Tag: nyc

Commentary by the Josh Benner Blog

Where I was on 9/11

twintowers

Based on an essay of the same title, originally published September 11, 2011

I thought it was an accident. When my high school principal announced over the PA system that the World Trade Center had been hit by a plane. I distinctly remember hearing someone in the back of the class mutter, “terrorism.”

I was taking a quiz in my third period geometry class fifteen years ago. I was 15 years old, and a sophomore in high school.

I’ve changed a lot over these last fifteen years; we’ve all changed a lot over these last ten years.

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Commentary by the Josh Benner Blog

The eve of infamy; and where I was on 9/11

Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons
Flickr Creative Commons

As I write these words, the stresses of everyday life come to mind. I think of how busy I am between school, work, and other commitments. I’m so often shortsighted and allow myself to get frustrated. It’s getting late and I jot some thoughts down before going to sleep. On this night, my thoughts are on the past and with people I’ve never met. Eleven years ago tonight, thousands of Americans went to bed, unaware that it was the eve of their last day on earth.

For me, that’s surreal. Monday was an ordinary start to the work week. In the evening, people played with their kids, and watched Monday Night Football, and kissed their spouses goodnight. They prepared to go on flights for work, or vacation, or just to make it home. They thought about what bill needed to be paid and the home repair which needed to be completed. They went to sleep like it was any other night and woke up to a beautiful Tuesday morning.

Continue reading The eve of infamy; and where I was on 9/11