Do you believe someone watches over us? Photo taken the town of Roquemaure.
le souvenir (sooveh-neer)
: memory, recollection
Audio file: listen to Jean-Marc read the example sentence below: Download mp3 or Wav file
Hier soir, nous avons regardé un film en souvenir des attentats du 11 Septembre 2001.
Last night, we watched a film in memory of September 11th, 2001.
The latest edition of Pronounce it Perfectly in French is out. Click here.
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
Seven years ago we came to a fork in the road of our French existence. Jean-Marc was floundering at his job as an uninspired sales rep for an Italian company selling wine bottling machines. As for me, I was holding on tight to the coattails of my writing dream. But a proposition my husband was about to make threatened to put an end to both of our careers:
"Et si on déménage en Californie?" he ventured.
To this day I wonder what our life would have been like, had I not talked Jean-Marc out of the idea of moving to the States and, instead, reminded him about his own dream of wine-making. (Admittedly, the encouragement given was also a way of safeguarding my own nascent vocation–as a chronicler of French life.)
Jean-Marc soon quit looking for jobs in the California wine industry (he'd discovered the town of Healdsburg and was smitten), and happened upon a vineyard for sale in the town of Sainte Cécile-les-Vignes, where we spent the next 5 years of our lives–he picking grapes and making wine–and I chronicling a fast-paced life in the slow-poke countryside. What a ride.
Still no regrets for talking my husband into deepening our French roots, though I do sometimes wonder what life would have been like had we offered our children a chance to grow up in the States. By now one of them would be a senior in some California high school, and the other would be celebrating her upcoming Sweet 16 as a Valley Girl might.
"I know 16 is a special birthday for Americans," Jackie hints, hoping to cash in on a smart phone this year.
"Oh yah, Smartie Pants? Just how do you know so much about American culture?" But I already know the answer to the question–it's all the dubbed T.V. our daughter watches. In any case, the reality in our house is we don't do birthdays like the Kardashians!
Which reminds me, now, what it is about France that pulled me close in that decisive do we stay or do we go moment: it's something about French modesty (apart from necklines and swimwear, of course)… and history. These two things are beautifully represented in a gift my mother-in-law received, at about the same age as Jackie.
"That year I received an orange." Though my belle-mère remembers it bitterly, the flicker of gratitude is still bright in her eyes. Her father was a prisoner of war, and her mother struggled to make ends meet, hawking linens out of her truck in North Africa. Under the gritty circumstances, it was a privilege to receive a gift at all–and to this day my mother-in-law can't eat a clementine without remembering her family's struggles.
Perhaps that is what draws me to old France: more than modesty, it is remembering. Here is where the word souvenir takes on full meaning. More than a trinket brought home from a tourist trap, a souvenir is a heart-filled remembrance and a timeless honoring. It whisper "We will never forget." On ne vous oubliera jamais.
This week my own country–and people all over the world–are remembering September 11th. Last night, as I watched the film "Vol 93", I remembered the hair-raising telephone call, received twelve years ago….
A Dutch neighbor, who ran a local café in Les Arcs-sur-Argens, rang me. Her voice filled with empathy, she asked, "Have you heard the news?"
* * *
I meant to write about our parallel life, or what things would have been like had we taken the other direction at that proverbial fork in the road. Instead, things ended up here–neither in California or in Ste. Cécile, but here, with this souvenir de 11 Septembre.
Will you join in now, and share: Where were you when you heard the news?
The photos in today's post were all taken in Roquemaure, France, in 2010.
Diamonds and shutters.
The restaurant is called L'Ecole Buissonnière, and the term faire l'école buissonnière means to play hooky or skip school.
Lace curtains at the green grocer's and cageots, or crates, of produce.
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I was at work in Washington, DC – just across from the Capitol. My co-worker had heard the news and had a tiny TV at her desk, and we watched, thinking like others that it was a small plane that had accidentally hit the first tower. We watched in horror as the second plane hit and as the tower came down. All kinds of rumors were flying in DC that morning – of explosions down the street, bombs in the Metro. Shortly afterward, we could look out the window and see smoke rising from the Pentagon, and we knew the country was under attack. It was a long slow commute home that day. As in New York, many walked home. The Metro was closed for a long time, but my friend knew how to negotiate the city buses and I eventually made it home, to be glued to the TV for the next 2 days, hoping in vain for survivors.
Our little town of 800 families lost 7 that day, including a family of 4 (2 small children) on their way to a temporary work assignment in Australia and 1 who worked in the Pentagon.
I often wonder where the plane that went down in PA was headed – was it the Capitol?
I was at work in Washington, DC – just across from the Capitol. My co-worker had heard the news and had a tiny TV at her desk, and we watched, thinking like others that it was a small plane that had accidentally hit the first tower. We watched in horror as the second plane hit and as the tower came down. All kinds of rumors were flying in DC that morning – of explosions down the street, bombs in the Metro. Shortly afterward, we could look out the window and see smoke rising from the Pentagon, and we knew the country was under attack. It was a long slow commute home that day. As in New York, many walked home. The Metro was closed for a long time, but my friend knew how to negotiate the city buses and I eventually made it home, to be glued to the TV for the next 2 days, hoping in vain for survivors.
Our little town of 800 families lost 7 that day, including a family of 4 (2 small children) on their way to a temporary work assignment in Australia and 1 who worked in the Pentagon.
I often wonder where the plane that went down in PA was headed – was it the Capitol?
I never have my television on in the morning, preferring early morning quiet and solitude while sipping coffee and reading the paper. That morning, however, a friend, in town visiting her daughter, called and asked me to turn it on. For the next 12 hours I couldn’t move from that spot. It was incomprehensible. The previous year we had been living in France, flying back and forth, never a concern. That July my husband passed away, 2 months to the day, and now every year when 9/11 comes I feel this overwhelming grief, for losing him and for all those souls who perished that horrible day. And, for years afterwards the ‘first’ thing I did in the morning was turn on the television. This event has had an enormous effect on our country, tout le monde, in the way we think and the way we live our lives, even in the most minute ways… C’est tragique.
I never have my television on in the morning, preferring early morning quiet and solitude while sipping coffee and reading the paper. That morning, however, a friend, in town visiting her daughter, called and asked me to turn it on. For the next 12 hours I couldn’t move from that spot. It was incomprehensible. The previous year we had been living in France, flying back and forth, never a concern. That July my husband passed away, 2 months to the day, and now every year when 9/11 comes I feel this overwhelming grief, for losing him and for all those souls who perished that horrible day. And, for years afterwards the ‘first’ thing I did in the morning was turn on the television. This event has had an enormous effect on our country, tout le monde, in the way we think and the way we live our lives, even in the most minute ways… C’est tragique.
Dear Kristin
Thank you for opening this dialog. I was watching the news with the rest of the world when my son called to say, “We think Uncle Bob (Robert Ploger) was on the plane that hit the Pentagon.” Bob and his new wife Kendra were headed to Hawaii on a delayed honeymoon. The day turned even darker when it was confirmed that they were indeed on American flight #77.
I traveled to France in 2002. When asked if I was an American, many of the wonderful French people actually gave me their condolences for our country’s tragedy and loss. So, two days ago, our country and many around the world again honored all those who lost their lives on 9/11.
As a last note, Bob’s talented daughter Wendy, was instrumental in designing and implementing the 9/11 memorial park outside the Pentagon.
Dear Kristin
Thank you for opening this dialog. I was watching the news with the rest of the world when my son called to say, “We think Uncle Bob (Robert Ploger) was on the plane that hit the Pentagon.” Bob and his new wife Kendra were headed to Hawaii on a delayed honeymoon. The day turned even darker when it was confirmed that they were indeed on American flight #77.
I traveled to France in 2002. When asked if I was an American, many of the wonderful French people actually gave me their condolences for our country’s tragedy and loss. So, two days ago, our country and many around the world again honored all those who lost their lives on 9/11.
As a last note, Bob’s talented daughter Wendy, was instrumental in designing and implementing the 9/11 memorial park outside the Pentagon.
I was teaching my class when a student came in and asked to turn on the TV and said that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center. I had a hard time believing this but we put the TV on and that was the end of all teaching for the day. Students gathered around as we watched the second plane fly into the building. We sat there horrified, not believing that this could be happening in NY.
Then the Administration had the audacity to tell us not to put the TVs on. I never shut mine off and students keep coming into my room to watch. We consoled students who had parents in NY and tried to help them contact them. The Administration wanted classes to go on as usual….crazy!
I have friends who were there and didn’t know what was happening, but were running for their lives to get away, all the while seeing people, body parts, etc. which to this day still traumatizes them.
A year to the day, my husband and I were in Caen at thePeace museum where they had a piece of the WTC on display. It sent chills up our spines. Everyone should visit this museum…what a fantastic insightful museum.
People don’t learn…they still hate…wars continue…when will it end?
Kathleen
I was teaching my class when a student came in and asked to turn on the TV and said that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center. I had a hard time believing this but we put the TV on and that was the end of all teaching for the day. Students gathered around as we watched the second plane fly into the building. We sat there horrified, not believing that this could be happening in NY.
Then the Administration had the audacity to tell us not to put the TVs on. I never shut mine off and students keep coming into my room to watch. We consoled students who had parents in NY and tried to help them contact them. The Administration wanted classes to go on as usual….crazy!
I have friends who were there and didn’t know what was happening, but were running for their lives to get away, all the while seeing people, body parts, etc. which to this day still traumatizes them.
A year to the day, my husband and I were in Caen at thePeace museum where they had a piece of the WTC on display. It sent chills up our spines. Everyone should visit this museum…what a fantastic insightful museum.
People don’t learn…they still hate…wars continue…when will it end?
Kathleen
I was mowing the front lawn, when I heard a load “boom”, and thought it might have been blasting at a quarry nearby, even if it did sound louder than usual. A moment later, a neighbour walked by with her dog, and said “have you heard – an aircraft just ploughed into the Pentagon”.We are in Northern Virginia, about 30 minutes from the Pentagon. That must have been the “boom” I heard. I ran indoors to tell me husband, and he was watching the horror unfolding in New York also. A dreadful day.
I was mowing the front lawn, when I heard a load “boom”, and thought it might have been blasting at a quarry nearby, even if it did sound louder than usual. A moment later, a neighbour walked by with her dog, and said “have you heard – an aircraft just ploughed into the Pentagon”.We are in Northern Virginia, about 30 minutes from the Pentagon. That must have been the “boom” I heard. I ran indoors to tell me husband, and he was watching the horror unfolding in New York also. A dreadful day.
On 9-11 I was in my office on Lexington Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. I can never forget that brilliant, sunny Tuesday morning in New York. My assistant walked in with news that a small plane had flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, which was visible to us in the distance. She had gotten this information from a news broadcast on her desk computer. We looked out but could not see anything wrong.
Minutes later, information was coming through that the plane was in fact a large passenger jet, not a small plane, and that it had been a terrorist attack. We saw flames engulfing the North Tower as everyone in our office gathered in front of the nearest window with a view to the south. Soon thereafter, the Tower disappeared from sight as news of its collapse was broadcast around the world. I was receiving emails from my cousins in Turin, Italy, who were watching the events of TV; they wanted to be reassured that I was safe. It was an event that in its tragic unfolding united the entire world.
Several days later, I took the Lexington Avenue subway to Fulton street, to observe for myself the outcome of the destruction. When I emerged from the station, I was confronted by a scenario unlike any other. Every surface was covered with two or three inches of ash and dust resembling a nuclear winter. The hulking remains of the twin towers stood silently as workmen prepared the site for eventual demolition. The fence in front of St. Paul’s Chapel, part of Trinity Church Wall Street, was covered with flowers, and remembrances. Salvation Army choirs were singing “Amazing Grace” in the street. Groups of victims’ families were being escorted by police to the site of the tragedy. Amidst such devastation, it was difficult to imagine how New York could ever recover.
On 9-11 I was in my office on Lexington Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. I can never forget that brilliant, sunny Tuesday morning in New York. My assistant walked in with news that a small plane had flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, which was visible to us in the distance. She had gotten this information from a news broadcast on her desk computer. We looked out but could not see anything wrong.
Minutes later, information was coming through that the plane was in fact a large passenger jet, not a small plane, and that it had been a terrorist attack. We saw flames engulfing the North Tower as everyone in our office gathered in front of the nearest window with a view to the south. Soon thereafter, the Tower disappeared from sight as news of its collapse was broadcast around the world. I was receiving emails from my cousins in Turin, Italy, who were watching the events of TV; they wanted to be reassured that I was safe. It was an event that in its tragic unfolding united the entire world.
Several days later, I took the Lexington Avenue subway to Fulton street, to observe for myself the outcome of the destruction. When I emerged from the station, I was confronted by a scenario unlike any other. Every surface was covered with two or three inches of ash and dust resembling a nuclear winter. The hulking remains of the twin towers stood silently as workmen prepared the site for eventual demolition. The fence in front of St. Paul’s Chapel, part of Trinity Church Wall Street, was covered with flowers, and remembrances. Salvation Army choirs were singing “Amazing Grace” in the street. Groups of victims’ families were being escorted by police to the site of the tragedy. Amidst such devastation, it was difficult to imagine how New York could ever recover.
The night before I flew home from a business trip into Newark Airport on American Airlines. I always take pride in the flight path down the Hudson as it passes Manhattan. The view is spectacular! I was sitting next to two guys from Calgary, Alberta. It was their first time to the NYC area and they were excited as I pointed out the various landmarks on our approach. They had intended to visit the city Friday and Saturday as their work assignment was in New Jersey.
The next morning I was in my office on a teleconference when my assistant came in to tell me a plane had hit the WTC. I thought it must have been a small-craft, perhaps a tourist plane gone awry. My call ended and I went to the TV in our area to watch the second plane hit. Then we heard about the plane hitting the Pentagon.
The first thing I did was to phone my mother in Florida. She was out walking with a friend so I left a message telling her I was home and safe. Then I said “Now turn on the television and you will see what is going on.” My airline is American and in my job at that time I was traveling 70% of the time.
Two of my sisters later phoned my mother and said “Where’s Tom?” She was able to reassure them that I was ok.
My youngest sister was teaching in a classroom in Petoskey MI at the time and had a sixth sense that something was wrong, not even yet having heard about the WTC disaster. She left her classroom in the hands of an assistant and went to the principal’s office to phone my mother. My mother filled her in.
The CEO of our company closed down the office telling everyone to go home and be with their families. We didn’t know what would be next. I opted to stay because I would just be alone and hung out with a few of my colleagues. I phoned the Red Cross and offered my home and my medical services but alas there was need for neither.
Two of my colleagues lost their husbands. Others lost cousins and best friends. The sorrow was palpable as we, citizens of the metropolitan area, had direct ties to the disaster.
One of my direct reports was in Chicago and couldn’t get home. She was frantic and wanted to be with family. It took her three days to get a rental car and drive back.
A couple of weeks later, we had a national meeting staged in New Jersey. The venue for one of our meals was a restaurant with an incredible view of Manhattan. The 30 ft. windows were covered with draperies so that the view of the still smoldering towers would not be the center of attention.
Another of my colleague’s sister was head of SPCA in New York City (the pet protection and shelter). One of the big issues the city faced was rescuing and adopting out all the dogs and cats those who perished had left behind.
I have lived in Jersey City right across from the WTC for the last four years. We have a memorial two short blocks away naming the people from our city who died. There was and remains a lot of sorrow.
The night before I flew home from a business trip into Newark Airport on American Airlines. I always take pride in the flight path down the Hudson as it passes Manhattan. The view is spectacular! I was sitting next to two guys from Calgary, Alberta. It was their first time to the NYC area and they were excited as I pointed out the various landmarks on our approach. They had intended to visit the city Friday and Saturday as their work assignment was in New Jersey.
The next morning I was in my office on a teleconference when my assistant came in to tell me a plane had hit the WTC. I thought it must have been a small-craft, perhaps a tourist plane gone awry. My call ended and I went to the TV in our area to watch the second plane hit. Then we heard about the plane hitting the Pentagon.
The first thing I did was to phone my mother in Florida. She was out walking with a friend so I left a message telling her I was home and safe. Then I said “Now turn on the television and you will see what is going on.” My airline is American and in my job at that time I was traveling 70% of the time.
Two of my sisters later phoned my mother and said “Where’s Tom?” She was able to reassure them that I was ok.
My youngest sister was teaching in a classroom in Petoskey MI at the time and had a sixth sense that something was wrong, not even yet having heard about the WTC disaster. She left her classroom in the hands of an assistant and went to the principal’s office to phone my mother. My mother filled her in.
The CEO of our company closed down the office telling everyone to go home and be with their families. We didn’t know what would be next. I opted to stay because I would just be alone and hung out with a few of my colleagues. I phoned the Red Cross and offered my home and my medical services but alas there was need for neither.
Two of my colleagues lost their husbands. Others lost cousins and best friends. The sorrow was palpable as we, citizens of the metropolitan area, had direct ties to the disaster.
One of my direct reports was in Chicago and couldn’t get home. She was frantic and wanted to be with family. It took her three days to get a rental car and drive back.
A couple of weeks later, we had a national meeting staged in New Jersey. The venue for one of our meals was a restaurant with an incredible view of Manhattan. The 30 ft. windows were covered with draperies so that the view of the still smoldering towers would not be the center of attention.
Another of my colleague’s sister was head of SPCA in New York City (the pet protection and shelter). One of the big issues the city faced was rescuing and adopting out all the dogs and cats those who perished had left behind.
I have lived in Jersey City right across from the WTC for the last four years. We have a memorial two short blocks away naming the people from our city who died. There was and remains a lot of sorrow.
I am a Brit now living in the Luberon in France, but before I retired I worked for an American company, the Oracle Corporation, in the UK. I remember hearing someone outside my office talking about a small plane which had hit the WTC, but it didn’t sound serious, so I just carried on with my work, although I was aware that there was a good deal of talk and traffic past my office door. When I looked up next, everyone within sight had vanished. I found them all in the building’s restaurant, where there were huge TV screens mounted on the walls. With complete disbelief, I saw a TV picture of a tower with a passenger aircraft embedded in it and, just as my eyes made sense of that image, I saw the second tower begin its terrible, almost slow motion, fall. I will never forget the anguish on the faces of my US colleagues as they watched the awful images of billowing smoke and dust rising into the hot blue September sky, and the realisation that people were choosing to hurl themselves into thin air rather than face being burned to death. Those few hours are burned in the memory of anyone who watched.
I am a Brit now living in the Luberon in France, but before I retired I worked for an American company, the Oracle Corporation, in the UK. I remember hearing someone outside my office talking about a small plane which had hit the WTC, but it didn’t sound serious, so I just carried on with my work, although I was aware that there was a good deal of talk and traffic past my office door. When I looked up next, everyone within sight had vanished. I found them all in the building’s restaurant, where there were huge TV screens mounted on the walls. With complete disbelief, I saw a TV picture of a tower with a passenger aircraft embedded in it and, just as my eyes made sense of that image, I saw the second tower begin its terrible, almost slow motion, fall. I will never forget the anguish on the faces of my US colleagues as they watched the awful images of billowing smoke and dust rising into the hot blue September sky, and the realisation that people were choosing to hurl themselves into thin air rather than face being burned to death. Those few hours are burned in the memory of anyone who watched.
I somehow find comfort in reading everyone’s personal account of that day. Thanks for the forum.
Kristin’s CA/France story resonated with me and my own 9/11 story.
As I watched the confusion on the Today show that morning, I immediately called my mother to let her know that I was safe in my Upper West Side home. However my (French) husband, whom I had dragged to NYC a year prior and against his will, had been at work across the street from the Towers for 30 minutes already.
Not knowing what to do, I continued on to my Midtown job just to be followed by hours of walking back uptown, joining crowds along the way listening to unfathomable breaking news from sidewalk radios.
My husband finally arrived many tortuous hours later after having decided to evacuate his office building upon witnessing the first jumpers from the Towers.
Unlike Kristin’s and Jean-Marc’s fork in the road, our paths diverged. My husband left the City months later to pursue his dream of going West. I love this City and decided to stay.
I somehow find comfort in reading everyone’s personal account of that day. Thanks for the forum.
Kristin’s CA/France story resonated with me and my own 9/11 story.
As I watched the confusion on the Today show that morning, I immediately called my mother to let her know that I was safe in my Upper West Side home. However my (French) husband, whom I had dragged to NYC a year prior and against his will, had been at work across the street from the Towers for 30 minutes already.
Not knowing what to do, I continued on to my Midtown job just to be followed by hours of walking back uptown, joining crowds along the way listening to unfathomable breaking news from sidewalk radios.
My husband finally arrived many tortuous hours later after having decided to evacuate his office building upon witnessing the first jumpers from the Towers.
Unlike Kristin’s and Jean-Marc’s fork in the road, our paths diverged. My husband left the City months later to pursue his dream of going West. I love this City and decided to stay.
Thank you Kristin for providing this format. My husband and I are living in Paris-since January of 2013. Although I read all the Facebook accounts my friends in the US posted in remembrance of 9/11, I felt so far from home on that mournful day. In the early morning of 9/11 2001 on the west US coast, my husband was watching the news on television and I was getting dressed for work. I heard the announcer shouting about the first plane crash and rushed into the room just as the second tower was hit. The horror really wasn’t comprehensible till hours later. The image that I can never erase is that of people jumping from the towers, falling and spinning. One month later we were in Italy touring a small town north of Rome. How heartwarming it was to have local Italian people, strangers, come up to us, shake our hand or hug us and let usk know how saddened they were for what had happened in our country.
Thank you Kristin for providing this format. My husband and I are living in Paris-since January of 2013. Although I read all the Facebook accounts my friends in the US posted in remembrance of 9/11, I felt so far from home on that mournful day. In the early morning of 9/11 2001 on the west US coast, my husband was watching the news on television and I was getting dressed for work. I heard the announcer shouting about the first plane crash and rushed into the room just as the second tower was hit. The horror really wasn’t comprehensible till hours later. The image that I can never erase is that of people jumping from the towers, falling and spinning. One month later we were in Italy touring a small town north of Rome. How heartwarming it was to have local Italian people, strangers, come up to us, shake our hand or hug us and let usk know how saddened they were for what had happened in our country.
Living in Germany, just steps from the fence that encircled our American military post, we watched the news as school was getting out. Suddenly most of the moms realized that the post would go to ThreatCon Delta, and no one would be able to enter or exit the post. Fortunately, most of the little ones were already home, but this was one of those times when every mother desperately wanted to have her arms around all of her family. I was overwhelmed the next few evenings, watching the local Germans walk up the hill to place candles and flowers at our closed, heavily guarded gates. How naïve our pre-9/11 lives as military families seem to me now.
Living in Germany, just steps from the fence that encircled our American military post, we watched the news as school was getting out. Suddenly most of the moms realized that the post would go to ThreatCon Delta, and no one would be able to enter or exit the post. Fortunately, most of the little ones were already home, but this was one of those times when every mother desperately wanted to have her arms around all of her family. I was overwhelmed the next few evenings, watching the local Germans walk up the hill to place candles and flowers at our closed, heavily guarded gates. How naïve our pre-9/11 lives as military families seem to me now.
My father had died on September 5th and our family had gathered from all over the country at my parents home in Upstate New York. We were grieving and as each event happened that day our world became more and more surreal. Even though we were in a rural area, the world became silent. No airplanes flying overhead, the stores were hushed and people spoke in low voices about their relatives who had gone down to the City, firemen who were dispatched to help with the blaze and search and rescue. I spoke with my family in California and heard that my son was practicing football that day under the watchful guns on the roof of the Marine building across the street. I went home later that month on a nearly empty plane with extra tight security. Our world had changed. It made me aware that there are people who live under threat every day of their lives and that we were no longer blissfully unaware of such violence.
My father had died on September 5th and our family had gathered from all over the country at my parents home in Upstate New York. We were grieving and as each event happened that day our world became more and more surreal. Even though we were in a rural area, the world became silent. No airplanes flying overhead, the stores were hushed and people spoke in low voices about their relatives who had gone down to the City, firemen who were dispatched to help with the blaze and search and rescue. I spoke with my family in California and heard that my son was practicing football that day under the watchful guns on the roof of the Marine building across the street. I went home later that month on a nearly empty plane with extra tight security. Our world had changed. It made me aware that there are people who live under threat every day of their lives and that we were no longer blissfully unaware of such violence.
That morning is when I decided to take the TV out of my bedroom. I did not want to ever wake up to news such as this. Many thanks for your writing and the contributions made by your readers. We are all one and must attempt to reign in our politicians to solve every world problem with bombs and drones.
American arrogance is what is ruining our stature in this world. I can truly understand why you live in France. Humility and their sense of history make it a very desirable.
Thank you again for your writings.
That morning is when I decided to take the TV out of my bedroom. I did not want to ever wake up to news such as this. Many thanks for your writing and the contributions made by your readers. We are all one and must attempt to reign in our politicians to solve every world problem with bombs and drones.
American arrogance is what is ruining our stature in this world. I can truly understand why you live in France. Humility and their sense of history make it a very desirable.
Thank you again for your writings.
Usually I skim over the other comments – not today. I was living in Denver, running late and getting ready for work when I heard the tv news people and saw the pictures of the first tower and then watched horrified as the second plane crashed into the second tower. Less than a month earlier I had dinner at the restaurant on the top of the towers and couldn’t help but think of the nice people who worked there. I went into work, WTC building in downtown Denver. Now I realize I was on auto pilot, sticking to routine hoping for some order out of this horrible chaos that was happening in NYC. Our building closed for the day and the churches downtown had special services during the day. Every September 11th I am afraid to turn on the morning news but eventually I do. Never forget and always go on because if we don’t terror wins. Thank you Kristin for remembering and letting us all share here.
Usually I skim over the other comments – not today. I was living in Denver, running late and getting ready for work when I heard the tv news people and saw the pictures of the first tower and then watched horrified as the second plane crashed into the second tower. Less than a month earlier I had dinner at the restaurant on the top of the towers and couldn’t help but think of the nice people who worked there. I went into work, WTC building in downtown Denver. Now I realize I was on auto pilot, sticking to routine hoping for some order out of this horrible chaos that was happening in NYC. Our building closed for the day and the churches downtown had special services during the day. Every September 11th I am afraid to turn on the morning news but eventually I do. Never forget and always go on because if we don’t terror wins. Thank you Kristin for remembering and letting us all share here.
Thank you for such a beautiful piece of writing. I remember thinking on that day as I watched the attack over and over again that the world has changed completely. It has, and not just for Americans who have to take shoes off at the airport. It’s changed in world perspectives, growth in suspicions, a new global awareness. This is such a different world since 9/11, both for good and for bad. I just hope that we are able to move closer to the good than the bad. Right now, I think it’s anyone’s guess which way the world will go.
Thank you for such a beautiful piece of writing. I remember thinking on that day as I watched the attack over and over again that the world has changed completely. It has, and not just for Americans who have to take shoes off at the airport. It’s changed in world perspectives, growth in suspicions, a new global awareness. This is such a different world since 9/11, both for good and for bad. I just hope that we are able to move closer to the good than the bad. Right now, I think it’s anyone’s guess which way the world will go.
I was at work, in my office on the UC-Boulder campus, just starting to check work email. My coworker stuck her head in and said, “You must come watch the news.” The TV in the conference room was on, and we all just stood there for a long, long time. My boss was on travel in Los Angeles at the time, due to fly home that day, and I ended up spending the morning trying to make travel arrangements with a very sober hotel clerk in LA, and talking to my boss a half dozen times, and all of us trying to be cool and professional. Then I went home and sat and listened to…nothing. No cars. Just the fighter jets tracing up and down the front range, flying patrol.
I was at work, in my office on the UC-Boulder campus, just starting to check work email. My coworker stuck her head in and said, “You must come watch the news.” The TV in the conference room was on, and we all just stood there for a long, long time. My boss was on travel in Los Angeles at the time, due to fly home that day, and I ended up spending the morning trying to make travel arrangements with a very sober hotel clerk in LA, and talking to my boss a half dozen times, and all of us trying to be cool and professional. Then I went home and sat and listened to…nothing. No cars. Just the fighter jets tracing up and down the front range, flying patrol.
I love your blog 🙂
I love your blog 🙂
JUST A NORMAL MORNING IN SEPTEMBER HERE. MY HUSBAND WAS EATING BREAKFAST AND I WAS STUMBLING AROUND , AS I DO ABOUT 8 AM. THE “WATER ” MAN KNOCKED ON THE DOOR. I ORDER MOUNTAIN VALLEY WATER FROM ARKANSAS EACH WEEK,,, HE SAID, “TURN ON YOUR TV, SOMETHING HORRIBLE HAS HAPPENED”. WE SAT THERE , TRANSFIXED, FOR WHAT SEEMED LIKE, DAYS. SOOOO MANY, JUST INNOCENT PEOPLE, WORKING TO MAKE A LIVING. THE EVIL IS INCOMPREHENSIBLE. 12 YEARS LATER, THE SADNESS HAS NOT DIMMED. HOW I LONG FOR A WORLD AT PEACE, EVERYWHERE.
JUST A NORMAL MORNING IN SEPTEMBER HERE. MY HUSBAND WAS EATING BREAKFAST AND I WAS STUMBLING AROUND , AS I DO ABOUT 8 AM. THE “WATER ” MAN KNOCKED ON THE DOOR. I ORDER MOUNTAIN VALLEY WATER FROM ARKANSAS EACH WEEK,,, HE SAID, “TURN ON YOUR TV, SOMETHING HORRIBLE HAS HAPPENED”. WE SAT THERE , TRANSFIXED, FOR WHAT SEEMED LIKE, DAYS. SOOOO MANY, JUST INNOCENT PEOPLE, WORKING TO MAKE A LIVING. THE EVIL IS INCOMPREHENSIBLE. 12 YEARS LATER, THE SADNESS HAS NOT DIMMED. HOW I LONG FOR A WORLD AT PEACE, EVERYWHERE.
I was home in central Oklahoma and turned on the news just as the second plane hit. My son called from an oil rig he was working on, after all the planes had crashed. They heard about it but had no real details. He thought the “Rapture” had taken place and wanted to hear my voice because he said he would know then if he was left behind, as he was sure I would be gone. The happenings that day affected him so much that he joined the military. He was one of the first troops to Iraq, and the first to do extended duty, which meant he spent 15 months in Baghdad. So many lives were changed that day. We will never forget the sacrifices of all.
I was home in central Oklahoma and turned on the news just as the second plane hit. My son called from an oil rig he was working on, after all the planes had crashed. They heard about it but had no real details. He thought the “Rapture” had taken place and wanted to hear my voice because he said he would know then if he was left behind, as he was sure I would be gone. The happenings that day affected him so much that he joined the military. He was one of the first troops to Iraq, and the first to do extended duty, which meant he spent 15 months in Baghdad. So many lives were changed that day. We will never forget the sacrifices of all.
While getting ready for a 1 1/2 hour trip to Los Angeles to see my orthopedic surgeon, we received a phone call from my brother who said “Turn on the TV’. By then all the targets had been hit. We were horrified. Not knowing whether the terrorists planned to hit the West Coast as well, we nervously went to Los Angeles. The usually busy freeways were almost devoid of cars. Normally car-packed Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, our destination, was like a street in a ghost town. All the businesses in that area closed by noon and we went home on a deserted freeway We felt as if we were in the set for a doomsday movie. The whole time we kept wondering “Where next?” Thank God, they had finished their dreadful plans for that day and there were no more disasters. Our hearts were heavy, but like wildflowers in spring American flags started to appear at one house after another. Before the day was over a friend from Germany called and offered her condolences. How wonderful that she cared so much.
While getting ready for a 1 1/2 hour trip to Los Angeles to see my orthopedic surgeon, we received a phone call from my brother who said “Turn on the TV’. By then all the targets had been hit. We were horrified. Not knowing whether the terrorists planned to hit the West Coast as well, we nervously went to Los Angeles. The usually busy freeways were almost devoid of cars. Normally car-packed Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, our destination, was like a street in a ghost town. All the businesses in that area closed by noon and we went home on a deserted freeway We felt as if we were in the set for a doomsday movie. The whole time we kept wondering “Where next?” Thank God, they had finished their dreadful plans for that day and there were no more disasters. Our hearts were heavy, but like wildflowers in spring American flags started to appear at one house after another. Before the day was over a friend from Germany called and offered her condolences. How wonderful that she cared so much.
I was getting ready for work in Denver when I heard a news story on the radio. I turned on the TV and told my son to come see this plane that had crashed into a building. As we watched, the second plane struck, and my heart stopped, realizing that this was not an accident. I then shooed my son off to get ready for school, hoping to shield him from the evil in the world. I will never forget the images of people jumping from the 100th floor. I cannot imagine their terror.
I was getting ready for work in Denver when I heard a news story on the radio. I turned on the TV and told my son to come see this plane that had crashed into a building. As we watched, the second plane struck, and my heart stopped, realizing that this was not an accident. I then shooed my son off to get ready for school, hoping to shield him from the evil in the world. I will never forget the images of people jumping from the 100th floor. I cannot imagine their terror.
I live in Portland, Maine, where a number of the terrorists departed for their horrific activities on the morning of September 11. My little bucolic city, where nothing ever happens, was suddenly all over the news. I was at home, watching everything unfold, my husband was at work downtown, my daughter was at school. By an amazing co-incidence (although nothing I think, will ever amaze me again) we were all on lockdown for a good part of the day! It was our good fortune to be together by early evening, holding each other close as we watched the continuous bad news.
Sept 11, a day to remember, to reflect on the true goodness of America and to vow to do just a little better every day. Please. No more hate, no more war, no more unethical behavior, just the true human spirit, flying free throughout the land. Please.
I live in Portland, Maine, where a number of the terrorists departed for their horrific activities on the morning of September 11. My little bucolic city, where nothing ever happens, was suddenly all over the news. I was at home, watching everything unfold, my husband was at work downtown, my daughter was at school. By an amazing co-incidence (although nothing I think, will ever amaze me again) we were all on lockdown for a good part of the day! It was our good fortune to be together by early evening, holding each other close as we watched the continuous bad news.
Sept 11, a day to remember, to reflect on the true goodness of America and to vow to do just a little better every day. Please. No more hate, no more war, no more unethical behavior, just the true human spirit, flying free throughout the land. Please.
We were watching Good Morning America when they switched to pictures of the towers. One had already been hit and the commentators were trying to decide how it had happened . Then the other tower came
into view with the second plane heading toward it. They and we knew it was intentional. Watching the towers fall was devastating. I cried then and found that tears came easily for at least a month after. We never imagined that this could happen in the United States, and yes, this event changed all our lives. The safe, peaceful feelings we had for our children and ourselves was gone forever. Today the entire world suffers the consequences of that infamous day 9/11!
We were watching Good Morning America when they switched to pictures of the towers. One had already been hit and the commentators were trying to decide how it had happened . Then the other tower came
into view with the second plane heading toward it. They and we knew it was intentional. Watching the towers fall was devastating. I cried then and found that tears came easily for at least a month after. We never imagined that this could happen in the United States, and yes, this event changed all our lives. The safe, peaceful feelings we had for our children and ourselves was gone forever. Today the entire world suffers the consequences of that infamous day 9/11!
I had a broken arm and recall how helpless I felt. I had the desire
to go into action, to be of help in some way, but all I could do was
cry and pray. I have an American flag, a California flag, a flag for
each of the states where my parents were born, Washington, North
Carolina, and recently, a flag from Normandy. My family history
includes immigrants and veterans (even a WWI recipient of the Navy Cross buried in an American cemetery in England). When I was in Paris last April I visited the tomb of the Foreign Soldier in Père Lachaise Cemetery. My personal belief is that I am free because other people who have gone before me since the beginning of time have CHOSEN FREELY and GRACEFULLY to make a sacrifice of their earthly lives so that I can live the good life I live. The people who died on 9/11, in my opinion, were, regardless of nationality, race, or belief, MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS. The perpetrators clearly lost their humanity and we need to continue our efforts on many, many levels to reclaim our own humanity and encourage our neighbors to do the same. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (chacun son goût) and Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité. Thank you for the opportunity to speak out without taking a trip to Hyde Park! Joanne, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA.
I had a broken arm and recall how helpless I felt. I had the desire
to go into action, to be of help in some way, but all I could do was
cry and pray. I have an American flag, a California flag, a flag for
each of the states where my parents were born, Washington, North
Carolina, and recently, a flag from Normandy. My family history
includes immigrants and veterans (even a WWI recipient of the Navy Cross buried in an American cemetery in England). When I was in Paris last April I visited the tomb of the Foreign Soldier in Père Lachaise Cemetery. My personal belief is that I am free because other people who have gone before me since the beginning of time have CHOSEN FREELY and GRACEFULLY to make a sacrifice of their earthly lives so that I can live the good life I live. The people who died on 9/11, in my opinion, were, regardless of nationality, race, or belief, MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS. The perpetrators clearly lost their humanity and we need to continue our efforts on many, many levels to reclaim our own humanity and encourage our neighbors to do the same. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (chacun son goût) and Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité. Thank you for the opportunity to speak out without taking a trip to Hyde Park! Joanne, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA.
Are you saying you married a pied-noir from Tunisia? And that’s why he likes the S. of France and vineyards? I’m from Africa myself, so I understand. I am a bit puzzled, however. Yous say yr. belle-mere struggled because her husband was a prisoner of war. Which war was that? Because I’d guess J-M was born in the late 60’s and I didn’t think the arab militants took prisoners.
Are you saying you married a pied-noir from Tunisia? And that’s why he likes the S. of France and vineyards? I’m from Africa myself, so I understand. I am a bit puzzled, however. Yous say yr. belle-mere struggled because her husband was a prisoner of war. Which war was that? Because I’d guess J-M was born in the late 60’s and I didn’t think the arab militants took prisoners.