It's very odd how little mention people (me included) are making of the anniversary. I guess most people (aside from security experts) figured 5 years was enough? (Our agency had mentioned it in all-employee e-mail bulletins every year for the past 5.)
A message board I was on at the time had a thread about the unfolding events, with me giving the "on the spot" reporting from downtown Washington, DC (my office was 3 blocks off the National Mall), but they seem to have archived it off ... .
On the other hand, the security presence today in Union Station (the main DC train station, through which I pass on my way to work these days) is much heavier than usual.
Yes, it was a very strange day. The entire Federal workforce was sent home from work, except for "essential personnel" - which is a specific category that can exist in almost any type of position. You know well in advance if you are essential or not. And I was essential (the agency's public website is considered a crucial communications tool in emergencies). The Metro (subway) didn't have enough capacity to take people out of town all at once like that, and I could look out my window and see people streaming uptown on foot instead.
Our New York office was in one of the several smaller office buildings that were part of the Trade Center complex. Fortunately all our staff got out, but it was several days before we knew that.
I mostly try to say something, but something quiet and reflective and focusing on the people who were actually there, and died, or helped other people to survive. Because it's become this big thing, and an excuse for all sorts of other horrible things--I hate that, but that doesn't mean it's wrong to remember what really happened. But I think maybe people are tired, six years later, of being constantly reminded even when it isn't the anniversary--9/11, 9/11, 9/11.
I remember the day, and I remember going online and hearing people worrying about their families (much like, on a smaller scale, I heard people worrying over their families during the MN bridge collapse this summer). It was one of the few times in my life that I actively identified as an American while living in Canada. I even wore an American flag lapel pin for a few months--not a huge thing, but significant for me given my general unease with American patriotism.
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winterfish
no subject
Date: 2007-09-11 10:09 pm (UTC)It's very odd how little mention people (me included) are making of the anniversary. I guess most people (aside from security experts) figured 5 years was enough? (Our agency had mentioned it in all-employee e-mail bulletins every year for the past 5.)
A message board I was on at the time had a thread about the unfolding events, with me giving the "on the spot" reporting from downtown Washington, DC (my office was 3 blocks off the National Mall), but they seem to have archived it off ... .
On the other hand, the security presence today in Union Station (the main DC train station, through which I pass on my way to work these days) is much heavier than usual.
no subject
Date: 2007-09-12 01:41 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-12 10:13 pm (UTC)Yes, it was a very strange day. The entire Federal workforce was sent home from work, except for "essential personnel" - which is a specific category that can exist in almost any type of position. You know well in advance if you are essential or not. And I was essential (the agency's public website is considered a crucial communications tool in emergencies). The Metro (subway) didn't have enough capacity to take people out of town all at once like that, and I could look out my window and see people streaming uptown on foot instead.
Our New York office was in one of the several smaller office buildings that were part of the Trade Center complex. Fortunately all our staff got out, but it was several days before we knew that.
no subject
Date: 2007-09-11 10:10 pm (UTC)Ummm, I'm not saying that it's right not to remember ... I was just trying to think of why people weren't ...
no subject
Date: 2007-09-12 01:39 am (UTC)I remember the day, and I remember going online and hearing people worrying about their families (much like, on a smaller scale, I heard people worrying over their families during the MN bridge collapse this summer). It was one of the few times in my life that I actively identified as an American while living in Canada. I even wore an American flag lapel pin for a few months--not a huge thing, but significant for me given my general unease with American patriotism.
Probably a good day for hugs.