Ruralite Cafe: Published 09/12/02

By Lisa Majors-Duff - News Editor

We must always remember

Whether you spent Wednesday reflecting on the senseless loss of innocent lives, the heroic measures taken by so many without hesitation or the twisted mind set that brought about the tragedy, you remembered, you'll always remember.

Just as there are those who can tell you where they were when they heard the news that Kennedy had been shot or watched as that president's dream came true when man walked on the moon, you have a story to tell about the day your life temporarily ground to a halt.

I find myself today recalling the scene a year ago in the newsroom. Tuesday mornings on the second floor of The Sylva Herald mean one thing - publication. We were putting the finishing touches on the C Section when Rose's phone rang. That in itself is not unusual, but her reaction to what she heard on the other end was.

It was Martha Queen, who was at home with the television on. She called to tell Rose that the network news had cut in and that some kind of explosion had occurred at the World Trade Center in New York City.

Hearing this, Rose jumped up and blurted out to the rest of us what Martha had told her as she dashed across the room to turn on our 10-inch, black and white TV in the corner. Within seconds most of the staff had gathered in the newsroom and was huddled around that TV, trying like mad to find an antenna position that would improve the snowy picture.

Most of us went into shock as we watched the image of the second plane flying into the tower over and over, from every available camera angle. Additional chairs were hauled in from the layout room because no one wanted to leave. Being people obsessed with the news, we began tossing out theories about who could have masterminded such a plot against the United States of America, our home, our neighbors.

While most of the details of that horrible morning are lost, I'll never forget what pressman/Sylva volunteer firefighter Harold Norman said when the first tower collapsed. I was sitting at my desk, fighting to keep my mind on the task at hand, when a hushed "Oh, my God," swept through the room. I looked up just in time to see the tower crashing to the earth below.

"That right there is where you lost most of your firemen," Harold said. Then he stood up and slowly walked out of the room. Of course, he was right.

Fast forward to this weekend, when I found myself in a position to understand on a personal level that kids do, indeed, say the darndest things, and mine is no exception. Commenting on a recent news broadcast she was watching, Niki said something else I hope I never forget.

We were sitting in a local restaurant Sunday afternoon with four television sets showing four different programs - a football game, a golf game, a triathlon and the news. Niki's best view was of the news, which was doing its part to prepare America for the Sept. 11 anniversary.

Her father was less than five words into an explanation of what was being shown when she said, "Dad, I know all about it. We've been studying Afghanistan, Pakistan, all the 'Stans."

I had to laugh, and I wondered then if my laughter was a sign a healing.

Mary Anne Roos received more solemn responses when she asked her fifth-grade class at Smokey Mountain Elementary School to write down their thoughts about the anniversary. Mrs. Roos was kind enough to share them with us, and these are some of the things they had to say: "Once the Twin Towers stood in the middle of New York City. The streets were clean; now they are full of ash and rubble. The air was fresh; now it is full of choking smoke. I wish they would build a memorial for the Twin Towers." - Cage Jones

"I think on Sept. 11, 2002, that we should make a play. We can wear red, white and blue. The play should be about the Trade Center attack. When the Afghanistanis attacked too. At the end we are still strong. We are proud and still cannot be defeated." - Stephen Sprinkle

"We should do something to remember Sept. 11, like having a little party to show we are proud to be Americans. All I want is for it to be normal again and for peace on earth. And for all the people who lost their lives to come back." - Miranda Marr

"This year we can honor those who died on Sept. 11 by having a big parade and everybody have a moment of silence. We could make a new holiday called "Red, White and Blue Day" where people wear red, white and blue. We could do all of the above to remember those people. We Should! This special holiday will go on everywhere in the world." Vincente George

"Sept. 11 was sad. A bunch of people died in just half of a day. I am afraid to go to big buildings because I am afraid I might get killed. I am sorry for the moms and the dads and all the people that died. It probably made their relatives really sad." Amber Bradley

"We will never forget the tragic day when four airplanes were hijacked and 2,900 people died because of it. The only thing I want to remember is that some people didn't die.

"I had just gotten to school on Sept. 11 when I heard the news. The Pentagon and the World Trade Center had been hit by planes. At school everyone was scared and terrified.

"Then I heard that a man named Osama bin Laden was responsible. Then I was more mad than scared.

"We were very thankful for the firefighters, doctors and volunteers who helped out. When I got home, I watched the news for a long time. I could not believe what I saw. I hope there aren't going to be any more terrorist attacks." Emily Moody

"On Sept. 11 the flag became more popular. Today there are thousands of flags. Because of Sept. 11, America has become stronger. Sept. 11 brought the USA together." Robert Washington

"Terror came out of the skies on Sept. 11. Planes crashed into the Twin Towers, Pentagon and missed the White House. This let America know that terrorism could strike the homeland at any time. Americans became more patriotic and more concerned with security." Cheyenne Arneach

Back to Archive: 09/12/02.