September 11, 2001
- Thread starter wader
- Start date
The day (or was it two) before I had reported from our Long Island NY field office with two agents, Artie P and Kathy K to attend and take part in a counter intelligence conference/seminar at Fort Monmouth in NJ. During an early break I strolled past one of the other rooms where two or three DA civilians were staring intently on a small computer monitor, so intent on its content that I interrupted to ask what was happening. They told me that a plane had struck one of the WTC towers. Our Manhattan day office was at the Customs Building there, in 6 WTC. I knew that it being a Tuesday, Agent Sam L was usually there first thing before heading out, usually joined with Artie P who that day was with me. I then returned to the classroom, whispered to the instructor what I knew, who initially thought that I was trying to inject a scenario into the training. At the time, I first thought it may have been a strike against a company with significant DoD contracts, a company occupying some of the upper floors of one of the towers. (Too many Clancy novels.)
Next thing I knew after hearing of the second attack, we were being asked to vacate the building as the DA was turning it into an operations center. Having nowhere else to go except to the parking lot we exited, seeing the smoke across the Atlantic and observing Agent Kathy K, anxiously hitting numbers on her cell and not getting through. I finally found out that her husband Ed, a longtime Delta Airlines manager was attending a meeting with various federal and Port authority agencies at the WTC that morning. Totally did not know what to say... Not realizing that we were possibly adding to the communications problems, most of us were trying unsuccessfully to call the office or loved ones as well. Somehow both the Regional Director in Boston and a high mucky muck in DC got through to my cell, asking me if I had accountability for my people. Losing my cool somewhat I responded that I was in New Jersey and what did they know, which of course was no more than I. Agent Artie P could not get through to Sam L and was understandably concerned for his buddy. Meanwhile an agent from a Northern NJ office (thanks again Jeff V) was thoughtful enough to go back to the hotel (which had had a fire drill in the middle of the late evening the night before!) and reserved a room that Artie P and I ended up sharing as all the other attendees could drive home for the night, not having to go through Staten Island or the Bronx, and the hotel was quickly booked by other travelers knowing their evening and Wednesday plans were up in the air.
Agent Kathy K eventually found out that since it was the first day of classes for her sons, her husband had gotten himself a bit disorganized and contacted the Port Authority and Delta to say he had to drive the kids to school and could not make the meeting. Hours later we found out that Agent Sam L decided to forego his usual stop at the WTC since his buddy was with me, and had gone to the Long Island office instead. Only one person was at the WTC day office, a Vietnam vet and IS Rep who had safely exited quite expeditiously. I finally got through on a pay phone (remember those ?) to my SIL further east on Long Island and asked her to call my wife to tell her I was safe in NJ. Later when I did get through I found out that three of my former supervisors had called my home to ask about our personnel’s wellbeing. I don’t recall if that was before or after my wife and I spoke but I do recall that my better half could not remember where I was attending the seminar as I was recently retired from the reserves and it seemed that I was always going somewhere.
Late morning Wednesday (or afternoon- maybe I don’t remember everything that well anymore) the three of us caravanned back through Staten Island, with a direct view across the harbor of the destruction, and over the Verrazano to get back to the office or our homes. The agency was able to establish a new day office a week or two later a mile or two up on Varick Street in Manhattan and joining Don D the local IS Chief I used my mommy van with the seats removed to bring in some chairs and office paraphernalia that had been excessed from the LI office for use on Varick.
For months afterward we walked on eggshells conducting background investigations in the neighborhoods, never knowing if someone who answered the door had just lost a loved one. We were still on mandatory overtime that Monday after Veterans Day when that American Airlines Flight 587 plane crashed in the Rockaways, leading to bridge and tunnel closures and renewed confusion until word came out that it was a tragic accident.
Next thing I knew after hearing of the second attack, we were being asked to vacate the building as the DA was turning it into an operations center. Having nowhere else to go except to the parking lot we exited, seeing the smoke across the Atlantic and observing Agent Kathy K, anxiously hitting numbers on her cell and not getting through. I finally found out that her husband Ed, a longtime Delta Airlines manager was attending a meeting with various federal and Port authority agencies at the WTC that morning. Totally did not know what to say... Not realizing that we were possibly adding to the communications problems, most of us were trying unsuccessfully to call the office or loved ones as well. Somehow both the Regional Director in Boston and a high mucky muck in DC got through to my cell, asking me if I had accountability for my people. Losing my cool somewhat I responded that I was in New Jersey and what did they know, which of course was no more than I. Agent Artie P could not get through to Sam L and was understandably concerned for his buddy. Meanwhile an agent from a Northern NJ office (thanks again Jeff V) was thoughtful enough to go back to the hotel (which had had a fire drill in the middle of the late evening the night before!) and reserved a room that Artie P and I ended up sharing as all the other attendees could drive home for the night, not having to go through Staten Island or the Bronx, and the hotel was quickly booked by other travelers knowing their evening and Wednesday plans were up in the air.
Agent Kathy K eventually found out that since it was the first day of classes for her sons, her husband had gotten himself a bit disorganized and contacted the Port Authority and Delta to say he had to drive the kids to school and could not make the meeting. Hours later we found out that Agent Sam L decided to forego his usual stop at the WTC since his buddy was with me, and had gone to the Long Island office instead. Only one person was at the WTC day office, a Vietnam vet and IS Rep who had safely exited quite expeditiously. I finally got through on a pay phone (remember those ?) to my SIL further east on Long Island and asked her to call my wife to tell her I was safe in NJ. Later when I did get through I found out that three of my former supervisors had called my home to ask about our personnel’s wellbeing. I don’t recall if that was before or after my wife and I spoke but I do recall that my better half could not remember where I was attending the seminar as I was recently retired from the reserves and it seemed that I was always going somewhere.
Late morning Wednesday (or afternoon- maybe I don’t remember everything that well anymore) the three of us caravanned back through Staten Island, with a direct view across the harbor of the destruction, and over the Verrazano to get back to the office or our homes. The agency was able to establish a new day office a week or two later a mile or two up on Varick Street in Manhattan and joining Don D the local IS Chief I used my mommy van with the seats removed to bring in some chairs and office paraphernalia that had been excessed from the LI office for use on Varick.
For months afterward we walked on eggshells conducting background investigations in the neighborhoods, never knowing if someone who answered the door had just lost a loved one. We were still on mandatory overtime that Monday after Veterans Day when that American Airlines Flight 587 plane crashed in the Rockaways, leading to bridge and tunnel closures and renewed confusion until word came out that it was a tragic accident.
movetheboat
Well-Known Angler
AMONG the countless heroes of Sept. 11, 2001, were the operating engineers at the World Trade Center, the people responsible for the nuts and bolts of the center's air-conditioning, electrical systems, heating and plumbing. Their jobs and their intimate knowledge of the buildings meant that they were among the first to respond when the first plane struck at 8:48 a.m.
Some of the 40 engineers on hand that day helped firefighters to attach hoses in the pump rooms. Others rushed to inspect mechanical systems or assist emergency medical teams. When the word came to evacuate the building, many helped to get people out. But four of their number did not escape: John Griffin Jr., 38, of Waldwick, N.J.; Charles Magee, 51, of Wantagh; Vito DeLeo, 41, of Staten Island, and David Williams, 34, of Hackensack, N.J.
Some of the 40 engineers on hand that day helped firefighters to attach hoses in the pump rooms. Others rushed to inspect mechanical systems or assist emergency medical teams. When the word came to evacuate the building, many helped to get people out. But four of their number did not escape: John Griffin Jr., 38, of Waldwick, N.J.; Charles Magee, 51, of Wantagh; Vito DeLeo, 41, of Staten Island, and David Williams, 34, of Hackensack, N.J.
movetheboat
Well-Known Angler
60 minutes had a GReat report on the FDNY on 9-11
343 died
343 died
wader
Well-Known Angler
"Twenty years ago, we all found in different ways, in different places, but all at the same moment, that our lives would be changed forever.
The world was loud with carnage and sirens, and then quiet with missing voices that would never be heard again. These lives remain precious to our country and infinitely precious to many of you. Today we remember your loss, we share your sorrow, and we honor the men and women you have loved so long and so well.
Former President George W. Bush speaks during a 9/11 commemoration at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pa. (Mandel Ngan/AFP)
For those too young that clear September day, it is hard to describe the mix of feelings we experienced. There was horror at the scale of destruction and awe at the bravery and kindness that rose to meet it. There was shock at the audacity of evil and gratitude for the heroism and decency that opposed it.
In the sacrifice of the first responders, in the mutual aid of strangers, in the solidarity of grief and grace, the actions of an enemy revealed the spirit of a people. And we were proud of our wounded nation.
In these memories, the passengers and crew of Flight 93 must always have an honored place. Here, the intended targets became the instruments of rescue. And many who are now alive owe a vast, unconscious debt to the defiance displayed in the skies above this field.
It would be a mistake to idealize the experience of those terrible events. All that many people could initially see was the brute randomness of death. All that many could feel was unearned suffering. All that many could hear was God’s terrible silence. There are many who still struggle with a lonely pain that cuts deep within.
In those fateful hours, we learned other lessons as well. We saw that Americans were vulnerable, but not fragile — that they possessed a core of strength that survives the worst that life can bring. We learned that bravery was more common than we imagined, emerging with sudden splendor in the face of death. We vividly felt how every hour with our loved ones was a temporary and holy gift. And we found that even the longest days end.
Many of us have tried to make spiritual sense of these events. There is no simple explanation for the mix of providence and human will that sets the direction of our lives. But comfort can come from a different store of knowledge. After wandering long and lost in the dark, many have found they were actually watching step by step toward grace.
As a nation, our adjustments have been profound. Many Americans struggled why an enemy would hate us with such zeal. The security measures incorporated into our lives are both sources of comfort and reminders of our vulnerability. And we have seen growing evidence that the dangers to our country can come not only across borders, but from violence that gathers within.
There is little cultural overlap between violent extremists abroad and violent extremists at home. But in their disdain for pluralism, in their disregard for human life, in their determination to defile national symbols, they are children of the same foul spirit. And it is our continuing duty to confront them.
After 9/11, millions of brave Americans stepped forward and volunteered to serve in the armed forces. The military measures taken over the past 20 years to pursue dangers at their source have led to debate. But one thing is certain: We owe an assurance to all who have fought our nation’s most recent battles.
Let me speak directly to veterans and people in uniform. The cause you pursued at the call of duty is the noblest that America has to offer. You have shielded your fellow citizens from danger. You have defended the beliefs of your country and advanced the rights of the downtrodden. You have been the face of hope and mercy in dark places. You have been a force for good in the world. Nothing that has followed — nothing — can tarnish your honor or diminish your accomplishments. To you, and our honorable dead, our country is forever grateful.
In the weeks and months following the 9/11 attacks, I was proud to lead an amazing, resilient, united people. When it comes to the unity of America, those days seem distant from our own. Malign force seems at work in our common life that turns every disagreement into an argument, and every argument into a clash of cultures. So much of our politics has become a naked appeal to anger, fear and resentment. That leaves us worried about our nation and our future together.
I come without explanations or solutions. I can only tell you what I’ve seen.
On America’s day of trial and grief, I saw millions of people instinctively grab for a neighbor’s hand and rally to the cause of one another. That is the America I know.
At a time when religious bigotry might have flowed freely, I saw Americans reject prejudice and embrace people of Muslim faith. That is the nation I know.
At a time when nativism could have stirred hatred and violence against people perceived as outsiders, I saw Americans reaffirm their welcome to immigrants and refugees. That is the nation I know.
At a time when some viewed the rising generation as individualistic and decadent, I saw young people embrace an ethic of service and rise to selfless action. That is the nation I know.
This is not mere nostalgia. It is the truest version of ourselves. It is what we have been and can be again.
Twenty years ago, terrorists chose a random group of Americans on a routine flight to be collateral damage in a spectacular act of terror. The 33 passengers and seven crew of Flight 93 could have been any group of citizens selected by face. In a sense, they stood in for us all.
The terrorists soon discovered that a random group of Americans is an exceptional group of people. Facing an impossible circumstance, they comforted their loved ones by phone, braced each other for action, and defeated the designs of evil. These Americans were brave, strong and united in ways that shocked the terrorists but should not surprise any of us.
This is the nation we know.
And whenever we need hope and inspiration, we can look to the skies and remember. God bless.”
George W. Bush
September 11, 2021
Shanksvill, PA
The world was loud with carnage and sirens, and then quiet with missing voices that would never be heard again. These lives remain precious to our country and infinitely precious to many of you. Today we remember your loss, we share your sorrow, and we honor the men and women you have loved so long and so well.
Former President George W. Bush speaks during a 9/11 commemoration at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pa. (Mandel Ngan/AFP)
For those too young that clear September day, it is hard to describe the mix of feelings we experienced. There was horror at the scale of destruction and awe at the bravery and kindness that rose to meet it. There was shock at the audacity of evil and gratitude for the heroism and decency that opposed it.
In the sacrifice of the first responders, in the mutual aid of strangers, in the solidarity of grief and grace, the actions of an enemy revealed the spirit of a people. And we were proud of our wounded nation.
In these memories, the passengers and crew of Flight 93 must always have an honored place. Here, the intended targets became the instruments of rescue. And many who are now alive owe a vast, unconscious debt to the defiance displayed in the skies above this field.
It would be a mistake to idealize the experience of those terrible events. All that many people could initially see was the brute randomness of death. All that many could feel was unearned suffering. All that many could hear was God’s terrible silence. There are many who still struggle with a lonely pain that cuts deep within.
In those fateful hours, we learned other lessons as well. We saw that Americans were vulnerable, but not fragile — that they possessed a core of strength that survives the worst that life can bring. We learned that bravery was more common than we imagined, emerging with sudden splendor in the face of death. We vividly felt how every hour with our loved ones was a temporary and holy gift. And we found that even the longest days end.
Many of us have tried to make spiritual sense of these events. There is no simple explanation for the mix of providence and human will that sets the direction of our lives. But comfort can come from a different store of knowledge. After wandering long and lost in the dark, many have found they were actually watching step by step toward grace.
As a nation, our adjustments have been profound. Many Americans struggled why an enemy would hate us with such zeal. The security measures incorporated into our lives are both sources of comfort and reminders of our vulnerability. And we have seen growing evidence that the dangers to our country can come not only across borders, but from violence that gathers within.
There is little cultural overlap between violent extremists abroad and violent extremists at home. But in their disdain for pluralism, in their disregard for human life, in their determination to defile national symbols, they are children of the same foul spirit. And it is our continuing duty to confront them.
After 9/11, millions of brave Americans stepped forward and volunteered to serve in the armed forces. The military measures taken over the past 20 years to pursue dangers at their source have led to debate. But one thing is certain: We owe an assurance to all who have fought our nation’s most recent battles.
Let me speak directly to veterans and people in uniform. The cause you pursued at the call of duty is the noblest that America has to offer. You have shielded your fellow citizens from danger. You have defended the beliefs of your country and advanced the rights of the downtrodden. You have been the face of hope and mercy in dark places. You have been a force for good in the world. Nothing that has followed — nothing — can tarnish your honor or diminish your accomplishments. To you, and our honorable dead, our country is forever grateful.
In the weeks and months following the 9/11 attacks, I was proud to lead an amazing, resilient, united people. When it comes to the unity of America, those days seem distant from our own. Malign force seems at work in our common life that turns every disagreement into an argument, and every argument into a clash of cultures. So much of our politics has become a naked appeal to anger, fear and resentment. That leaves us worried about our nation and our future together.
I come without explanations or solutions. I can only tell you what I’ve seen.
On America’s day of trial and grief, I saw millions of people instinctively grab for a neighbor’s hand and rally to the cause of one another. That is the America I know.
At a time when religious bigotry might have flowed freely, I saw Americans reject prejudice and embrace people of Muslim faith. That is the nation I know.
At a time when nativism could have stirred hatred and violence against people perceived as outsiders, I saw Americans reaffirm their welcome to immigrants and refugees. That is the nation I know.
At a time when some viewed the rising generation as individualistic and decadent, I saw young people embrace an ethic of service and rise to selfless action. That is the nation I know.
This is not mere nostalgia. It is the truest version of ourselves. It is what we have been and can be again.
Twenty years ago, terrorists chose a random group of Americans on a routine flight to be collateral damage in a spectacular act of terror. The 33 passengers and seven crew of Flight 93 could have been any group of citizens selected by face. In a sense, they stood in for us all.
The terrorists soon discovered that a random group of Americans is an exceptional group of people. Facing an impossible circumstance, they comforted their loved ones by phone, braced each other for action, and defeated the designs of evil. These Americans were brave, strong and united in ways that shocked the terrorists but should not surprise any of us.
This is the nation we know.
And whenever we need hope and inspiration, we can look to the skies and remember. God bless.”
George W. Bush
September 11, 2021
Shanksvill, PA
wader
Well-Known Angler
OPINION: Mr. Bush's astonishing speech
Sep. 19—Without question the big story to come out of the 20th anniversary remembrance of the 9/11 attacks was George W. Bush. The former president gave an address that ought to go into the record books as one of the great speeches of the early part of this century. Certainly, it is the finest...
wader
Well-Known Angler
visited it several years ago with my daughter - probaly the most somber place I've ever visited - if you haven't gone yourself - I urge you to do so...
hawk375
New Angler
The thing about 9 -11 that americans should remember is how we all united and became 1.I hope social media and cable news has not ruined that who could ever forget Bush at yankee stadium first pitch watch it on youtube and see what this great country is capable of being united we stand divided we fall
I thought the same thing earlier
wader
Well-Known Angler
like a Phoenix
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