- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 210
Every generation has a defining moment that they will share. Before September 11 2001, I had thought that the Challenger explosion would be that milestone memory- or maybe the start of the first Gulf War- then the horrific events in New York happened on that beautiful day in September.
I was (and currently still am) living in Stephenville Newfoundland working at the provincial community college. I was about to sneak out of the office to an early squash game when my squash partner ducked his head into my office and told me about the first crash. I ran down to the lobby and immediately turned to CNN. Soon the lobby was filled with co-workers and students. We watched in disbelief as the second aircraft flew into the Tower.
The events of that day were not limited to New York, Pennsylvania, or Washington. Stephenville was one of those places identified by then Defence Minister Collinette as a place to start sending suspended airtrafic. (It latter came out that he said that sending airplanes to land in Newfoundland was an easy choice because there "was nothing of value there") By 3:30 that afternoon our community saw the airrival of 9 heavy passanger jets. Some of them were from Continental, some Air Mexico- and their arrival immediately increased our small town's population (7500) to close to 9000 people.
For four days they stayed in our homes, and schools and churches. It was then I learned what defined "community"- both local and global. I was very proud to have helped out and be a part of something significant. It was a strangely rewarding time for all involved.
Where were you and what was your story?
I was (and currently still am) living in Stephenville Newfoundland working at the provincial community college. I was about to sneak out of the office to an early squash game when my squash partner ducked his head into my office and told me about the first crash. I ran down to the lobby and immediately turned to CNN. Soon the lobby was filled with co-workers and students. We watched in disbelief as the second aircraft flew into the Tower.
The events of that day were not limited to New York, Pennsylvania, or Washington. Stephenville was one of those places identified by then Defence Minister Collinette as a place to start sending suspended airtrafic. (It latter came out that he said that sending airplanes to land in Newfoundland was an easy choice because there "was nothing of value there") By 3:30 that afternoon our community saw the airrival of 9 heavy passanger jets. Some of them were from Continental, some Air Mexico- and their arrival immediately increased our small town's population (7500) to close to 9000 people.
For four days they stayed in our homes, and schools and churches. It was then I learned what defined "community"- both local and global. I was very proud to have helped out and be a part of something significant. It was a strangely rewarding time for all involved.
Where were you and what was your story?