High school, sophomore year, algebra class. I remember passing period and going to chemistry, where we discussed if it was an accident or an attack. I remember saying that if it was an attack they wouldn’t have hit just one target. Ten seconds later the second plane hit on live TV right in front of us. I remember the eyes of the girl who sat in front of me as she turned to me after.
Not born
Getting up to go to work.
I’m a terrible person, so my very first, momentary thought was : “I guess I won’t be needed at work today….”
At the time my job was a biscuit salesman.
I had just finished my first two calls in the morning, Batleys Birtlety and Tyne Tees cash and carry.
Went home for lunch and started Wathcing the news. A plane had flown into the WTC. A horrible tragedy but at the time thought accidents happen, and it is a big building.
Then came plane two and the world changed. I watched on for two hours as the news unfolded and went out to my third call, Bestway Cash and Carry in Gateshead.
Ok, not proud of this and never admitted it before until now… At the time I was in a teenage hardcore socialist phase and I saw America as the epitome of everything I hated. So I came home from school for lunch that day and when I turned on the tv and saw the headline “America under attack” my first thought was “about time they get what they deserve”. Then I saw what was actually happening and did an instant 180. I was (and still am) ashamed of my first reaction and horrified by the events unfolding. Every year on this day I’m reminded of my stupidity.