By Marlene Carmack
For Carter County Times
The morning of September 11, 2001, began as a normal, beautiful, early Fall day. The leaves continued to fall as the air was crisp. My main thought was to get my daughters, Christina and Victoria, to school then head on to work. After having some breakfast with my brother Johnny, we went on to our workstations. It was a daily routine to share our time together during our breaks. At this time Johnny and I worked at the Square D/Schneider Electric Company in Oxford, Ohio. My station was set up from the day before and so, I sat my coffee on the table away from the area to keep the dust out of my drink. As I took my last drink, reaching over to turn the radio up, music was already playing throughout the aisles and my work began. Tuned in to one of the country music stations, we all kept in beat until around 8:45 or 9 a.m. when an abrupt news flash interrupted the music. It was then that noise came rushing over the radio, with the sounds of a frantic reporter yelling over the screams and cries of numerous people. You could tell something horrific just happened. But what could have been so horrible that all the news stations in the United States had taken over the airways, with every minute filled by the reporters and their stories?
Suddenly silence was the only sound we heard. Every machine in the building came to a halt. Reaching up I turned the radio around so everyone in the area could understand what was going on. I was able to make out through the screaming that the first World Trade Center was hit by a plane. I waved to get my co-workers to come and listen.
Our manager looked out the window onto the floor, asking what we were doing; and the reporter we were listening to began to cry as she was trying to explain the terror they were experiencing.
Suddenly the Second World Trade Center was hit. Devastation over ran the thoughts of all of us as we stood in disbelief. All I can remember was saying, “We’re at war.”
The looks were saddening. Tears filled our eyes as fear began filling the air.
President Bush put the United States on alert and let us know we were being targeted for war. The third plane took a route leading to the Pentagon, taking out a large section and killing many people including the passengers, stewards, and pilots.
Planes were ordered to come in, but one was still in the air. A small commuter plane continued to fly and was ordered to get out of the air because of the situation. As he looked over to his side he reported that a jet was flying extremely faster and lower than normal. He was ordered again to get away, and fortunately was able to turn away and avoid getting hit, ensuring his survival. The same fate did not await those on board.
Soon after a farmer called in reporting a large aircraft was flying erratically over his farm. No one knew what was happening other than some of the families who had loved ones on the plane. They weren’t even completely sure of what was happening. The heroes on this plane, men and women, took control and brought the plane to the ground to save the lives of those that were being targeted.
I don’t believe anyone even knew where the terrorists were heading. They just knew they needed to stop them.
Square D Company/Schneider Electric Company was a well-known electrical company all over the world so, it wasn’t out of the ordinary for all of us to feel a great fear that we could be a part of something like this. Management gathered to make a critical decision on what to do with their employees; rumors spread throughout the building that a fourth and final plane was heading towards us. Agreements were made by the management to let us make the choice to go home or stay. The stores, schools and other businesses were closing, so I wanted to be with my family, and I went home. Others around me collected their belongings, clocked out and left as well. Some running, others walking fast but all of us with questions that continued to follow us to our vehicles.
The parking lot cleared quickly as the streets filled with homeward bound employees rushing to check on their families. Square D looked totally empty and eerie; I’ve never seen it so quiet.
Oxford itself resembled a ghost town.
We were all finally home, but the neighbors stood outside, wondering what was going to happen next. The skies were quiet and empty. None of the constant planes overhead. Barely even birds.
Silence covered the land, such an abnormal sight for a country that’s known for its strength and unity; and the ability to stand against the threats of aggressive action posed by other countries. President Bush and lawmakers of both parties stood together, declaring war on those responsible in al Qaeda and among their Taliban supporters.
Like the lighting of firecrackers, they set off an engagement of American military power showing the strength of the United States.
Watching as the devastation of the day aired on the television, we sat close to see what was going to come of this unforeseeable act. The people of the United States banded together and fought
back. We as employees went together and did a yellow ribbon project to help in any way we could for our military and those in New York. We participated in collecting food, candies and Christmas
boxes, as well as organized parades and car shows – earning money for the children who lost parents in the Trade Center, helping to restore the subway system, and rebuild areas destroyed by the terrorist attacks.
Many died during their cowardly attacks, but America responded by coming together and showing we are strong and will fight whenever we must. On this anniversary of that terrible event, don’t forget the part that you took on to help in the strengthening and rebuilding of our beautiful country. Think about it, and ask yourself; would you do it again? Or would you forget 9/11 and those innocently died; or those who sacrificed themselves early to prevent the deaths of others?
Yes, it’s been some time ago, but I ask you to remember. Remember how it changed all of us. Remember the unity. Remember that we’re stronger together. And remember what they died for.
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