Share your 9/11 memories

Published 6:46 pm Monday, September 5, 2011

Pretty much every American over the age of 15 or so remembers where he was when he heard about the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

As we approach the somber 10-year anniversary of those attacks, we want to ensure those memories are never lost to time, apathy or dementia. That’s why we want you to tell us your experience of that day so we can keep a record of how Suffolk residents reacted to the events that shook America.

Everyone has his own story to tell. Since that day, everyone has likely heard dozens of others’ stories — from their family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances, and from survivors on television specials, especially when the anniversary starts approaching every year.

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People were at doctor’s offices, work, home, school, restaurants, stores, driving in their cars. The range of emotions covered fear, shock, confusion, anger and, among many, a resolve to get even.

Many schoolchildren spent the rest of the day watching television in their classrooms. That was largely my experience. I had been in English class my senior year of high school when another faculty member came to the door to tell our teacher.

Those at home likely spent many hours glued to the television as well.

But many working folks, this many miles removed from the horror, had little choice but to carry on with their workday.

It was an entirely different experience for people who knew people who worked at the Pentagon, or lived in New York City, or were planning to take a flight that day. For them, the day was filled with anxiety for their loved ones until they heard they were all right.

There are just as many different experiences of that sickening day as there are Americans who were alive at the time. As part of our coverage on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, we’re inviting you to share your experience.

In the interest of being able to share as many stories as we can, please limit your response to 250 words. Send it to res.spears@suffolknewsherald.com this week. And thank you for helping us to remember the tragedy of that day.