I remember exactly where I was. I was working for Aries Resources as General Manager. I was up in my office. The crew was downstairs messing with a tv that came from who knows where. I don’t recall how we heard about the first impact. Within minutes, the old tv was tuned in and we stood and watched the unfolding events. The second impact occurred. We watched in horror as the towers fell. The Pentagon was struck. The attacks then moved closer to home as the news reported a plane was downed in a field in central Pennsylvania. Drawings of the flight path took it directly over our heads.
As the day progressed, little got done in our shop. We remained glued to the tv. Details of the crash in central Pennsylvania began to emerge. The plane that had crashed had possibly been headed back to DC to hit another target. Early details speculated that possibly it was shot down. News from New York and the Pentagon was horrific. I remember the helpless feeling as rescue workers became victims.
Later in the week, we discussed our travel plans for the upcoming American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) convention in San Antonio. Airport restrictions were coming out at a record pace. Our trip was scheduled for September 20th thru the 23rd. Just 10 days after the tragedy, we would be getting on a plane to fly to Texas. Should we go or shouldn’t we? Would they even hold the convention? My thoughts were that if they didn’t hold a convention on security after the attacks, then the terrorists had truly won. The organizers did agree the event should continue. There were a few changes but, yes… It had to be held. My boss, his wife and myself would make the trip.
I remember the lines at the airport in Pittsburgh. New security stations had been quickly installed and procedures changed. The flights went without incident and we enjoyed our stay in San Antonio. The feeling at the convention was much more somber than other years. Some vendors and attendees decided not to come. I could respect their decision. Watching the outcome on 9/11 added that much more concern about flight safety and the safety of those travelling by any means.
Pittsburgh is a fairly large and capable airport. San Antonio, on the other hand, is not. As we left the convention to return home, the lines for security were horrendous. Huge numbers of folks leaving the convention on the same day put a major strain on San Antonio’s airport. The lines wrapped clear back through the concourses and zig-zagged through makeshift queues in the lobby, spilling out onto the sidewalk. Several people didn’t observe the recommended three hour plus early arrival time and missed their flights because the guards would not make exception to let them through security.
I took a cruise less than a month later to the Bahamas. Restrictions had been refined. Security was becoming more solidified than the thrown together system used in the days following the attacks. The ship itself was less than half full. We were escorted out of the harbor by Coast Guard with three cruise lines travelling together. At the end of the cruise, an offer of another 4 days at less than half price was extended. The cruise industry had taken a major hit with all the cancellations. I wish I would have had the time to take them up on the offer. I had made plans to go to Kennedy Space Center and Universal Studios on the remaining days of my trip.
The day I spent at Kennedy was enlightening. Security was stepped way up. As I was waiting for the IMAX show to begin, Armed (machine gun type armed) guards from the military, Sheriff’s Office and Florida State Police came in and escorted a guy out. I never heard what he did, but there was no question that the folks at NASA were taking security very very seriously at that time.
My trip home would conclude without further disruption. I still remember those days after 9/11. The feelings of helplessness and indecision about whether certain plans should continue. I remember the feeling of the nation beginning to pull together in memory of those who passed and in defense against anyone who would try such a deed again. I don’t think I’ll ever forget those two trips.
Where were you?
~Cappy