Remembering September 11th

September 11, 2011, will mark the 10-year commemoration of the terrorist attack on the United States when four airplanes were hijacked and caused the deaths of more than 3,000 Americans—men, women and children.

The first airplane, American Airlines flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:43 am.

The second airplane, United Airlines flight 175 plowed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center at 9:03 a.m.

The third aircraft carrier, American Airlines flight 77 crashed and caused an inferno to the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m.

The fourth aircraft carrier, United Airlines flight 93 crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania at 10:03 a.m. It was later reported that several of the passengers and the crew members thwarted the hijackers' attempt to crash the airplane into another federal government building.

That was a fateful day when Americans and its allies around the globe were struck with horror, fear and rage, simultaneously. 

I initially heard the report on the radio as I prepared to leave home to manage the public relations efforts of a fundraising tennis tournament for the American Red Cross of Central Maryland. I listened attentively as the news report indicated that an airplane hit one of the towers.

I thought to myself, “Wow, that’s a bizarre accident in a no fly zone! If that 'accident' is true, then it would be on television.” [It’s amazing how we, as a society, will believe that something is true if it’s on television.] I turned on the TV in the living room just as the second plane plowed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center. I yelled “Oh, my God!”

The following day, September 12th, I rented a vehicle and traveled to Shanksville, Pennsylvania to be part of a highly-trained public affairs and crisis management team. For nearly 11 days I met with family members of those who perished on the flight and assisted in the coordination of two memorial services. I fielded dozens of media inquiries from across the country and interacted with family members whose loved one was on United Airlines flight 93.

I was shaken. Yet a strong adrenaline rush to support the families of those who perished superseded my fears, which were many.

Ten years later, my personal reflections are many and trigger great emotions.

When I returned home, I received a letter in the mail from the National President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross, Bernadine Healy, M.D.

The letter was dated October 15, 2001 and read:

Dear Ruth:

            Thank you for your tireless efforts over the past several weeks at the United Airlines Flight 93 crash site in Pennsylvania. It is clear from our well-run relief operation there and the compassion you and your fellow Red Crossers have shown that we are making a difference in the lives of the victims’ families, local residents and on-site emergency services personnel.

            As I looked down at the field where the crash took place, I was reminded of a modern-day Gettysburg; the heroes who were on that plane saved many lives through their bravery, possibly even protecting the White Hous—a symbol of freedom and democracy throughout the world.

            Thank you for your commitment to the American Red Cross. Because of your hard work and caring, the Red Cross is able to comfort Americans and help them recover from the brutal attacks on September 11.

Sincerely,

Bernadine Healy, M.D.

President and Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Healy thanked me, yet I considered it an honor.

In turn, I thank all of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces for their tireless efforts and commitment to protecting our freedoms.

*Note: Dr. Bernadine Healy passed away on August 6, 2011.