In Memory

[Guest American Woman]

I would like to take a moment to remember all those who died on 9-11 and everyone who has died since as a result of 9-11. It just doesn't seem fitting to let the day pass without some sort of tribute; so many died from all over the world. I was so pleased with the way the world pulled together after the attacks, and comforted by the support and well wishes we received.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank Canada again for taking in our planes, our people. You didn't know who or what was on those planes, but you were there for us without question.

I'm not one to dwell on things, but I can't make it through the day without feeling sorrow-- and hope that tomorrow will be better.

Edited September 12, 2007 by American Woman

[jdobbin]

I would like to take a moment to remember all those who died on 9-11 and everyone who has died since as a result of 9-11. It just doesn't seem fitting to let the day pass without some sort of tribute; so many died from all over the world. I was so pleased with the way the world pulled together after the attacks, and comforted by the support and well wishes we received.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank Canada again for taking in our planes, our people. You didn't know who or what was on those planes, but you were there for us without question.

I'm not one to dwell on things, but I can't make it through the day without feeling sorrow-- and hope that tomorrow will be better.

Thanks, AW. Throughout the day today I often felt a terrible sadness about the events six years ago. My heart goes out to nurse Christine Egan from my neighborhood who died in the first tower and to one of my high school friends Abby Carter who's husband died in the second tower.

I remember watching the American planes flying over my house to come in for a landing after U.S. airspace had closed because they had no where else to go.

All through that day, I felt nothing but horror and disbelief. I just couldn't believe the twin towers were gone. My horror was compounded by the numbers of people they were talking about who worked in the buildings.

I don't think Canada's commitment to our friends in the United States was ever so much more on display on that day when plane after plane was diverted to Canada and safety.

I hope we never have to witness the awfulness of a day like September 11 and my thoughts go to my American friends who bear the scars of that day both physically and mentally.

[Guest American Woman]

Thank you, jdobbin, for that nice tribute. My heart also goes out to your friends who died/lost their loved ones that day.

[Denny]

Like most people, I wil always remember that day, which was also a Tuesday. I was heading west on the Toronto Queen streetcar after work, and a couple from the U.S. was asking the driver how to get to Union Station. I was heading that way, and so escorted them there on the subway. They seemed truly shell shocked, were cutting short their stay in Toronto to head home to Atlanta. But, now they had to travel by train. I recall suggesting they go via Chicago, to avoid New York. Or else head to Buffalo and rent a car to go one way.

I realized then how dependant all society was on air travel, and how we take its ease for granted.

[RB]

I don't think words can express the sadness and horror of these attacks on the western world. My daughter and I had visited the very buildings only days before the attack, at that time the pictures we took were fun and of pleasant memories. Now its sadness and distress even after all these years and we didn't know the folks that hurt nor are we related to anyone that suffered. I don't have answers, but we have returned to the area twice since, it is closer than London, we had left King's Cross at 3AM that morning before the London bombing. I think mostly we returned for the some private solace and closure. A memorial has all kinds of symbolism and meanings for different people.

The tribute on TV is kind but you are flooded with these images again, so so distressing

I really don't know how the families cope with such senselessness, such deep loss, and such insane tragedy.

God bless the American people, Canadians, the British and all those love ones that died Sept. 11.

[capricorn]

You know American Woman, there's no denying that Canada is a small Country in comparison to your Country. Yet, in spite of the occasional name calling on both sides, in a crunch we're always there for each other. This is heart warming.

I still ache from what happened on September 11, 2001 and I suppose I always will.

[guyser]

Wondeful post AW.

9-11-01 will always be a different day for everyone in north america (and other spots too).It showed how close the two countries are and how we can depend on each other at diffulcult times. We have seen it many times, whether it was the ice storm when crews came up from New England , or Hurricane Andrew/Katrina down south...the fact is we can and do help when the proverbial SHTF. (regardless of the ahem, powers that be forget)

But for me ,that beautiful morning was tempered by the fact that at 8:20am, my father was on a heart and lung bypass to fix an aortic aneurysm. Sitting in the surgery lounge watching the events unfold on TV was weird. It was bad to watch but frankly my concern was for my moms future and my dad even surviving the day. Like an old car, when they went to start him up again, pretty much everything else failed. In time all the work was for naught and he succumbed much later from a suspected hemmorhage.

So as everyone talks 9-11 , I always think of my dad. I guess it is just a double helping of oh shit , that day.

As ana aside, did anyone catch the, I believe it was TMZ show, video where they ask mainly girls standing in line for a bar in LA , "what year did the 9-11 attacks take place?"

Most could not answer (editted?) some said, 2005 , one said "oh those tourist thingies?..happens all the time" ...........talk about pathetic. And to note, I am postive that the same results would show up here given the same scenario , ie asking a bunch of late teens early 20's lining up to get in a bar.

[Guest American Woman]

guyser,

I'm sorry to hear about your father. What a terrible day that was for you-- and of course, the constant reminder with the anniversary in the news every year must make it more difficult for you still.

I am heartened by the posts in this thread stressing the friendship between our nations. I'm glad others feel that way, too. I really have to wonder if there are any other neighboring nations that share what we share.

As for those girls standing in line in LA-- there's really no excuse for their ignorance, unless they were already half in the bag. But this is a quote from Bush:

"I have a record in office, as well. And all Americans have seen that record. September the 4th, 2001, I stood in the ruins of the Twin Towers. It's a day I will never forget."

President's Remarks on Homeland Security in New Jersey

Since that's a White House link, I'm surprised his mistake wasn't changed in the transcript.

Edited September 12, 2007 by American Woman

[Guest American Woman]

You know American Woman, there's no denying that Canada is a small Country in comparison to your Country. Yet, in spite of the occasional name calling on both sides, in a crunch we're always there for each other. This is heart warming.

I still ache from what happened on September 11, 2001 and I suppose I always will.

Yes, it is heartwarming knowing that we will always be there for each other, because I truly believe that when push comes to shove, we will always be there.

I still ache from what happened on 9-11, too. Not just for what happened on that day, but for all that's happened since. It kind of hits me unexpectedly at some point during the day on every anniversary.

Edited September 12, 2007 by American Woman

[Guest American Woman]

Like most people, I wil always remember that day, which was also a Tuesday. I was heading west on the Toronto Queen streetcar after work, and a couple from the U.S. was asking the driver how to get to Union Station. I was heading that way, and so escorted them there on the subway. They seemed truly shell shocked, were cutting short their stay in Toronto to head home to Atlanta. But, now they had to travel by train. I recall suggesting they go via Chicago, to avoid New York. Or else head to Buffalo and rent a car to go one way.

It was really kind of you to help that American couple. I'm sure you're a part of their memory of that day; a bright spot on an otherwise terrible day.

[Guest American Woman]

I don't think words can express the sadness and horror of these attacks on the western world. My daughter and I had visited the very buildings only days before the attack, at that time the pictures we took were fun and of pleasant memories. Now its sadness and distress even after all these years and we didn't know the folks that hurt nor are we related to anyone that suffered. I don't have answers, but we have returned to the area twice since, it is closer than London, we had left King's Cross at 3AM that morning before the London bombing. I think mostly we returned for the some private solace and closure. A memorial has all kinds of symbolism and meanings for different people.

The tribute on TV is kind but you are flooded with these images again, so so distressing

I really don't know how the families cope with such senselessness, such deep loss, and such insane tragedy.

God bless the American people, Canadians, the British and all those love ones that died Sept. 11.

Yes, God bless us all.

I'd been in the towers long before 9-11 and have, like you, since returned to the site. It is a very sombering experience, shared by a multitude of nationalities that are on the site on any given day. Since you were there only days before the attac, it must have been an especially eerie and "thank God we are alright" experience for you. I didni't know anyone who was hurt or suffered either, but I felt a bond with so many as I read the circumstances of different victims.

So are you saying you were at the site of the London bombing before it happened too? Or am I misunderstanding that part of your post?

[guyser]

Thank you Aw for your sentiments.

The feeling shared between our two countries is unique I believe. I doubt though that is only us that share the feelings. I imagine Australia and New Zealand are backing one another should the SHTF.

I would think that in Europe that sentiment can be true also.Maybe not so the middle east.

I suppose that this sentiment is outside of govt boundaries and people everywhere realize that we all inhabit the same earth , and as such we do and can come to others aid when the situation warrants it .

We all have neighbours that drive us batty. They do wierd things, paint their house in wierd colours, or put up a fence that is not to our liking. ( = our govts)

But none of us, regardless of colour race or nationality, would not help that same doofus neighbour should his house have a fire, or his wife/her husband/the kids were seriously sick or injured. Once order is established and all are ok, we continue on thinking he/she is a bit of a doofus, but we wish no real harm come to any of them.

Thats the freedom we enjoy, thats the tolerance we enjoy, thats the feeling one has in standing on the same earth. While I may not agree with you , and while I may think your govt nuts , as is ours at times, that to me never transcends to the individual people.

The internet is a bad forum in many ways. So much is said that would otherwise not be, and I think plenty of what is said is done for effect and for no other reason. Diatribes against another nation just to get a rise is what motivates some to come here.And well that may suck, it is the bad to go along with the good. It does seem pretty easy to see who has the agenda, because when push comes to shove the arguement gets thin , or rather unsubstantiated.

Anyhow, we all remember where our friends are. And I think we can agree bloody few of them are in Ottawa/Washington.

[RB]

So are you saying you were at the site of the London bombing before it happened too? Or am I misunderstanding that part of your post?

It was horrible, a horrid tragic event London bombing.

Some of my work mates and I were celebrating London's successful Olympic bid for the 2012 games - and so we were having much fun in the wee hours of the morning at Piccadilly SQ until we got kicked out around 2:30 am, we moved to King's Cross the bunch of us, decided it was boring and headed about 4 hours North from London. So you can imagine how shell shock the bombing was for me it was the horror all over again. I felt spaced out, and was glued to the TV for some news, mostly good news that people were not hurt.

But, as we know the acts were deliberate, intentional and malicious to hurt as many people as possible and destroy in its path as much as possible.

I mean we left London a safe place, the initial feeling, what happened?

The British folks are truly sensitive; the TV carried the story as it unfolded without the gruesome pictures.

Strangely, you'd think at that time, "I'd better get going home", but is really doesn't seem safe anywhere.

I've known my friends for ages but now we are so much closer

In a bigger picture I think that these horrible and tragic events do bring people together in solidarity and united we do have the strength to protect the freedoms we enjoy in our space.

[RB]

So as everyone talks 9-11 , I always think of my dad. .

Guyser

so sorry for your lost, my condolences to you - Sept 11 is a really sad day in history

[capricorn]

In a bigger picture I think that these horrible and tragic events do bring people together in solidarity and united we do have the strength to protect the freedoms we enjoy in our space.

This is absolutely true. During the second world war the British people became very unified and looked out for each other. It's interesting to note that suicides decreased considerably in Britain during that period. This is well documented. The instinct of survival just seemed to overtake everyone.

[Guest American Woman]

It was horrible, a horrid tragic event London bombing.

Some of my work mates and I were celebrating London's successful Olympic bid for the 2012 games - and so we were having much fun in the wee hours of the morning at Piccadilly SQ until we got kicked out around 2:30 am, we moved to King's Cross the bunch of us, decided it was boring and headed about 4 hours North from London. So you can imagine how shell shock the bombing was for me it was the horror all over again. I felt spaced out, and was glued to the TV for some news, mostly good news that people were not hurt.

But, as we know the acts were deliberate, intentional and malicious to hurt as many people as possible and destroy in its path as much as possible.

I mean we left London a safe place, the initial feeling, what happened?

The British folks are truly sensitive; the TV carried the story as it unfolded without the gruesome pictures.

Strangely, you'd think at that time, "I'd better get going home", but is really doesn't seem safe anywhere.

I've known my friends for ages but now we are so much closer

In a bigger picture I think that these horrible and tragic events do bring people together in solidarity and united we do have the strength to protect the freedoms we enjoy in our space.

It must have really been a surreal experience for you and your friends. I can definitely understand how something like that would make you feel even closer. It's like you said, tragic events do bring people closer, and out of the saddness, good things happen too.

[Guest American Woman]

Thank you Aw for your sentiments.

The feeling shared between our two countries is unique I believe. I doubt though that is only us that share the feelings. I imagine Australia and New Zealand are backing one another should the SHTF.

I would think that in Europe that sentiment can be true also.Maybe not so the middle east.

I suppose that this sentiment is outside of govt boundaries and people everywhere realize that we all inhabit the same earth , and as such we do and can come to others aid when the situation warrants it .

We all have neighbours that drive us batty. They do wierd things, paint their house in wierd colours, or put up a fence that is not to our liking. ( = our govts)

But none of us, regardless of colour race or nationality, would not help that same doofus neighbour should his house have a fire, or his wife/her husband/the kids were seriously sick or injured. Once order is established and all are ok, we continue on thinking he/she is a bit of a doofus, but we wish no real harm come to any of them.

Thats the freedom we enjoy, thats the tolerance we enjoy, thats the feeling one has in standing on the same earth. While I may not agree with you , and while I may think your govt nuts , as is ours at times, that to me never transcends to the individual people.

The internet is a bad forum in many ways. So much is said that would otherwise not be, and I think plenty of what is said is done for effect and for no other reason. Diatribes against another nation just to get a rise is what motivates some to come here.And well that may suck, it is the bad to go along with the good. It does seem pretty easy to see who has the agenda, because when push comes to shove the arguement gets thin , or rather unsubstantiated.

Anyhow, we all remember where our friends are. And I think we can agree bloody few of them are in Ottawa/Washington.

You're right. There are other nations that would back one another and be there for each other. But are there any other neighboring countries that share all that we do? It's as if our nations are cousins or something, and I wonder if any other nations feel that way about their neighbors. Maybe the EU will bring closer bonds in Europe, but I just don't see that same level of "sharing" that the U.S. and Canada seem to have.

As for your last paragraph-- you make excellent points and I think you are right on in your observations. Very well said. I guess the trick is to focus on the good and not take the bad to heart.

[Guest American Woman]

This is absolutely true. During the second world war the British people became very unified and looked out for each other. It's interesting to note that suicides decreased considerably in Britain during that period. This is well documented. The instinct of survival just seemed to overtake everyone.

My neighbor at the time of the attacks is British. Actually, she's an American now, but her family is still in England. She said her siblings told her that flags went up all over their neighborhoods after the 9-11 attacks in a show of pride and support for America. So they were all behind us too, and knowing that felt really good. At times like that, there seems to be a real need to reach out. I'm not one to dwell on the attacks, but I'll always respect the anniversary date and I will always feel sorrow for all the lives that were lost on that day and the days/years since. It seems I can't make it through the day without being hit by a feeling of intense sorrow. It just comes out of the blue and stays with me for a bit-- and the kind, thoughtful responses in this thread have helped me through it.