college, I saw how other countries lived with the possibility of terrorism at any moment. America became a member of that sad fraternity and vulnerable, like every place else. Things were no longer so shiny any more. Not that there couldn’t be happiness or good things in life after 9/11 but things would always be marked by this event. Total safety had always been an illusion and living with an edge of uncertainty became the new normal.

Kali S., 37, Seattle

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We didn’t know if our family members were alive or dead.”

We were on our way to NYC for our cousin's wedding and were turned away from the airport and had to walk about a mile back to our car on foot with our luggage. Then it took hours to get home and in all that time we didn't know what was happening. Jonathan who gets off the subway under the twin towers was incommunicado. We didn't know if our family members were alive or dead. We were very happy all ended up safe. But 6 months later we went to NYC and the depression of the attacks was still gripping our family and the city. It was a sad time.

Time does not seem to move forward from September 11, 2001. We go about our lives but it seems so "yesterday."

Theresa K., 54, Olympia

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In February 2002 I reenlisted in the Army for 4 years because I thought it was my duty to continue my service while America was at war. So here I am still in the Army after 3 reenlistments and still supporting my country doing the little that I can.”

My name is Justin Hayward, I have been in the Army for 12 years and this is my story. When September 11 happened I was SPC in the Army Stationed in Mannheim, Germany. I remember I was just released for the day and a few friends and I went to our dining facility to get some diner. We all just sat down and started to eat, when the phone at the front desk started ringing. One of the Soldier’s that was working at the desk answered the phone and immediately hung up and went to the dining facility Manager. The Manager came out and yelled “If there is anyone from AMFL in here, you need to report back to your Unit now”. The five of us that were there stood up and started running back to our Unit.

As we were running up to our building we saw most of our Fellow Soldiers in formation. As we fell into formation with the others our 1SG and Company Commander came out. We were told that there was a plane crash at the Twin towers and that we were to get our equipment ready.

We went into or Company day room where we had a TV set up. And that’s when we watched the second plane crash into the Twin Towers. We were then told to go and draw weapons from our arms room because we were now responsible for the QRF of the base we lived on. The Base main gate was shut down and we then took over control of our second gate.

On September 21 we were deployed to Turkey so we could support the booming runs that were taking place in Afghanistan. We returned after a 30 days and continued to do our job of QRF. In February of 2002 I reenlisted in the Army for 4 years because I thought it was my duty to continue my service while America was at war. So here I am still in the Army after 3 reenlistments and still supporting my country doing the little I can.

Justin, 21, Germany

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We ended up getting married in December 2001 because we didn’t want to be apart, especially at a time when peace turns into war. Our lives changed forever. My husband spent 2 tours in Iraq. The first one was during the invasion in 2003.

I will never forget Sept. 11, 2001. I was home, in Maui, HI about to go to college at Eastern WA University. My Husband (at the time we were dating). Had enlisted into the Army in July 2001, and was currently in Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, SC. The word had been spread across the country and in the middle of the night word had reached the Hawaiian Islands. We were glued to the TV. All Army Posts were on lock down, and my Husband was sitting out in a field when they got word. But it had been days before I would hear a word from him. We ended up getting married in December 2001 because we didn’t want to be apart, especially at a time that peace turns into war. Our lives changed forever. My husband spent 2 tours in Iraq. The first one was during the invasion in 2003. Then again he was gone all of 2005. 10 years later we are still sacrificing family and friends in both Iraq and Afghanistan. If Sept. 11, 2001 didn’t happen, his service experience would be different; the question of us being together still, let alone getting married is still there. Love magnifies in times of need, and distress. Even though there was a terrible, terrible loss that day, there were many people who were brought together and therefore changing the course of their lives. With his experiences that came from the effects of Sept. 11, he was lead on a path to success where he can provide for his family.

Mandy R., 28, Auburn

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I am reluctant to put my faith behind any leader. Somehow I feel they failed us.”

The events of September 11th ripped the rug from right under us. All sense of comfort, security and understanding of the world went right out the window. Yet, everything around us appeared normal. It was a beautiful day in Seattle and the skies were clear and blue. And empty. One of the more unsettling events of that day was the absence of airplanes flying overhead. We were dismissed early from our jobs that day as anxiety and anticipation of even more horror to come forced that decision. The mood was somber and turning on the television felt like embarking on a journey none of us wanted to take. The stunning, horrifying images played over and over again. I packed a bag and put it in my car, figuring I could make a run for it to Canada if I needed to. America certainly wasn't safe. Panic filled the margins of our world. I don't think we ever returned to normal. We're still on edge. It is good to have our guard up. But the politics and culture of fear were born that day. Politicians feed into this culture of fear to get your vote. They always have but I feel like we all went numb that day and to a certain degree we still are. I am reluctant to put my faith behind any leader. Somehow I feel they failed us. It will take years to sort out all the feelings we experienced but one thing is for certain. We will never feel safe again.

Charlene O., 56, Salt Lake City

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Most of all I lost a huge sense of security. I no longer live with the naïve notion that I am safe in this country. 911 shattered the idea that we are a powerhouse.”

I grew up in this country. The home of the brave and the land of the free. During the early 1960's, as a child I remember the neighbor girls had fathers going off to this war called, Vietnam. I was about 9 years old when many came home with parts of their bodies missing and illness such as T.B. I had a questioning spirit and was confused by this outcome. After many questions the answer came back indicating that these brave men protected our country at great personal cost. Our country was a huge powerhouse and an impenetrable force not to be reckoned with. In my young mind I thought that we were safe and sound and I didn't need to worry about the safety of these, United States.

In my mind, everything outside of the U.S. was to some degree, unsafe. On 911, I was a 44 year old woman and single parent living alone when 911 occurred. I was preparing for work early in the morning, television on and my 10 year old son asleep. I had a news program on television when I began to watch the coverage. At first, I thought it was a movie. It was very surreal. Within moments, to my horror, I realized it wasn't a movie. I was dumbfounded and very scared. I felt like all of the U.S. was being attacked. I didn't want to go to work or separate from my son that day.

After phone calls to work and school, it was expected that we would proceed with our day as normal. I was very uneasy. In retrospect, I can only imagine the loss to many. While I didn't lose anyone on a personal level...I wonder if somehow I did. I believe in the ripple effect. Perhaps, without knowing it, I lost my future husband, a good future friend, a doctor that cured cancer or the good samaritan that would assist me while changing my tire on a dark road late one night.

Most of all, I lost a huge sense of security. I no longer live with the naive notion that I am safe in this country. 911 shattered the idea that we are a powerhouse. America is still great but I realized that we are just as vulnerable as the rest of the planet. The terrorists did not win though. I place my security in a higher power, (whether politically correct or not). A verse from Psalms 23:4 Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me. In God, I do put my trust and I shall not fear.

Vicki, 54, Seattle

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My son joined the Army, was deployed to Iraq (twice) and also to Afghanistan, and will never be the same as before he enlisted.”

I was a second year engineering student in Portland Oregon. I was asleep when the first plane hit. My wife woke me up and explained that something terrible had just happened - There was sadness in her eyes that I've not seen since, and hope to never see again. I sat in disbelief staring at the news on TV as the live shots of the second plane hitting completely shocked me, numbed me. I watched the events of that day unfold on TV and for months I was unsure about everything.

I decided that I would work as an engineer in the defense industry and was hired at Boeing.

Mike P., 45, Des Moines

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Naturally, the next day, while it was still ‘sinking in’ for the rest of the world, we were focused on our new son. But we knew that life for him and his older brother would be vastly different than it had been for us.”

On Sept 11. 2001, my nine-month pregnant wife and I were making preparations to travel to the hospital the next morning to have our second child (he was to be induced on the morning of Sept. 12, 2001). When we saw the news, like many others, we felt a kind of numb shock. It took a long time to settle in what exactly was happening as we watched the TV that day.

Having children obviously changes one's personal world. We were so ready to celebrate new life and look forward to a future filled with hope and endless possibilities for us and our children when all of a sudden, uncertainty was all we could feel.

Naturally, on the next day, while it was still "sinking in" for the rest of the world, we were focused on our new son. But we knew that life for him and his older brother would be vastly different than it had been for us. Our generation had been lucky enough to enjoy a world where there was always opportunity, and yes, there were wars, conflicts, and other bad things going on, but they seemed too far away to dampen the spirits of a budding family living in the greatest, safest country in the world.

Looking back, we do not regret bringing children into this world at this time, far from it. I still have hope.

Hope that in their lifetime, the situations of the world on a global scale that lead to the great tragedy of that day, will be better understood, and hopefully at least be on the road to resolution. I will try to raise my children to be wise, to be tolerant, to learn from the mistakes of others, and to work toward peace and a better world. It is the best that I can do.

P.S. We lived in Seattle until 2000, and I love your city and still enjoy reading The Seattle Times online.

Michael S., 45, Missoula, MT.

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I wonder if every Muslim I see feels the same hatred and desire to do us harm.

I was just one day into my recovery from surgery. The phone rang at 6:00 am with the voice on the end of the line urging me to turn on the news. Still in a drugged stupor I turned on the TV and immediately woke right up.

This can’t be happening, I thought. I was in shock. First one building and then another plowed into by airplanes. I saw the people jumping out of buildings and the chaos. There would be two additional planes causing terrible damage in their wake at the Pentagon and in a field out in the country. I was numb for days. I think a part of me still is.

As the stories began to come in they painted a grim portrait of terrorism. Our sense of security in the United States was shaken to the core. Along with it our trust that we would ever feel that way again. We grieved as a nation; we felt the shock, the fear and helplessness. We grieved each loss over and over as the news replayed footage and the media continued to update us through every form of media.

What it has done to me is two-fold. First it has created a sense of unity and purpose that we as American’s experienced as we came together to grieve, help and build again. The building hasn’t been easy. Yes, there are buildings torn down and monuments set up but what can’t be seen is what is felt deep inside. A strong sense of patriotism and gratitude to those who lost their lives and those who died trying to save them. The second thing it has done is instill in me a distinct sense of distrust that I have fought ever since. A distrust in the countries and people involved in both the plotting and carrying out of these acts. These terrorists lived amongst us pretending to be our friends. I wonder if every Muslim I see feels the same hatred and desire to do us harm. I know that many do not but still, I feel that conflict inside.

I understand this is a process towards healing for all of us in each culture. Still, I extend the hand of friendship praying that my fears will one day be put to rest. I will never forget.

Julie T., 49, Snohomish

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I walked in Manhattan for hours going from one hospital to another.

Unbeknownst to me I was breathing in toxic substances that changed my life forever.”

I was a nurse and lived in Brooklyn. I went to multiple hospitals to help. I walked in Manhattan for hours going from one hospital to another. Unbeknownst to me I was breathing in toxic substances that changed my life forever. I take 4 inhalers a day. I have to carry an EPI pen just in case my throat closes. I have to see a psychologist to deal with PTSD. I still cannot watch anything regarding that day. My plan is to return for the 10 year anniversary.

Tuella S., 42, Seattle

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If I were allowed one year to be erased from my life, it would without a doubt be 2001.

If I were allowed one year to be erased from my life, it would without a doubt be 2001. At the beginning of that year, my 17-year-old son passed away, and then several weeks later we experienced the Nisqually Earthquake. I was numb and going through life in a fog by the time the Sept 11 attacks happened. I was in the car, driving along Martin Luther King Jr. Way, on my way to work. My husband called my cell, panicked and told me to turn the news on the radio, which I did. I had to pull the car over, I was shaking so badly and finally, the tears flowed. I think back about the disbelief I felt, about life itself, and that it could be so painful. That year was a turning point in my life, and life somehow became more real, almost like an awakening.

Karleen W., 58, Seattle

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Was anyone really surprised? I was amazed it took them so long to actually stage an attack like that.”

I was sleeping in at my GF's in Eugene when she woke me up and begged me to come check out what was on the TV. It was news showing a smoldering tower. "They flew a plane into it" she said. "Holy Toledo" I said "we better watch carefully because there's another one coming for the second tower."

She looked at me oddly and a moment later the second plane hit.

Was anyone really that surprised? I was amazed it took them so long to actually stage an attack like that.

I'm waiting for the next round. It's coming soon.

Anonymous, 51, Seattle

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My understanding is that the tallest structure on the West Coast is the Columbia Tower right here in Seattle. With all the uprisings in the Middle East – and the printed vitriol against America from the Muslim world – are we sitting ducks here in Seattle?”

I was asleep. My friend Patrick called me around 9:15 AM and told me a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. Sleepy, I told him, "That makes no sense. How can a pilot miss a structure as large as the World Trade Center?" I hung up. I was living in New York at the time; specifically, I was in Kingston just about 100 miles north of the WTC. He called me again a few minutes later and stated a 2nd plane had flown into the tower. At that time I didn't have TV, but since he sounded serious, I showered, dressed up, and walked to the nearest bar a couple of blocks away on No. Front St. that had a TV. Sure enough, even though it was in the morning, the bar was filled with people watching the events unfold in NYC. I couldn't believe my eyes and ears. Two planes had crashed into the World Trade Center? And people were jumping out of windows from the 65th floor? And the towers had collapsed? It seemed surreal. This couldn't be happening. I'd been to the Center a few times. The place is massive. Who would want it destroyed?

I guess I, like everyone else at the bar, was in shock and awe. Can you imagine leaping out of the window of the 65th floor because a giant wall of fire was behind you and you had no choice? Tragic. And now, 10 years later, it begs the question: Could it happen again? My understanding is the tallest structure on the west coast is the Columbia Tower right here in Seattle. With all the uprisings in the Middle East - and the printed vitriol against America from the Muslim world - are we sitting ducks here in Seattle?

Robin R., 49, Seattle

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I miss the civility and courtesy to each other that blossomed after the attacks. If anything good came of this national nightmare, it was that.”

I left for work just after the first plane hit. I picked up my carpool partner who informed me of the second plane. It couldn't be true. By the time I got to work the third plane had hit the pentagon. My coworkers and I asked each other over and over again "what is happening?" Work was impossible.

I remember the silence in the skies after the planes were cleared from air space; and being nervous once the planes were back in the skies. Looking and watching each plane.

I miss the civility and courtesy to each other that blossomed after the attacks. If anything good came of this national nightmare, it was that. But like a beautiful flower, it faded far too fast.

Barb, 52, Seattle

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The next day I went to the Army recruiter’s office and waited outside debating whether to re-enlist or not. However, I also had a wife and son at home who needed me.”

My wife and I are both Army veterans and we'd both recently left the service before 9/11/2001. I'd spent 9 years on Active Duty, including a tour in Somalia in 1993/1994, and Reserves. My wife had spent 3 years on Active Duty.

The morning of 9/11 my neighbor woke me up telling me to turn on the news. My wife was already at school taking a course at the local Community College, and I was home with our 3-year-old son. I sat in stunned silence as the events unfolded surreally on my television screen, letting my son sleep in and knowing that the world he would wake up into that day and into the future would be unlike the simple world he’d lived in previously, and he’d be too young to remember otherwise.

I had just started a job doing technical support for MSN and the phones that evening were eerily quiet, giving us the opportunity to listen to radio reports of the ongoing crisis in New York. The building we worked in was on the flight path of the Salt Lake airport, and with the planes grounded the eerie quietness struck us all.

The next day I went to the Army recruiter's office and waited outside debating whether to re-enlist or not. My skills as a forward observer, already proven in combat, would be vital in the fight against this new shadowy mortal enemy. However, I also had a wife and son at home who needed me. The warrior phase of my life was over and I'd already begun a new one, as husband and father.

Jacob S., 37, Marysville

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My dreams and aspirations for a sane, progressive, open, and inclusive society have suffered as a result of the 9/11 attacks.

My dreams and aspirations for a sane, progressive, open, and inclusive society have suffered as a result of the 9/11 attacks. Like this futile exercise shows, America has become trapped by this incident in an endless state of navel gazing. Simultaneously, racist, xenophobic, extreme right wing values and views have grown as we embrace our fear and trauma letting it feed on us. Folks in Madrid who suffered brutal attacks in 2004 got over the horror and have gone on with their lives. Folks in Palestine, Israel, Iraq, etc. do the same, even as terror continues to strike in their midst. That we, citizens of the richest most powerful nation in the world continue stoking our grief and crying over some kind of lost innocence is, at best, infantile and, as we have seen, immensely irresponsible.

Harry V., 50, Seattle

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For me, while 9/11 was traumatic experience, my year in Israel was much more difficult.”

I was studying in Jerusalem in 2001. We had just experienced a close call when a suicide bomber blew up the Sbarro pizzeria by our school during the summer and I spent a lot of time assuring loved ones at home that I was okay. Little did I know that one month later I'd be calling home to check on loved ones in Seattle.

It was 4:30 in the afternoon and we were heading to our afternoon class. I noticed a lot of classmates on cell phones outside of the classroom and I was annoyed because they weren't coming into the room. I asked a classmate what the deal was and she said that a couple of planes had just hit the WTC. Reports started coming in. “One of the towers just collapsed.” “Another plane just hit the Pentagon.” Class was cancelled and we went into the lounge to watch the news. It was all in Hebrew and I had no idea what they were seeing but the pictures spoke volumes. I saw the second tower collapse live and I remember a classmate who grew up in Manhattan just start sobbing as it fell. It made me imagine the horror of losing a Seattle landmark from 1000's of miles away and it was heartbreaking.

September 11 was a horrific experience but being in Israel during the attacks gave me a different perspective than being home. Israelis have suffered so much because of terror attacks. On September 12, Israel declared a day of mourning and Israelis expressed their sadness to those of us who were American but life soon went on. We grieved but we were not to dwell on what was done. I went home to visit a few weeks later and I was surprised by the change in my friends and family. The grieving was much more intense and you felt the presence of 9/11 everywhere. The collective grieving of the nation was something that I hadn't been a part of and I felt a little like an outsider as a result.

For me, while 9/11 was a traumatic experience, my year in Israel was much more difficult. Together the experiences taught me not to fear what might happen. Studying abroad is supposed to change me but I never dreamed when I left Sea-Tac that the world too would change.

Rachael R., 36, Olympia

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It was the first time in my life that I heard the word ‘terrorist’ and how it affected our country on this day.

On 9-11, I was waking up to attend my 5th grade class in Brea, California. I turned on the TV and saw how one of the towers was on fire. At first, I did not really understand the magnitude of the problem until I got to school. My teacher was absent and it was then that, as a class, had a discussion about the events. It was the first time in my life that I heard the word "terrorist" and how it affected our country on this day. Even though I was only ten years old, 9-11-01 will always be one of those days that I will always remember.

Rob M., 20, Kent

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At that point I knew at a very young age that the world would never be the same again.”

I was a senior in high school; I can exactly recall the horror, despair and confusion on people's faces as they watched the twin towers crumble on television.

At that point I knew at a very young age that the world would never be the same again.

It really saddens me to think that the terrorists may have gotten what they wanted, to divide us and to take away our cherished freedoms which make this country so unique and proud. They have succeeded to implement a police mentality within this country.

I still don't understand what we have achieved after that tragic day in New York, more conflicts, pain, economic uncertainty, loss of civil liberties, etc.

I truly hope and pray that somehow we can go back to the world before 9/11 which was filled with laughter, joy and most importantly peace.

Ali Z., 27, Mukilteo

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I am traveling more, inquiring more, learning more, and judging less.”

The events of 9/11 and its aftermath made me more intolerant -- intolerant of those who use fundamentalist religions to justify terrible deeds, whether child abuse, spousal abuse, abuse of people "not like us," rape, mayhem, and murder. The history of religious intolerance is a long one, and there is plenty of blame to share among nearly all cultures, societies, and nations. In an attempt to not merely sink further into my own personal form of intolerance, I have determined to meet and engage more kinds of people, not necessarily just people like myself. I am traveling more, inquiring more, learning more, and judging less. I may not always agree with or even understand what I experience, but I do know that there is a reason why other people do things in their own ways. My dream is that more people could meet people from cultures very different than their own and learn the universality of human aspirations.

Gary R., 66, Olympia

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Before 9/11 I would not have even thought about getting a gun.”

The 9/11 attacks changed me in many ways. I spend a lot more time with my family and friends and not so much time at work. I feel that this is the only thing that is important in this life is your family. As we all learned on 9/11 it can be over in less than a second. I make sure I tell everyone that is special to me that I love them and hug them when I leave and when I come home.

I decided that it is my responsibility to take control of my family’s security when I am out in public. I got a concealed carry license and now I a carry a firearm whenever we leave the house. Before 9/11 I would not have even thought about getting a gun.

Todd R., 37, Woodinville

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I am going to school to be a history teacher, so I can teach the students I work with just how our nation and each of us were affected by this day.”

I had just turned 16 the month before and like any other teenager was anxious to get my license to drive. I remember watching everything happen in my first period choir class. I remember being shocked that this had happened. At this age I was dreaming of being a sportscaster and travel the world and see the landmarks that each new city offered. After seeing that I decided I wanted to do something that would help people. I was so settled on nursing until I started working with children, and I remember thinking that these students are not going to know how our upbringing was like. I am going to school to be a history teacher so that I can teach the students I work with just how our nation and each of us were affected by this day. They say each generation has an event that changed them, this was my generations.

Andrea, 26, White Salmon, WA

“

I have since retired and spend most of my time outside of the U.S. It’s not a safe place to be anymore.”

I have since retired and spend most of my time outside of the U.S. It's not a safe place to be anymore. I visit and miss my family and some of my close friends. In all of the countries I've visited, I try to be a good example of an American and human being. I don't want to have the world to think of us as "Ugly Americans". I love my country, but I love my planet more. The American government is broken and there have been no real solutions to fix it. So sad to see this happening.

Gary, 60, Bocas del Toro, Panama

“

I want to do something that assures me I am giving back to the community and ‘serving’ my great country in some way or the other.”

9/11, more than any other day I have lived through, opened my eyes. It opened my eyes to the state of the world we live in. While watching coverage of the attacks in school, I remember wondering why some people hate us so much. So strong was these peoples hatred that they would cross oceans to come inflict harm on us at home. It made me feel proud and protective of the fact I am an American. Lastly, I remember wanting more than anything else to somehow reverse time, try and save as many of those people as possible.

9/11 gave me something to aspire to. I decided then and there that I wanted to go into public service when I was older. I want to do something that assures me I am giving back to the community and "serving" my great country in some way or another.

Dan L., 22, Seattle

“

Now every year I celebrate my birthday, but I also honor life. I remember those lives lost so many years ago. In my own quiet way I’ve learned to share my day and fill it with joy.”

September 11th. My birthday. For years I was haunted by a guilty feeling each time the date rolled around. How could I even think of looking forward to a day when so many people were recalling their loss?

A feeling of disconnection with September 11th as my birthday was something that took many years to overcome. There were constant reminders that that day was no longer mine. I’d see it in the faces of store clerks when they’d check my ID and see my birth date. I saw it in the newspaper and on television every September in memorials. Sometimes I’d want to shout to the world that September 11th was my day first!

Gradually the funny looks and comments ebbed. I was able to move beyond the disconnection and numbness. I realized that I can have joy in life – and that that is really what birthdays are about. Now every year I celebrate my birthday, but I also honor life. I remember those lives lost so many years ago.

In my own quiet way I’ve learned to share my day and fill it with joy. September 11th. My birthday.

Dawn H., 38, Auburn

“

Mostly we’ve discovered that we want to help in smaller ways than we helped before. And we’ve renewed our commitment to our families, which have become our first priority.”

Our son was in his sophomore year at NYU when we got the news about the 9/11 attacks. We spent the worst day of our lives waiting to hear from him, unable to make contact until 8 pm that evening.

In the aftermath of an east coast earthquake and in the face of Hurricane Irene, we called our son who is still living in New York. I had texted earlier in the day for him to take some old shoes to work. He called back, saying, "Mom. What is with the old shoes? It's not like I wear heels to work!" He laughed but we didn't. As parents, 3,000 miles away from our son, there is so little we can do to fend off crazy terrorists, earthquakes and hurricanes. Advice to keep old shoes at work is the best we've got.

After we finished chatting with our son and hung up, my husband and I looked at one another. My husband -- an Eagle Scout, mountain climber and career CPA, generally too macho for tears -- looked at me with red-rimmed eyes and said, "Since 9/11, we don't ever say good-bye. We say, "Good-bye. We love you."

That statement captures the essence of how our lives have changed since 9/11.

Since 9/11, my husband has sold his downtown CPA firm and, with me, is working out of our home.

While we still support local causes we love -- the Northshore Performing Arts Center (a program we founded) and the Northshore Public Education Foundation-- we are pulling back. We've built a beach house near the Canadian border where we spend as much time as possible. We've brought a dog into our lives and we're training him to be a Reading with Rover dog. Mostly, we've discovered that we want to help in smaller ways than we helped before (for example, I previously served on the Northshore School Board for two terms). One-on-one ways. And we've renewed our commitment to our families, which have become our first priority.

Kirby L., 57, Kenmore

“

I want to make sure that out of the horrific events of 9/11, we used it to make the world a better place.”

As a result of 9/11, my global view has evolved, from an inward-looking one to a progressive outlook. I realize we can't solve everything, but if we do our part to understand one another, it will go a long way in embracing our similarities while respecting our differences. Part of these are: to learn languages, travel internationally, volunteer in communities, and work in a profession that truly benefit other people (I am a personal trainer), not just for financial gain. I want to make sure that out of the horrific events of 9/11, we used it to make the world a better place.

Nelson C., 34, Seattle

“

After 9/11, the American flag looked different to me. Before 9/11, I associated it with celebrations, something that was paraded or waved on summer holidays. But after that awful day it took on a new significance for me.”

After 9/11 the American flag looked different to me. Before 9/11, I associated it with celebrations, something that was paraded or waved on summer holidays. But after that awful day it took on a new significance for me. When I would drive by a school or a post office, the flag’s solitary presence took on a life of its own.

Now it represented all of those who had served and given their lives for this country, not just those at 9/11 but throughout history. Now the flag represented a cloud of witnesses that went all the way back to the Revolutionary War. It also dawned on me that maybe our flag is really their flag. After all who owns it more than those who have made the ultimate sacrifice? So when we salute the stars and stripes we are literally saluting them. After 9/11 a phrase that I had heard all of my life began to sink in, freedom is not free. In other words being an American had a price. Being American asks something of you. It is a collective consciousness of the heart that requires us to find new ways to survive the evils of the world and us. It challenges you to step back and give way to something bigger than you and me.

The country has come to the brink so many times including a civil war that literally tore the country apart. At this moment we are in the middle of a political civil war based on pride and arrogance, horrible in its small mindedness. Despite years of odds, our flag still flies. Our flag is a reminder, a sentry, a witness, a beacon, a backbone, a friend and a price tag for the freedom that’s been bought and paid for.

It’s the eyes of Washington and Lincoln looking back at us and wondering if we have what it takes to move forward. It’s work and heartbreak and a million acts of bravery by ordinary extraordinary people.

After 9/11 I thought the American flag looked different to me. In truth it was my appreciation of the flag that had changed. It is still the same flag. It is still red, white and blue. It still has stars and stripes, indivisible, unwavering and true. Thank God. Greg B., 59, Kirkland

“

In February 2002 we were married and have a wonderful new life together. I don’t think it would have happened without the overwhelming wakeup call from 9/11.”

I was babysitting with my toddler granddaughter at my son's home while her parents were in Florida. I had been a widow for 4 years. I had met a gentleman online and we had been friends. He wanted to marry again and I didn't, I was happy with the status quo. It became a joke between us. He would say, "Let’s get married today," and I would smile and say ‘no.’ I was never going to marry again and I thought my life was fine the way it was, not an age to start over again.

That morning, there was no TV or radio on; we were just playing on the floor in the living room when my gentleman friend called me, asking if I had heard the news. Of course, I said what news, he just said ‘turn on the TV, I will be right over.’

I was horrified at what I was watching on the TV and very happy when he arrived. The rest of that day was a bad dream; I could not get a hold of my son in Florida. My other sons also tried, but at least I heard from them. We were told that phone lines were all down. So we waited. The next few days were a blur.

Finally we heard from my son in Florida, they were OK and would be home as soon as they could get a flight.

As soon as I knew they were all alright, I told my very dear gentleman friend ‘yes.’ He looked at me and said ‘yes what?’ I said what do you think I am saying? He just looked puzzled and asked “are you saying that you will marry me?” I said yes, I don't think I want to be alone anymore, no one knows what lies ahead for us so let’s at least do it together.

So, in February 2002 we were married and have had a wonderful new life together. I don't think it would have happened without the overwhelming wakeup call from 9/11. You are never too old to have a new start!

Carol S.M., 76, Auburn

“

Ten years have gone by and I still find myself being ‘randomly’ selected EVERYTIME I cross the US/Canada border as I wait for hours inside customs to answer the same questions.”

I am a British born Indian-Canadian living in the United States. The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 reminded me very strongly that I am still just a "colored minority" living in a very white country. As I sat watching the horrific events unfold that day, it never occurred to me how the actions of a few hateful and disgusting men would impact my own life. Living in the Northwest, one can blend effortlessly among the diverse crowds of people and cultures. I never felt my ethnicity or religion was in question or even noticed by those I interacted with daily. But since that tragic day, terrorism has been on everyone's mind.

People were told to be vigilant and stay alert; the neighbor down the street, the gas station attendant, anyone of color was a questionable target. No accusation no matter how ridiculous or discriminatory was considered absurd.

The attacks on the Twin Towers brought back painful memories I thought were long forgotten. I can still remember being randomly called a "Hindu" or "Paki" and thinking to myself that the ignorant racists should first get my ethnicity correct before hurling the hateful insults. The cross burnings on our lawn and the nightly egg pelting of our home as we shamefully cleaned up the next day were images that I chose hard to forget ... until September 11.

Ten years have gone by and I still find myself being ‘randomly’ selected EVERYTIME I cross the US/Canada border as I wait for hours inside customs to answer the same questions. Trying to explain to my young child why there are only "brown" people inside with us is a lesson even I am not too eager to teach yet. The realization that things will never be the same also came when I was politely asked by a store clerk "why I wasn't covered up like the other ladies?" The blank stare I received while trying to explain that a Punjabi Indian such as me was not the same as a Muslim only reinforced my sad realization that prejudices, stereotypes, and ignorant thinking will never cease to exist, no matter how politically correct we believe we are.

It’s been a decade since we all huddled around our TVs in silence, crying, and desperately trying to understand what we were witnessing. It is a day that will never be forgotten by most, and a day that still instills such strong feelings. Yes, 9/11 did reshape our world view, but unfortunately for many of us, we just became innocent targets for the misguided fear and hate felt by so many.

Raj S., 39, Milton, WA

“

It changed my life in the worst possible way. We lost a family member on 9/11.”

It changed my life in the worst possible way. We lost a family member on 9/11. Our 32 year old cousin, Rob Jordan's life was taken that morning. I was getting ready for work and watching the morning news and saw it live. We knew he worked in tower one on the 104th floor for Cantor Fitzgerald, so to see the plane hit was the most surreal moment of my life. I was speechless. His mother called me, hoping that perhaps he somehow survived. He was very athletic and strong, so perhaps he was able to make it down the stairs. We all tried to stay hopeful. It wasn't until two days later we knew we'd never see Rob again.

It's hard to believe he has been gone for 10 years now. We often think about what he would have accomplished during those 10 years had he lived. An only child, and recently married, he had no children, so it's sad to think there is no one to carry on the family legacy. A scholarship was set up in his name, so something positive did become of this, but he is missed every single holiday, and actually, every single day.

Dotti G., 62, Bellingham

“

9/11 helped me find a way to creatively express my joys and my sorrows through the piano.”

9/11 helped me find a way to creatively express my joys and my sorrows through the piano. After 9/11 I yearned for music in a really tangible way. I had a void in my life after the tragic events. There was an urge to do something but what? I could not understand what I was struggling with. Then one day, it was almost as if I could hear God saying, "Play the piano again." Hearing this I listened and said yes.

Strangely, I only wanted to play Joni Mitchell songs. For a complete year I sat in front of a piano I bought and retaught myself how to play the piano again using Joni's songs. I immersed myself with her intelligent lyrics and brilliant melodies.

Something was taking hold and a joy began to fill my day. 10 years later I've moved on from Joni Mitchell songs and I now study Classical piano with a very good teacher. I still cry when I read or see images of 9/11 but I take my tears to the keyboard and offer a little Bach to the heavens.

Patty S., 52, Seattle

“

My sister’s husband died in Afghanistan in October 2008.”

My sister's husband died in Afghanistan in October 2008. He was an Army Major hit by an RPG and now we have to watch his four beautiful children grow up without him.

So while we were not in NYC on the day of the attacks, nor did we lose any loved ones that day, our loss came seven years later.

Karen, 51, Seattle

“

I go to bed thankful for any given day and awake with joy that I’ve been gifted with another.”

Aspirations are simple now, the main one being to live a good healthy life and be of service to my family, friends, and neighbors as much as possible. Love is the most important gift to receive or give.

I try not to give into my fears in my everyday life. I live to enjoy every moment with positive thoughts and actions, constantly being aware of how fortunate I am to live in these United States of America.

Sept. 11, 2001 was a wake-up call to all of us that we can make each day more meaningful, knowing how many lost their lives. The people who experienced the loss of family, loved ones, and friends are, no doubt, still reeling from those memories.

Most of us think twice before we fly or take any public transportation. I find myself more aware of my surroundings and the people with whom I make contact.

I go to bed thankful for any given day and awake with joy that I've been gifted with another.

Lorees R., 72, USA

“

I’ve got no beef with the Muslim faith, but that day put my tolerance to the test. Here we are 10 years later. The world will be OK. It’s humanity that’s a mess.”

That event was a growing pain for this young country. The United States is only 200 some years old. By comparison the city of London (in England) was established in the year 54. The United States is THE world superpower and an easy target. We are hated in many parts of the world. Osama bin Laden acted on his hatred by attacking. It was an awful day. I've been fortunate to have no friends or loved ones lost to that event. The direct effect here in Seattle was the noticeable silence in the sky. I remember no air traffic for a couple of weeks. During that quiet I was treated to the sight of 2 F-14 Tom Cats flying high overhead. At the time I was living in Mountlake Terrace. Those 2 must've been out of Whidbey. I've got no beef with the Muslim faith, but that day put my tolerance to the test. Here we are 10 years later. The world will be OK. It's humanity that's a mess.

Dean, 44, Seattle

“

The 911 attack forever changed my view of the administration. Whether it was ineptitude, collusion or just plain stupidity, I fault them for all of it.”

The 911 attack forever changed my view of the administration. Whether it was ineptitude, collusion or just plain stupidity I fault them for all of it. Collusion is no more unthinkable than collusion at Pearl Harbor. Ineptitude, given the presidency of GW Bush, is highly possible. The attack served administration purposes the same way Pearl Harbor served FDR's -- it mobilized the US for war. That the war was unjustified is a fact. The thought that so much and so many could be sacrificed to satisfy the whim of an incompetent and egotistical president has colored my opinion of the US and its government.

In other words, he couldn't have done it without help. I still believe in the United States, but I feel that power has shifted and the results have been disastrous.

Herb P., Port Townsend, 84

“

9/11 reminded me – and continues to remind me – that if there is something I want to be doing, I had better get to it – better start doing it now – because you never know, there might not be a tomorrow.”

How did 9/11 change me? The short answer is I learned how to fly. We had the TV on that morning. We saw the plane fly into the side of the building. But it was hard to believe because it didn't look like an accident. How could it be? An airliner crashing into a building near the ground, sure, but not flying headon into one. When I got out of the shower a little while later my wife said, “It happened again.” Of course innocent people die all the time. A few thousand die every year from aspirin, 30,000 a year from automobile accidents, and 90,000 a year from medical mistakes. The deaths are so common it barely makes the news. But the towers were a smack in the face.

All those people. Some exercised every day, some ate sensibly, and some saved money for their kids to go to college. At least a few must have lead perfect lives, must have done everything right. I'm sure many were better friends, lovers, parents than me. And yet, all are gone. All now dead.

I realized again that there are no guarantees in life, that we can literally die at any time. We know this intellectually, but sometimes it takes a disaster (cancer, the death of a loved one, 9/11) to make us really understand, to make it hit home. Why learn to fly? Just because. I'd always wanted to learn but could never afford it, never had the time. So I took the time (much more than expected) and paid the price (our car is old and won't soon be replaced).

But I'm a private pilot now. I fly for fun, and for the challenge of learning to do it better.

9/11 reminded me – and continues to remind me – that if there is something I want to be doing, I had better get to it, better start doing it now, because you never know, there might not be a tomorrow.

Steve I., 52, Seattle

“

Since 9/11, I’ve seen a misuse and perversion of the very word ‘freedom.’ In the name of freedom, civil liberties have been assaulted at home …”

The changes since 9/11 have made me feel freer outside the United States than in it. Crossing what was once known as "the longest open border in the world," the one with Canada, has become a chore and sometimes worse. The border police are as intrusive and rude as ones I encountered in corrupt authoritarian countries in Africa 25 years ago. Traveling throughout Europe, by contrast, is a breeze -- no border controls at all except when you land by plane from the US, and those are minimal.

Since 9/11, I've seen a misuse and perversion of the very word "freedom." In the name of freedom, civil liberties have been assaulted at home, we live under more and more intensive surveillance, and the basic human rights of prisoners abroad have been grievously violated. In the name of freedom, as many Americans have died in war as did on 9/11, and so have tens of thousands of Iraqis, Afghans, Pakistanis, Yemenis, and others. This has done nothing for our freedom. It's created a paranoid Fortress America, consumed by fear and self-pity. It's made me ashamed to be an American.

Chris N., 59, Shoreline

“

I had not been away from the states more than a couple weeks of my short life, and came back proud to be an American, if only because I missed the way of life that is uniquely American.”

I had arrived in NYC area about a week before the attacks after finishing up a summer backpacking trip across Europe to visit family. Landing back in the states I felt surprisingly patriotic; I had not been away from the states more than a couple weeks in my short life, and came back proud to be an American, if only because I missed the way of life that is uniquely American. I spent September 11th sequestered in Manhattan, staring at the bright blue day from a park bench in Central Park, listening to a transistor radio, awaiting news that we could leave the island and imagining how this was going to change the world. Because of the air travel mess preceding the attacks, my travel mates and I decided to drive home to Seattle. I had nothing but time on the drive to worry if this was the start of the next World War, or if I would get drafted, or if I would be able to enjoy my 20's. Fortunately, it wasn't the next World War, I didn't get drafted, and I did enjoy my 20's immensely. On the other hand, we've been saddled with large debts, are growing more and more divided politically, and we're still embroiled in 2 conflicts overseas. After 10 years of war and 2 recessions, I'm left to wonder if we've actually gained anything from fighting what can only be described as a "war of ideals", and if we can achieve the sense of unity us Americans had in the weeks preceding the attacks without another catastrophic event. As individuals, we all probably turn out as we should, but I'm left to worry about the fate of our great country.

Austin R., 32, Seattle

“

I had an early morning flight to Philadelphia on September 11. I fell asleep on the plane and when I woke up we had just landed.�

I had an early morning flight to Philadelphia on Sept 11. I fell asleep on the plane and when I woke up we had just landed. I wondered why the airport was relatively empty, but I was still sleepy and in a hurry to get to a meeting so I did not think about it. Traffic was bad on the highway, so I left the radio off to concentrate better on driving.

I found out later that I had been on one of the last flights to land in Philly before they started diverting all planes to nearest airports.

It wasn't until I spotted folks at the client's reception desk crying that I realized something was very wrong. I walked into an auditorium where a massive projection screen was showing CNN, not PowerPoint. We all thought it was a horrible flight accident until the second plane plowed into the other tower.

I had to find a hotel room since all flights were grounded indefinitely and I was originally supposed to fly home that same day. Rental cars were now impossible to get unless you already had one. So I followed folks I had just met to a nearby suburban hotel. We watched the towers come down in a crowded hotel bar. I felt nauseous. People were crying.

The next day I drove the rental car back home, 800 miles away. The NJ Turnpike was practically empty during rush hour. I only saw 4 other rental cars, all with out of state plates and multiple passengers, and two National Guard trucks. From the highway, you could see Manhattan and the giant cloud above the former twin towers, still drifting plumes of smoke into the sky. The toll takers waved everyone through without collecting payments and told us to get off the highway and go home.

At least home was relatively close for me. At the Hartford airport (where I had left my car when I flew to Philly) I watched as another rental car pulled up and 5 people exited and ran to the rental counter. Total strangers, they had carpooled from the Newark airport, several hundred miles away, because they had told that the Hartford airport actually had rental cars left. Two of them were from Florida and intended to drive home instead of waiting for flights to resume.

That was the day when everything changed.

Wendy Y., 41, Kirkland

“

‘The world is going to end,’ one little boy told me as he entered the school. I gave him a hug and said ‘Our soldiers, our policemen, our firemen, your parents, your teachers and our president are looking out for you,” I told him. I believed that.”

I was the new PTA president at the local elementary at the start of the 2001 school year. While watching the Towers burn, listening to the wretched reports on the news, I was worried about the children in our community. I knew their minds would be trying to understand the news. If our adult minds couldn’t comprehend the events – how could the children?

I wanted the children at the school to have as much normalcy as possible on this day.

After breakfast and a simplified discussion of what was happening in our country, we sent our own children to school on the bus. I drove to the school and stood in the school hallway – waiting for buses to arrive. The principal and school staff was already there, having held a meeting to determine how the day would proceed. They were calm and ready to welcome the children's questions, but also determined to carry on regular school schedules.

"The world is going to end," one little boy told me as he entered the school. I gave him a hug and said, "Our soldiers, our policemen, our firemen, your parents, your teachers and our president are looking out for you,” I told him. I believed that. I knew our country would come together to protect our children.

The whole PTA board showed up in the hallway that morning. We hadn't planned it. Driven by the need to stand strong, to protect and love the children, each of us stayed until classes began. We bent down, hugged children and listened for any fears they voiced. We didn't have weapons to protect them - our strength was in our determination to let normalcy continue. To let the children be children.

Imelda D., 50, Seattle

“

I am 16 now and September 11th has forever changed my world view. It made me realize that even a country as strong as America can be hurt by tragedy and horror.�

I was very young that fateful day 10 years ago. I woke up on the 11th of September 2001 thinking it was odd that my parents were watching TV that early in the morning. It wasn't until my mom was making breakfast that I realized that something very wrong had happened. My parents explained to my sister and me that there had been a terrorist attack. At the time I didn't really understand what that meant all I knew was that America had been hurt by something called terrorists and that many innocent people had died. In the aftermath of the attacks I never watched a single news-report or radio broadcast. My parents didn't want me to hear or see anything horrible and I understand why now. Over the years I have come to understand what occurred on that day and just how much it affected my nation. Last year on the day of the 9th anniversary of the attacks I watched the old broadcasts for the first time. As I watched I cried and realized that it had taken me 9 years to understand just how much September 11th affected our nation and its people. I am 16 now and September 11th has forever changed my world view. It made me realize that even a country as strong as America can be hurt by tragedy and horror. It has also taught me that when necessary, the people of America can rise up as one and bond together.

September 11th was a horrible day for America but it made our country stronger as a whole. We were irrevocably hut by what happened but instead of falling we chose to stand up as one and fight for our country, our people and the innocent people who were killed or hurt in the attacks. I may have been young when September 11th happened and may have not understood it at the time but I will carry the memory of that day and learning what it truly means with me forever.

Madeline, 16, Woodinville

-

“

Being incredibly blessed to have my peacefully comfortable Seattle upbringing, I had not previously known of terrorism or any real evil. The evil I had encountered by this time had been limited to petty arguments with classmates on the playground, my brother taking my Pokémon cards, and in the stories of books or television shows.”

September 11, 2001 - One of the first days of 1st grade at Kimball Elementary. However, instead of my father waking me up to come down stairs to eat breakfast and get ready for school, he brought me into the master bedroom, where we joined my mother and brother had gathered around the phone. My oldest brother had called my father just minutes earlier to tell him of the news. As I heard my parents talking about the events taking place, I found it hard to comprehend. We all shifted down to the living room and huddled around the television, the breaking news report blaring on all channels. At the age of six I wasn't able to fully grasp the gravity of the situation, but I could tell from universally grim and horror stricken faces of the newscasters that whatever had happened was bad. Sitting there and watching the replay of the planes hitting the buildings over and over, I saw a movie; a horror story.

Being incredibly blessed to have my peacefully comfortable Seattle upbringing, I had not previously known of terrorism or any real evil. The evil I had encountered by this time had been limited to petty arguments with my classmates on the playground, my brother taking my Pokémon cards, and in the stories of books or television shows. In this way, the attacks of 9/11 were my first glimpses of the evil of humanity. First grade was incidentally the same year that I had begun taking piano lessons, following the example of my brother and heeding my parents' encouragement. Even with barely a few months of experience, the events of 9/11 inspired me to write a little tune with a few chords and a simple melody.

I began playing the song for friends and family, and upon one recital for my dad's coworkers at a dinner party, I titled the piece 'No Tears'. At the time, I wasn't able to fully explain with words why I picked such a title, and could only explain through playing the song. But now, as a slightly more knowledgeable human being and musician at the age of 16, I realize that the title 'No Tears' represents both my initial reaction to the attacks of 9/11, and also my prayers for peace, strength, and healing for all of the victims; not only of that day, but of evil forever.

Ariel L., 16, Seattle

“

I joined the U.S. Army Reserve in November 2001 as a result of the 9/11 attacks. I served two tours in Iraq and one in Kosovo during my time in the Reserve …”

I joined the U.S. Army Reserve in November of 2001 as a result of the 9/11 attacks. I served 2 tours in Iraq and one in Kosovo during my time in the Reserve but ironically never went to Afghanistan.

9/11 reminded me that some things are bigger than us as individuals. It also made me realize that in some ways tolerance has given cowardice a mantle to shroud itself in. It has allowed people with legitimate concerns or differing opinions to be drowned out by people who would rather do what is easy than what is right. 9/11 has also shown that the people of America on all sides of the political spectrum are seriously under educated about global matters and military operations. It is shocking to have a conversation with any person about things like geopolitics or use of military force. The expectations of what right looks like and how to get there are often just pure fantasy backed up by their favored information source be it Fox News, the Huffington Post, Chomsky, or Friedman.

No one really has a clue how people in faraway places live their day to day lives with the exception of people who serve abroad in the military or in the Peace Corps or in some other capacity. The advent of instant global communications has made facts disputable and has allowed people to choose what they deem is the real "story" regardless of the motivations of the organization that spoon fed them talking points… just look at our 9/11 conspiracy people who have fabricated a conspiracy out of nothing more than opinion and faulty scientific reasoning.

The biggest observation I have is that America is in decline and our moment as a great nation is waning.

In our attempt to embrace other ways of life and other cultures we have forgotten that our nation is strongest when we find common ground and are homogenous. We have come to a day where people laugh when they here John F. Kennedy’s immortal words “Ask not what your country can do for you… ask what you can do for your country.”

I can understand that there is discontent with our government but it is ours. But again we can stand on the sidelines and complain about the coach’s game plan or we can get in the game and try and shape the plan as best as we can. We as people of this great nation are at a crossroads: we can stop asking for handouts and instead ask what needs to be done; or we can become irrelevant, poor, and disenchanted.

I joined the U.S. Army Reserve in November of 2001 as a result of the 9/11 attacks. I served 2 tours in Iraq and one in Kosovo during my time in the Reserve but ironically never went to Afghanistan. I worked as a Civil Affairs Specialist while enlisted and just got out of the Reserve in June of this year. My life changed because as a person who became an adult while the fall of communism was in progress I never felt the call to serve my country as my father had in Vietnam and Korea. 9/11 reminded me that some things are bigger than us as individuals.

Richard W., 38, Seattle

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I joined Scholars for 911 Truth and Justice in 2008.”

I joined Scholars for 911 Truth and Justice in 2008 (I retired from UW faculty in 2007). My view of our government during the 911 period and its aftermath now includes fears of the people who aided or caused that massive crime, incomprehension that our news media have not pursued this story effectively, and admiration for those who are trying to launch a full investigation and to bring the perpetrators to justice. The attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, were a terrible tragedy for so many people, and then became much worse several years later when I found out that thousands of architects and engineers (AE911truth.org), military and government leaders (Patriotsquestion911.com), pilots (pilots for 911truth.org), veterans (v911t.org) all question the official explanations and suggest that our government may have allowed it to happen or that it was an inside job. Many other groups and individuals have come to the same conclusion (i.e. ‘Jersey Girls’, who are the 911 widows who helped force the government to do the initial investigation; FBI whistle blower Colleen Rowley who was one of Time magazine Persons of the year in 2002; Ex-senators Max Cleland and Mike Gravel; retired Major General Albert Stubblebine, and 100s of retired military, pilots and ex-CIA/FBI agents).

Margaret B., 69, Seattle

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I received a job helping dislocated airline workers who were laid off as a direct cause of 9/11 and have continued on that path ever since, working in staffing.”

I was 22 and fresh out of college. My best friend and I moved from Spokane to Boston on 9/1/11. On 9/11 we were waking up at the same time the planes were leaving Boston. We both had interviews in Financial District and our morning was going as expected until we climbed out of the dark subway tunnel. It was at that second we realized something was wrong, too many people were running out of town, when most people should be heading in for work. People were stopped on the sidewalk bent over and crying and people were yelling "get out of here, we're under attack."

On Sept 11, 2001, we woke to hope of finding jobs and making it in the world on our own. By the end of the day we were just thankful our families were at home okay.

I received a job helping dislocated airline workers who were laid off as a direct cause of 9/11 and have continued on that path ever since, working in staffing.

Tracy V., 32, Boston, MA.

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I would stay in New York for a few more years, but it was not until I left the city and moved to Seattle that I finally shed my first tear.”

My phone kept ringing, it was early. I worked as a waiter in Manhattan, I certainly was sleeping in. I shared a small apartment with two friends a couple blocks north of what would be known as the evacuation zone. My roommate was on the phone, he worked what I considered early. “A plane has hit the World Trade Center", he said. I woke my third roommate and we ran to the roof of our building, less than a mile from the chaos. By the time we made it to the roof, a second plane had already struck the second tower. We watched in shock with our neighbors as smoke blew in our direction. Later that day we would question if that smoke was safe to breath. My neighbor, a beautiful Israeli girl, started screaming, "They're jumping, oh my God they're jumping".

It was true, we could see people jumping from the windows. As I scanned my lower Manhattan neighborhood, I could hear sirens, and see people standing in awe on their rooftops, and then the towers began to fall. More smoke blew in our direction, and it had a strange odor. Returning to our apartment our television no longer worked, and we knew nothing. Our phones did not work, my parents would not hear from me for another 48 hours. We made our way to the East Village restaurant I worked at. They had a TV that worked and we learned of the other tragic flights. I ordered a beer and watched as ash covered professionals filled in. One kept repeating, "They are all gone", he was referring to his law firm. Later that evening my manager, who decided to close the restaurant early had to remove an older lady lying in booth. She said she lived in the evacuation zone, and had nowhere to go. We walked to Union Square, a memorial was taking place, candles were burning, people were reacting to the violence and pictures of the missing that would cover much of the city first appeared. In the days that followed I would go through two check points to get from work to my home, and we lived in fear of using the subway. Anthrax and bomb threats filled the local media and our minds. People were leaving the city, including one of my roommates who lost many of his co-workers in the towers. He had to be in court early that morning, and now he had no job. I would stay in New York for a few more years, but it was not until I left the city and moved to Seattle that I finally shed my first tear.

Sean S., 35, Seattle

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I’ve tried to think differently about race, and labels, and the process by which we draw circles around ourselves and our community and exclude some ‘other’ people from our own circle.”

Since 9/11, given the racism and jingoism that's grown in this country, apparently as a result of 9/11, I've tried to think differently about race, and labels, and the process by which we draw circles around ourselves and our community and exclude some "other" people from our own circle. Just as I don't wish to be associated with white Americans who are responsible for war atrocities in the Middle East, it is unfair to associate someone with the attacks of 9/11 based on their race, religion, or appearance. It's sad to see the ways in which the dominant classes in America facilitate and perpetuate hate as a response to 9/11. The irony is that this very hate is the greatest threat to our country. As individuals, it's up to us to envision ways to overcome the racism and "othering" that has lead to hate, and then act with grace, not hate.

Steve, 35, Seattle

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I have always given to charity, but since not long after 9/11, I have had a special love of giving to charities that help our military active duty and veterans.”

As horrible as 9/11 was, I do not think that it changed my worldview or expectations. Perhaps I am just in denial, because it was an incredibly moving event that certainly impacted me for the rest of that year.

But, life went on, at least for those of us not directly affected by the death toll.

I think if I had been younger, though, I might have considered enlisting in the military. That's easy for me to say, though. It's something else entirely to actually do it. I admire the young men and women that serve in our military and I am thankful for the sacrifices they have made on our behalf.

So, if anything, I suppose my appreciation for the men and women that serve in our military has lasted to this day and will continue for the rest of my life. I have always given to charity, but since not long after 9/11, I have had a special love of giving to charities that help our military active duty and veterans.

I am especially fond of the charities that help wounded soldiers and the families of soldiers killed in action. There is no better use of my charitable giving that to help these individuals and families.

Mark R., 48, Seattle

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I miss how things used to be but realize we need to move forward and continue to grow as a country. We pulled together as one 10 years ago and I hope that continues. We owe those who lost their lives at least that much.”

I was originally from Connecticut with family still there, Cape Cod and NYC. I got a phone call from my husband to quickly turn the TV on. I was overcome with grief and fear, knowing my sisters, brother-inlaw and niece were in NYC. I called my family and everyone was accounted for except my youngest sister. Her subway went right next to the WTC. It was a scary few hours until we heard she was safe. I remember looking at my two young sons as they were enjoying their cartoon, while I was watching the horror unfold on my kitchen TV. How I wish I could be in their world if only for a few moments. Then hearing a fighter jet fly over our house, knowing at that time, no planes were in the air. At that moment, I felt such fear and such sadness. The world we knew it was forever changed. I kept thinking about yesterday. Yesterday, when problems now seem so minimal. I miss how things use to be but realize we need to move forward and continue to grow as a country. We pulled together as one 10 years ago and hope that continues. We owe those who lost their lives at least that much.

Peg J., 48, Woodinville

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Knowing that my father was supposed to be heading west to Seattle from Boston that day, I went into a bit of a panic. I knew in the back of my head that chances were slim he would be aboard that doomed plane, but the chance was still there.”

My father was a pilot for Sun Country airlines at the time and coincidentally happened to be in Boston that day. I remember waking up and turning on the TV, like I do every day, only to see two smoldering towers slowly emerge from my old tube television. Up until that point, I had no clue what the World Trade buildings were. I listened to the broadcaster, not realizing how big of a deal this was. He had mentioned that an airplane had flown into the building.

Knowing that my father was supposed to be heading west to Seattle from Boston that day, I went into a bit of a panic. I knew in the back of my head that chances were slim he would be aboard that doomed plane, but the chance was still there. I called him on his cell phone and got no response. I called a total of three times; I never got a response. Ten painfully slow minutes later, he called awakening from a deep sleep. I told him to turn on his TV and let him know he wouldn't be flying anywhere today.

To top the morning off, I was hit by a downed power line on my way to Bellevue High School. I got to my first period Spanish class and, of course, the television was on. The buildings were gone by the time I arrived. I asked what happened. My teacher simply responded, "They fell down." We sat in a perfect silence, a rarity for 30 juniors in high school, and watched the terror unfold replay after replay.

Blake S., 26, Bellevue

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Our country is broken. We must fix it.”

September 11, 2001 nearly destroyed me. I was not in any of the towers, was not in New York, or D.C. or Shanksville, but was cozy in my bed in Magnolia, trying to catch a few extra Z’s before getting up. For some reason on that morning, it was a struggle to want to get up. Finally I turned on the radio, hoping Pat Cashman’s banter would perk me up. He was uncharacteristically somber and I could tell it wasn’t a “bit”. It was about 6:50 a.m.

I ran into the living room, switched on the TV and saw the burning of the towers, a plane flying into one of the towers, then a plane hitting the Pentagon, then the towers crumbling and I crumbled, too. The images were heartbreaking; the hysteria, people running, crying, screaming, jumping off the towers, everyone covered in the detritus of the destruction. I imagined what swirled in the dust that rained down, and tried not to. The horror was too much to handle. Peter Jennings, of ABC, was my rock that day.

What could we possibly have done to make someone hate us that much?

I did not go into work that day and met a friend for lunch in Des Moines where we tried to make sense of the attacks. My nerves were hot-wired for most of the day, and for the following days, weeks, and months.

Later, I wondered, how could all of the organizations that are in place to protect us have simultaneously failed on that day? Reading the Commission Report provided more questions than answers. What was our country becoming?

My heartbreak continued as we entered a war under false pretenses and, even as the WMD story fell apart, still we continued to send our kids off to war, a war that made many rich at the expense of the rest of us, as we struggled with lost pensions, decimated savings, and devalued real estate. Many of the soldiers returned battered and broken, having witnessed unimaginable terrors.

Every day I look out at majestic Mt. Si, our glorious trees, our colorful sky and our expansive landscape.

There is so much beauty here in the scenery and in the people; we must become better stewards of it all. Our country is broken. We must fix it.

Kathy S., 56, North Bend

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Now as part of a small group of people who share birthdates that coincide with days of national tragedies, I have become even more patriotic and supportive of our men and women who protect our country and work to prevent such an attack from ever occurring again.”

I will never forget that morning because it was my 33rd birthday. I experienced joy, shock and immense sadness all within moments of waking up. I had no idea what had happened until I had already opened my presents and turned on the television to check the traffic report.

As I sat there in disbelief, dazed and very sad as I watched CNN until the last moment I could leave for work. Upon arriving to work, I was surprised that my desk had been decorated the night before with signs and balloons. I immediately took them down and began to feel almost guilty to be joyous on such a tragic day.

I would feel this guilt for the next few years, always getting the reminder when prompted to give birth date information for applications, verification of ID or general conversation. How many times have I heard, “I bet you will never forget that birthday?” And the answer is no, I will never forget that day or the thousands of people who lost their lives on the day of my birth.

Unfortunately each generation has a day of significance, from Pearl Harbor, Oklahoma City and now 9/11. Now as part of small group of people who share birthdates that coincide with days of national tragedies, I have become even more patriotic and supportive of our men and women who protect our country and work to prevent such an attack from ever occurring again.

I have supported our troops and their families, including my older brother who was called up for active duty for the USAF. Craig M. 43, Seattle

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We are so far away in Washington, but those were Americans. I wanted to do something, so I participated in Project 2,996. Blog owners wrote a tribute to a murdered American.�

That week is a blur, waking up to KIRO radio and thinking what's all the drama? Waking my sister and her boyfriend with a plane hit the WTC and her boyfriend sitting straight up in bed saying, "what, what what"...... soon after the second plane hit. I don't remember getting ready for work, dropping my daughter at school or driving to work. At work listening to the radio was bizarre, all the false stories like a Police Officer rode the WTC debris as the tower fell, or a plane crashed trying to land in a hurry on a runway that was too short. Watching the news and hearing that 343 firefighters were missing and telling myself, there is NO damn way that is right, they will show up and get to them. Hearing the inactive alarms that firefighters wear at Ground Zero and not knowing until later what they were and what the noise meant. Crying every day and night all week.... my heart broke that day. The next recollection I have is the following Friday - it was payday and as I drove to my bank at lunch time a radio station was playing the National Anthem at noon (100.7 The Wolf, they do it still to this day) and sobbing. In the bank I was a wreck and the teller didn't have to ask, she said I know exactly how you feel. We are so far away in Washington, but those were Americans. I wanted to do something so I participated in Project 2,996. Blog owners wrote a tribute to a murdered American. Since then people have forgotten and links no longer work. I have done around 120 or so tributes and my goal is to make sure that everyone has one - there are some people that do not have a tribute written about them. The messages people leave are totally heartbreaking. I feel beat down and defeated but I force myself to watch the footage and to read and write about the victims is the least I can do. Project 2,996 can be found at: http://project2996.wordpress.com/ My blog can be found at: http://kjw-today.blogspot.com/ Kelly, 41, Everett

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My brother-in-law was starting his first day of work with Lehman Brothers at the World Trade Center. Watching the events unfold on TV was like being stuck watching a horror movie that you couldn’t leave.”

9/11 is a day never to be forgotten because it taught a new generation of Americans the evil our world is capable of. Not since Pearl Harbor has such an event shocked and saddened the citizens of the United States of America. I was one of those people who took for granted that America was too smart or too prepared for such an attack. I trusted our government and security institutions to protect us. I was attending a trade show in Atlanta on 9/11. My family was back in Seattle. My brother-in-law was starting his first day of work with Lehman Brothers at the World Trade Center. Watching the events unfold on TV was like being stuck watching a horror movie that you couldn't leave. I’m so fortunate that my brotherin-law escaped that fateful day on the last ferry to New Jersey but he will forever have horrific images impressed on his heart and mind. He remained working for Lehman, one of only two people out of 12 new hires who chose to stay on after 9/11. He refused to let someone else force him to put his life on hold. Six of us from the trade show rented a van in Atlanta and drove home to Seattle over three days.

We saw city after city honoring the victims and families of 9/11. Most awe-inspiring was seeing people uniting to show their support for red, white and blue on each city block, suburb and farm we passed.

The skies were unusually quiet with no jets in the air, causing us to stop often to reflect. I formed a special bond with my co-workers on that trip that will never be broken. I now understand what we are capable of doing to one another and know that no one can fully protect us. But I don't let fear keep me from enjoying the freedoms we were awarded years ago and fight hard now to keep. We just have to live each day and treasure our blessings because we are not promised tomorrow. I love being an American now more than ever.

Nichelle W., 42, Edmonds