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September
11, 2001 The morning started on shaky ground when my three-year-old delivered the news to me that a plane had crashed in New York City. I anticipated the usual stories of tragedy and around the clock news coverage that we have become accustomed to these days. When I turned the corner from the kitchen, I nearly spilled my coffee when I realized that the plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. Having been there and seeing the live video I had an idea how serious the situation was. I thought it was a terrorist attack yet hoped there was a possibility that someone had just made a terrible mistake. Then the unthinkable happened. The kind of thing reserved for silly movies like Godzilla. A Boeing 767 slammed into the middle of the other tower and burst into flames. I instantly became nauseous along with 200 million of my fellow citizens. We were under attack. It was apparent to everyone except Al Roker who quipped, "What are the odds of two planes crashing into the World Trade Center?" before NBC pulled the plug on His Uselessness. While I was dressing I heard a gasp from my wife watching the TV. One of the towers had collapsed and the other didn't look much better. Lower Manhattan was thrust into chaos as the entire country watched it happening. I think we have become desensitized by movies and TV news but nevertheless this event was totally somber and grim and I could feel it. Most people probably still can't comprehend the enormity of it all. That huge aircraft made to look like a matchbox car on a highway and two 110-story buildings, symbols of American capitalism reduced to rubble with countless lives lost. Thank God the networks didn't show any of the events from street level. That horrific scene would have been too much. Ironically, I had a 10:30 appointment with John Carey of West Roxbury. He is the author of the book, A Marine from Boston, an autobiographical account of WWII after the invasion on Pearl Harbor. I suddenly had an idea of the feelings that went through people's minds back then. The only problem is that in 1941, the Japanese were the clear-cut enemy. With this, who knows? The revenue-generating portion of my day led me to DeNo's for my pizza delivery gig. As I continued to monitor the sketchy details on the radio my assignments took me to the VA Hospital as they always do. The VA was spooky. The normally bustling halls were empty and I got more than a few strange looks as I carried my thermal bags full of sustenance to the nurses' station. There had to be an edge to a place that was a government building full of war heroes. I did my business and got out of there. Driving back I saw an Air Force Jet flying overhead which only added to the surrealism of the day. As this tragedy continues to unfold, I'm sure many of us will have a connection to this incredible catastrophe. Twelve hours into the ordeal I learned that a Catholic Memorial classmate of mine, Mark Bavis was on one of the planes. He was traveling with former Boston Bruin Ace Bailey. Both of them were scouts for the LA Kings. Mark and his brother Mike were two of the great hockey players along with Paul Stanton and Ted Donato who were pivotal in CM's rise to dominance on the ice. I feel many emotions including sadness and rage. I want to do what I can to help those who need it in New York and I urge people to donate blood. Suddenly the Yankees don't seem that bad. I know President Bush has stated the governments resolve to find the perpetrators and punish them. If he asked my opinion I would say that I know revenge will not give the victims their lives back but something like this is unacceptable. We need to hit them hard and fast and while we are at it let's take care of Saddam and Kaddaffi and end this thing once and for all. Our lives will go on but they will not be the same. Americans are strong, just ask John Carey. Ours is another generation being tested. Hopefully we won't have to go through another war the way he did. But, America will do what it has to do. Meanwhile, take the time to appreciate what we have. I am grateful that I can wake up tomorrow and enjoy my family. The air is crisp and the leaves are changing color and nobody can change that. God Bless the USA. .................................................................. WestRoxbury.com encourages you to fly an American Flag as a sign of support and comfort for the families of the victims. Also as a sign of Americans coming together in this crisis. |
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