Interviewing Those on the 9/11 Past

From the smoked-up skies to the broken glass the nation was devoured by the hate and passion to demolish the highest of our nation, the government. Attacks on Washington, D.C's Pentagon and New York City's Twin Towers, brought a nation to their knees. At this time President Bush was in office, he is seen as the cause to the drama or the answer for quick relief. this allowed him, with the re-elect, to use his power for a retalitation amongst the middle eastern countries, Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Ironically, I was in American History class, during the 11th grade, as we watched as a class the attacks on the Twin Towers. I just did not know or understand, as my teacher stood there in aw." - Jessica Gabrielle, Senior, Theatre Arts Major.

The date that will never be forgotten had students all over the country witness the beginning of a new war. The generations of future men and women had never seen an attack on our country or vice versa.  Those born after the 1980s could only imagine the grief it brought amongst the land, until this day and still 8 years later these feelings may never go away.

 Emotions scattered the room, as people felt sorrow, helpliness, confusion and anger. I remember the day I walked out my classroom down the hallway for a drink from the water fountain, my classmates dropped to their knees throughout the hallways, wishing they had cellphones, as they worried for their parents. September 11, 2001, I was in the 7 ^th grade scared for my mother, she worked in the Pentagon on a daily basis, but thankfully, after a line of students waiting for the pay phone outside the main office, she confirmed my satisfaction and took the day off. Maybe she knew or had a feeling that she must stay  in. She watched her fellow co-workers go down in history and  not seeing another day.

" It was shocking that someone would devise a plan to hurt my residence. I was in 9 ^th grade when this happened. Did not really care though, until I knew a close family member died that day. But for those who have their family safe, probably keep an eye open for the next one." - Lamine N'dour, Washington, D.C.

I walked down the U Street corridor and ran into some friends that could ask a question and they would answer with emotion. Many, decided to brush off the "past" as some just broke down. I was a bit surprised at my feelings too. I just never felt to deep about the history of 9/11. Maybe it was the relief that my parents and family was okay, maybe it is. I was not directly affected, and many were.I have one friend who gave me the time of her day to answer some questions, her name is Tedra Coakley of South Carolina.

Where were you when the attacks on 9/11 occurred?I was in my Honors English 2 class. The principal made an announcement over the intercom. I remember a girl in my class freaking out because her friend's father worked at the World Trade Center. She later found out that he had taken the day off.


Who were the first people to come to mind?My aunt and uncle were the first people to come to mind. They lived in Pelham at the time, so I knew they were ok, but knowing they were so close, was a little scary.


How old were you when this happened?Let's see, I was a sophomore in high school, so I was just about to turn 15.


Do you recognize those that were lost or after 8 years you brush it off?I don't brush them off, but I don't like to dwell on death. I prefer to remember people in life, not death. I do recognize what happened though.

Did you believe it happened?I did believe it happened, but not necessarily how we were led to believe. There are still too many holes and unanswered questions for me.

Did you lose anyone that day?I'm thankful that I didn't lose anyone that day, but my heart goes out to those that did.

I am glad I did not either.