Today is the first time that I looked back on September 11, 2001 and thought "Wow, I can't believe that was x number of years ago." Seven years have elapsed since that fateful day, and yet I can remember the events surrounding that day like it happened only yesterday. I am going to share the story of what I was doing seven years ago, and how that event has had a lasting impact on me.
I had been in the US Navy for four and a half years and I was stationed on the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) in Yokosuka, Japan. It was a typical Tuesday night on the Naval Base. A few friends and I went to the 7PM (Tokyo Time) showing of Blade 2 at the base theater. We went to quite a few movies at the theater since they only cost a dollar per show. During this time, my wife was back in Minnesota finishing her Masters program, so I was enjoying the life of a pseudo-bachelor and living on the ship. Once the movie was over, we walked back to the pier and onto our floating apartment. Javier (Java), a co-worker of mine, and I went up to our workspace to check email before heading off to bed.
Being part of the Admiral's staff on the ship, we had some amenities that were a little better than most of the other workspaces. One of which was a 42" plasma TV in out workspace. When we entered the workspace that night there were a few other Sailors on watch, but the TV was off. Java turned it on to see if there was a good movie on, or maybe even a delayed airing of a football game (we usually didn't get them on Armed Forces Network for a few days after the live airing).
So there I am checking my email and this is how the conversation went:
Java: "What the fuck? Look at the TV."
Me: "What are you talking ab..."
We both stood there staring at the TV. The coverage had just started with the news that a plane had hit one of the Trade Center towers. We, like I am sure everyone else at the time, were just amazed that some stupid, drunk pilot had managed to fly a plane into the a building. We continued to watch the news coverage and check email, realizing that this was a big deal, but not really thinking anything of it. Until a few minutes later...
I can specifically remember my inability to move or function as I watched a second plane hit the adjacent tower on live television. The seconds seemed like minutes. I really don't remember who spoke first, nor what was said. I was numb. We just stood there, speechless, staring at the TV for what seemed like hours. A few minutes later the coverage switched to the Pentagon. Just about then, we realized that there was something really wrong with this entire situation.
As I said earlier, my wife was back in the states. I called her on the phone after the Pentagon was hit and the conversation went something like this:
Her: "[Waking up from the call] Hello."
Me: "Hey, it's me. Turn on the TV."
Her: "What channel?"
Me: "It doesn't matter."
Her: "What am I looking for? What channel? What's going on?"
Me: "Really, it doesn't matter. Just turn on the TV."
Her: "Ok, just a second."
[Silence]
Later she told me that she and her sister just sat in front of the TV for most of the day, never changing from their pajamas. I think that this was the reaction from most people.
Life on a ship is a really interesting experience. Most of the time is spent training and drilling for some unforeseen event that might happen. We drilled for fires. We trained for chemical attacks. We played war games. These drills took place daily while out to sea. We always bitched about the routine and how annoying it was. This event opened my eyes to the reason behind these drills that we took for granted.
Once it was realized that this was an attack on the US, the command center came to life. The response was amazing. Sailors performed their duties like clockwork. There was no delay. There was no shell shock. The Sailors executed their responsibilities just as they were trained during those endless training evolutions at sea. It was truly amazing, and I am not sure that I can accurately convey the effort that was shown by my fellow Shipmates.
As I look back on that experience seven years ago, it seems like it was yesterday. Although I am no longer a member of the Armed Forces, I will always hold my many military experiences close to my heart. These men and women have volunteered their life to support and defend the country that they represent, and they have my utmost respect.
In the midst of a heated election, I encourage you to put aside our collective political differences and take a moment to reflect on that day, seven years ago, that changed so much the world that we live in. Regardless of how you feel about the current administration, the wars that we are waging, or the candidates running for office, please take a moment to remember the fallen from September 11, 2001 and those that have been serving our country in the fight against those that want to harm us. Sometimes it is good to remember the bad times, so that we can cherish the good.
I encourage you to share your story of 9-11-2001 on your blog, diary, or in your next conversation. In the words of George Santayana "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
