Readers share thoughts on 9/11

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day? The opening line of a popular song makes one ponder what they were doing when they first heard the news that changed America, as we knew it. Nearly everyone remembers what they were doing when they first learned of the attacks on our nation on September 11, 2001. 

On that day, planes were hijacked, fires raged, and 2,977 victims died in the terrorist attacks on our country, in the deadliest attack on U.S. soil to date.  

Now, 25 years later, our readers shared not only where they were when they heard the terrible news, but also the thoughts and feeling they had at that moment.

Said Kelly, "I was asleep in Honolulu while on temporary military duty. I woke to a new world."

Connie noted, "Delivering daily paperwork at my job in the accounting office at Chateau on the Lake. Got to the engineering department and saw them all standing in front of a television, some visibly shaken. We all watched in horror as the second plane hit. A day I will never forget."

Georgia said, "At work when the news broke. Totally stunned and concerned. Concerned about what was next, the people that were affected and what was going to happen to the vacation we had been planning for two years. We ended up not flying because most flights were cancelled. While driving to a new destination, Disneyland, we encountered such patriotism. Arriving at a resort hotel that is usually bustling and finding only the employees and our family was there – so eerie. Needless to say, the park itself was very empty. To this day, thinking about the whole event gives me chills."

Rudy was working at his office when he received a call from his wife. "She told me to go turn the TV on," he noted. "I did and saw what was happening. I had a tourist bus on the way from San Antonio so I called them to make them aware of what was going on. A very, very sad, tragic day."

Melinda recalled, "I was working at the French Quarter. I was in a hotel room and the TV was on. I saw, live, the second plane hit the second tower. An image I still see."

"I was at the guard gate for private planes at the St. Louis airport, to pick up employees for a show. The armed guard told me the airport was shut down. I didn't believe him. He told me to drive straight home and not stop for anything. Gas was $1.60 a gallon when I headed home. It was $5.00 a gallon when I hit Springfield."

Doug was also headed to the airport. He shared, "I was on my way to fly out of town for a conference for the week. Got a call saying that the airport just closed and to head back home. Went home and stared at the TV for hours and hours and hours."

Valerie was in nursing school when the attacks happened. “Our director kept coming in and out, and finally came in and dismissed us," she recalled. "Told us to gas up on the way home. I went home, turned on the TV and sat, crying, watching what happened."

Dale recalled, "I was 15, a high school freshman, in history class, of all things."

Emerald was also in school. "High School band. We had gone to NYC the May before and got to see them in person."

Kay shared, "I was working at Tri Lakes Newspaper. Working in the composing department. Unbelievable day. No one could believe what was unfolding on the news. All those pictures and it was later confirmed a gentleman with local ties to Branson was in the Trade Center. Very sad day."

Noelle noted, "I was at home with my six-month-old son. I always had the Today Show on. The volume was down. I saw a plane crash into the Tower and thought they were premiering a movie."

Philip was an over-the-road truck driver who was home on break. He recalled, "The first thing I did was to go to the Springfield Blood Bank to donate blood for survivors. There was a line at the blood bank."

Linda said, "I was in Washington, D.C., touring the White House. The tour ended abruptly."

Said Molly, "I was working at Ozark Ticket and Travel. Owner Lee Larscheid came out of his office and led us all in prayer. I thought that was important and showed quality leadership. Then the phones started ringing off the hook with cancellations."

Lisa remembered, "I was at Andy Williams Moon River Theater. We spent most of the day in shock and trying to decide whether or not to have the show that night. In the end, Andy decided to perform and the show went on. The show started differently. Andy came out and said a few words, and then we had a moment of silence. It was powerful."

‘Where Were You?’ Written and recorded by Alan Jackson

[Verse 1]

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?

Were you in the yard with your wife and children

Or working on some stage in L.A.?

Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke

Rising against that blue sky?

Did you shout out in anger in fear for your neighbor

Or did you just sit down and cry?

[Verse 2]

Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones

And pray for the ones who don't know?

Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble

And sob for the ones left below?

Did you burst out with pride for the red, white and blue

And the heroes who died just doing what they do?

Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer

And look at yourself and what really matters?

[Chorus]

I’m just a singer of simple songs

I’m not a real political man

I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell you

The difference in Iraq and Iran

But I know Jesus and I talk to God

And I remember this from when I was young

Faith, hope and love are some good things he gave us

And the greatest is love