Where were you 10 years ago?
This weekend marks the 10th anniversary of the “Kennedy” moment of our generation. The moment where you most clearly remember where you were, how you heard the news. The moment that changed the way we live. The moment we all shared a collective emotion. The moment “United” took on new meaning.
10 years ago, on September 11th, I was in 3rd period choir class with Mr. Davidson. Mr. Davidson was one of my favorite teachers in high school. Particularly because he always had an upbeat attitude, appreciated humor and had been there for so long. However this September 11th, he seemed a bit stressed because we had a performance coming up in a few days and he wanted every minute to rehearse.
The choir room was on the side of the building. No windows. And few people walking by. Our principal came over the intercom, “Attention teachers and students, it appears there is a situation going on in New York and here in Washington D.C. I urge you to turn on the news.” Mr. Davidson wasnt having it. This was prime rehearsal time. I cant remember the chain of events that evenutally led Mr. Davidson to turn on the TV but he did. And what we saw was just unimaginable. I think the very idea of what was happening was so extreme, no one knew what to make of it. After third period, I went to fourth. Eventually we were sent home, and remained home for 2 days.
I wasn’t personally affected by the events on September 11, thank God, but it doesnt interfere with the collective emotion felt on that day. I cant imagine what it was like to be here in New York but living here now, I feel a little bit more connected.
The pictures above I saw infront of my office building by Illegal Art (www.illegalart.org). Starting at 14th street on 5th Avenue, they’ve placed red cups with chalk inside to mark each floor of the World Trade tower inviting people to write their thoughts.
Where were you on 9/11?
