Page 2 - Florida Sentinel 9-10-21

Feature
Tampa Residents Remember Where They Were On 9/11/01
BY MONIQUE STAMPS Sentinel Staff Writer
The morning of September 11, 2001 was one of the most shocking events in American history. More than 3,000 peo- ple lost their lives that day in a terrorist attack that changed everyday life from that day for- ward.
As we reflect on the 20th an- niversary of 9/11, we reflect on a time before Homeland Secu- rity and TSA regulations. Much like the Martin Luther King, Jr. assassination, peo- ple remember where they were and what they were feeling that day.
In Tampa, the morning was clear and sunny. When we woke up, we had no idea that our lives would never be the same.
Terrorists hijacked four air- liners. They flew three of the planes into buildings: the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Arlington, Vir- ginia. The final hijacked plane, United Flight 93, took off from Newark International Airport. Investigators believe the in- tended target was likely either the White House or the U. S. Capitol. But passengers, who
learned of the other hijackings in cellphone calls to loved ones, attempted to rush the cockpit and retake control from the terrorists which led to the plane crashing in rural Pennsylvania.
The attacks killed 2,976 peo- ple and injured thousands more. Today, many first re- sponders are still dealing with adverse health effects from working in toxic conditions in the aftermath.
Several Tampa residents shared where they were when they heard the news of the at- tack:
STATE REP. FENTRICE DRISKELL
“On September 11, 2001, I, like many Americans, started my day with the news that the first Tower had been hit. I was a first-year law student in Washington, D.C. Just a cou- ple weeks earlier, I had passed through the train station at the lower level of the World Trade Center during a summer spent in New York. I remember feel- ing a great sense of grief and thinking, “that could have been me.”
“[My classmates and I were in disbelief as the day’s events, and especially the attack on the Pentagon just across the river from us, unfolded. The phone lines were jammed in andoutofD.C.,soIcouldnot reach my family and friends to let them know that I was safe until late in the day. It was a scary time. When I visited the old World Trade Center site to
pay my respects later that month, I still could not believe that those two majestic Towers that had anchored the south- ern Manhattan skyline were gone.]”
‘September 11 was the first event that I lived through where I felt our democracy was under attack, and not just from the direct threat of terrorism, but also from the existential threats of fear, social mistrust, and Islamophobia.”
“While I will never forget the fear and grief that permeated that day, what I hold closest as I reflect back on the past 20 years is how resilient the American people are. We did not let the events of 9/11 di- minish the American spirit. But we find ourselves facing new threats both domestic and foreign, including the recent insurrection that occurred at the U.S. Capitol on January 6.”
“Our democracy, though re- silient, is not impermeable. I hope that the true lesson of 9/11 –that our nation is strongest when our diverse communities pull together – guides us through the chal- lenging times that we face in the present.”
ED NARAIN
“I was at home getting ready for work when my roommate called and shared that he heard on the radio that a plane flew into one of the Towers. My immediate thought was that it was a small plane and no big deal. But tuning in on TV, I saw Tower 1 on fire and within minutes the second
plane struck Tower 2. Like most people that morning, I was horrified, anxious and angry.”
“Right away, I started calling family in New York City and was unable to get through be- cause the lines were busy. I knew our nation was under at- tack and started calling family locally to make sure they were ok. As reports came through about the attack on the Penta- gon and the downed plane in Pennsylvania, I knew this was going to be a day we’d never forget.”
“However in light of all the chaos, what I also remember as people covered in ash walked home across the vari- ous N.Y. bridges – was people pulling together, sharing with one another and being com- passionate. We weren’t Black, white, old, or young that day. We were Americans that grew our resolve to find out who at- tacked us, respond forcefully and honor those who died by rebuilding even better. Twenty years later, we can confidently say that we did exactly that.”
SEAN SHAW
“On September 11th, 2001, I was in my first year of law school at the University of Florida. I was in shock; a for- eign attack on American soil of that magnitude was something I had only read about in his- tory books, not an event I ex- pected to happen in my lifetime.
“In your early twenties, you often feel invincible. 9/11 changed that for so many
young Americans, including me.”
SELENA WARD
“As the wife of a U. S. Army soldier living in Los Angeles, CA during 9/11, I immediately knew that this was the time to serve. My husband contacted his unit to see what needed to be done. We were newlyweds without children 1,000 miles away from our families. I con- tacted my loved ones to make sure they were okay.
The entire country was im- pacted by the loss of life in New York City. I recalled a re- cent trip to N.Y. and my heart was broken for the people of the city. I can’t describe how I felt that day in words because it was unbelievable that some- thing so tragic could happen in America. It was a wake-up call for Americans and a day that we all learned that we must work together!”
STANLEY GRAY
“I had just purchased a house and was moving in. I heard about it from a friend with the Secret Service. He was later given a bravery award for his work that day.
“He provided a blow by blow that day and how things un- raveled that day.”
“These are the things that can occur when you have a democracy. What I mean is that everyone is assumed to be pro-America. We can only react to what people have done, not what they may be thinking. We are guided by the principles of civil liberty.”
It clearly showed that America does have enemies. Because we are so open and free, we give our enemies a chance to do these things.”
One of the greatest acts of terrorism on U. S. soil hap- pened 20 years ago, but many remember it like it was yester- day.
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