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Archiver > OH-MV-MEMORIES > 2006-09 > 1158152103


From: Sharon Wilson <>
Subject: Re: [OH-MV-MEMORIES] 9/11 memories...
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2006 08:55:03 -0400


On 9/11/01, I was reading the newspaper when my husband came out and
said I should turn on the television, the radio had said a plane hit
the World Trade Center. I responded, wow, remember reading about the
one that hit the Empire State Building way back?

I turned on the television, probably to ABC, and saw the first
building, with smoke billowing out. Before I retired, I was a records
manager, and frequently spoke to corporate groups about disaster
recovery. I also taught records management in various local colleges
part-time; one of my favorite tools was a video I received from a
company that helped clean the Towers after the first attempt to bomb
them. I used this film many times, and knew most of it by heart.
Without ever having entered those buildings, I felt a vested interest
in them.

As soon as i saw the first building, I knew this was going to have a
different outcome. And while I watched, another plane came into view
and struck the other building. It was as if someone had hit me hard in
the stomach; I yelled to my husband, Oh my lord, we have been attacked.

Like most adults, I couldn't stop watching television for days. And
now, I can't watch programs about that day. I try, but always have to
give it up. It breaks my heart all over again.

I also remember hearing the booms later in the day, and it was scary.
The news people did not help, with their speculations.

Most people who grew up in Dayton and are over 60 were taught to "duck
and cover" during the '50's in school, but we knew if the Commies hit
Wright-Patt, ducking and covering were not going to protect us! (And
didn't we all believe that they had huge bomb shelters under the
runways at the base, and only military people would be allowed in
them?!)

Re the witches' tower: it was locked in the late 50's, early 60's, but
somehow we could get the door open. However, the odor within was
awful, as if the tower had been used as a toilet, and I always refused
to go inside!

Sharon

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