81 20 2325 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. I was in my first block class when the teacher from next door came bursting in saying that we needed to turn on the TV. At first my teacher was reluctant, but he eventually gave in. When he turned on the TV it was already on the right channel. That's when we sall the second plan hit the second tower. NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. Yes and no. My life has changed when it comes to how I feel about my country, family,and friends. No, because I try to act as if nothing happened. I don't want people to see me greive. NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? I think that the many lives that were taken should be remembered. Expecially, those who lost their lives in the process of trying to save others. NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? Yes, I have flown many flags. Yes, my feelings towards the American flag hve changed because of what we have been through this past year. To me the American flag represents our will to fight against anyone who hurts our people and/or our country. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah4781.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-09-12 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 65.56.121.20 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. "911-01." I am a British history researcher in the European Union. On 911-01, I was visiting Britain for the first time in ten years, in the North near Manchester. I was in a TV store with my mother buying a new set for our home visit, when the news broke of the first impact at the WTC. The BBC was speculating on an accidental crash at that time, but when we returned home with our new TV the WTC was on every single channel. At first we thought the set was faulty, but as we checked the channels we were mortified by the news that a second aircraft had been deliberately flown into the second tower. The terrorist pilot had angled the aircraft to hit three floors for maximum effect, its full load of fuel had blown clean through the building. The first reports were coming in of desperate struggles to escape and of tremendous acts of heroism. It was already clear that the souls trapped in the higher floors of the towers could not be rescued. As the day progressed, all British and European TV channels were dominated by the event. Reports of additional thousands of missing European financial people emphasised the global nature of the catastrophe. Our thoughts went back to the previous attack on the same building. We realised that it was an attack on the West, on Western civilisation and key Western institutions. The BBC was already connecting the attack to the previous Al Qaeda attack on the WTC. During the course of the afternoon (European time) the full picture formed of this satanic attack. There were further reports that an aircraft had crashed on the Pentagon and another had failed to reach the White House. We thought my god, they are hijacking passenger aircraft and using them as battering rams. Perhaps they are forcing the US to shoot down the passengers and crew too? Later we learned that without hope of survival, passengers had themselves taken on hijackers and thwarted them, bringing down an aircraft short of its objective. In this disaster, with no other recourse, this was the triumph of the human spirit. US Emergency Services also achieved their finest hours in the period before and after the collapse of the twin towers, many paid the ultimate price. For all of us in the West, this was an attack on our common institutions, history and heritage. Ben Laden's Al Qaeda did its worst while the people of the United States rose to the challenge and did their best. This horrendous fanatical massacre dominated our lives and family conversation for weeks as we too lived in its shadow. For us personally, the new TV we bought that day is forever linked with the memory of 911-01. For us too on the far side of the Atlantic, 911-01 was a historical turning point. We can no longer afford to be complacent about the threat of terrorism, whether from the right, the left, or based on false religious claims and presumptions. While peace between human civilisations and religions is achievable and will be achieved, sometimes we have to stand and fight for what we really believe in, so that no one will ever doubt again that a repeat of such an attack, in Europe or the United States,will ever stop this process. Best wishes Pete Dalby, UK author NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. For all of us in the West, this was an attack on our common institutions, history and heritage. Ben Laden's Al Qaeda did its worst while the people of the United States rose to the challenge and did their best. This horrendous fanatical massacre dominated our lives and family conversation for weeks as we too lived in its shadow. For us personally, the new TV we bought that day is forever linked with the memory of 911-01. For us too on the far side of the Atlantic, 911-01 was a historical turning point. We can no longer afford to be complacent about the threat of terrorism, whether from the right, the left, or based on false religious claims and presumptions. NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? While peace between human civilisations and religions is achievable and will be achieved, sometimes we have to stand and fight for what we really believe in, so that no one will ever doubt again that a repeat of such an attack, on Europe or the United States,will ever stop this process. NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? As a British and European national, I have long felt a strong affinity with the US. The US flag symbolises that affinity for me. In many ways my language, culture and identity share a common heritage and history with the US. The US flag has long been Atlantic and Global, as such its importance now is greater than ever after 911-01. I commend our American cousins of all races and origins for gathering round their nation and institutions when the need is greatest. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah5605.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2003-08-23 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 80.9.231.118 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. I was driving around Fredericksburg, VA preparing for a trip. I was planning to lead a group of 12 college students from Mary Washington College on a trip to New York City. We were planning to leave at 7 am on the morning of September 12. I stopped at the local drug store to purchase a battery for my travel alarm clock when I overheard the clerks talking about a plane that had "clipped" the World Trade Centers. I didn't really think much of it so I drove to the local AAA to pick up maps for the drive. The woman behind the counter looked very strangely at when I asked for maps to NYC and said, "Have you heard what is going on there?" I got in my car, turned on the radio and immediately called my supervisor. He asked me to come straight to his office to discuss our intended trip. We quickly came to the conclusion that the trip must be canceled. As I walked out of the office, I saw the first tower fall. I came to my office and arrived there just in time to see the second tower collapse. I was greeted by students and staff who were staring blankly at the TV screen. Some had eyes filled with tears, others were frantically trying to contact loved ones who worked at the WTC, in the Pentagon or in DC somewhere. I tried to go about my business; calling the students who were planning to go to New York and explaining that the trip had been cancelled. Some completely understood. Others, still in a daze or who had not had their TV or radio on, were upset that the trip was cancelled and wanted an explanation. We held a meeting later that day. The student government officers and other administrators were present. The students suggested holding a midnight vigil so that students, faculty and staff could express their grief and support each other. At midnight, approximately 1200 members of the Mary Washington College community came together. We lit candles and held each other as each person experienced and expressed their grief in their own unique way. It was a truly moving experience and one that I will never forget; to feel the love, support and grief of an entire community is quite remarkable. NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. September 11 reminded me of how fragile our lives are. It reminded me that we genuinely need to live each day as our last; to leave no word unsaid and no good deed undone. It also impressed upon me that we are truly members of a community. We are responsible for and accountable to each other. The heroes who gave their lives and who worked to save others understood this and lived this ideal. I hope that I reflect some of that commitment in my daily life. NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? I think we need to remember how incredibly important it is to be kind to one another. I think we need to remember how important our words and our deeds are to other people. I think we need to remember how horrible it is for one person to impose his or her will on millions of others. We need to remember that fanaticism of any kind is evil. I think we need to remember that heroes are not people who can throw a ball or sing a song but people who are willing to do whatever it takes to get a job done. NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? No, I did not fly a flag after the events of September 11th. I think that the United States is a wonderful country to live in and I am proud to be an American. However, I have concerns about some of the knee-jerk Americanism that I saw. I believe it bordered on fanaticism, complete devotion to a set of beliefs and a willingness to do whatever is necessary to defend and promote those values, which is what gave rise to the incidents of September 11 in the first place. I believe that moderation and a willingness to look critically at actions and words is incredibly important. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah5344.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-12-21 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 199.111.86.54 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. My mom woke me up right when the second plane hit, she then wanted us to stay home to see what will happen, she had to go to work, we watched up to when it fell. I really didnt know what happened till I the History channel and they had a documentary on it. NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. I had a relative who was a police man in that area, but fortunatly he was not at the towers at that time, it really didnt affect me cause no one i knew died, but it did make me realize we take our freedom for advantage. NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? I believe we shoudlnt forget anything, we should remeber this and be more strict on who comes into this wonderful counrty, our country shouldnt be open to every one, this is one reason why this happened, we allow anyone to come here cause we are such a loving and wonderful country. NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? Yes, yes I did fly the beautiful Amercan flag, I still have it flying in the front and backyard. I believe I have grown to love this counrty more and who lives here. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah2578.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-09-10 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 209.79.73.193 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. I was getting ready for work and saw a news break on TV when the first plane hit the world trade center. My adult son and his friends and I sat glued to the TV until I couldn't watch any longer or I'd be late for my 11 AM shift. NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. Not dramatically but in subtle ways it has. I smell the flowers a little more often, tell people I love them a little easier and sweat the little things alot less. NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? How the nation came together as a whole. NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? I put a flag decal on my vehicle and on my office door. I put red/white and blue lights outside my house. I think the flag has always been important to me but now I express it more. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah385.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-08-22 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 65.28.193.231 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. Three days before September 11, 2001, a friend and I had attended the First National Book Festival at the Libary of Congress in Washington, D.C. - an event cosponsored by First Lady Laura Bush. I had brought a poster from the festival in to work the morning of September 11 and was tacking it to my wall when my boss came to tell me a plane had struck the World Trade Center. I went with her into her office where we watched events unfold on her television. We thought it was an accident, at first, as most people did. Then, when the second plane struck, we knew. The way my friend and I spent the Saturday before September 11 - in a peaceful celebration of creativity and culture - will always stand out in my mind in contrast with the mindless, barbaric destruction of September 11. The only thing the hijackers proved is this: We are better than they are. NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? Yes. But I always felt the same way about the U.S. flag, that it represents the finest nation the world has ever seen. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah5131.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-09-20 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 65.117.186.210 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. I had literally moved to the former Soviet republic of Georgia 2 weeks prior. I was still getting settled, never having lived outside the United States before. At the time, I was teaching a seminar on campaigns and elections to some Georgian political operatives at a place called Gudauri, in the Caucasus mountains. I had finished the training session and went back to my hotel room. I crashed out on the bed, being fairly tired, listening to the BBC on television. This was a little before 6pm Georgian time. Right before the change of the hour I heard the announcer on BBC state that they had just gotten word that an airplane had collided with one of the towers at the World Trade Center. My immediate thought was that it must have been a Cessna or some other small plane, because nothing else would be flying that low. There were a few minutes while the BBC changed over the hour. I rolled over to get a look at the picture they would be broadcasting. What I saw was beyond belief. A gaping maw in one of the towers, belching flame and smoke. It was readily apparent that this was not a Cessna. Instantly my mind began to think of how this could have happened? A jetliner losing control coming out of Newark or LaGuardia? JFK didn't route planes over the City, right? But how could it have hit the tower? What would be the odds of hitting the tower? Then, as I was watching that static shot of the first tower burning, something came screaming in from the right hand side of the frame. Because the shot was taken from an angle so that one tower obscured the other, I saw the object disappear for a fraction of a second and then another ball of flame shoot towards the left edge of the frame. My initial reaction was "what the hell was that?!" I thought maybe they had footage of the tower being hit by the plane, but that couldn't be the case. Because the tower in the foreground was already burning! It was after the plane had hit. But no explanation was forthcoming from the BBC announcers. They just kept on talking as if nothing had happened. I'm sitting there tryig to figure out what I just saw -- convincing myself that it couldn't really have been anything because if it was *someone* would have mentioned it, right? About 10 minutes later, the BBC announcers state that a *second* plane had hit the other tower. At that point, it came to me that there was no way that this could possibly have been accidental. I thought about calling my mom. But it was already 9:20 or so back in New York. She would have been on a train into the City so I couldn't get to her. I'd just have to hope she was all right, which I was pretty confident of because they either would have shut down train traffic into the City already, or she'd be in Penn Station making her way uptown (away from the attack). I called my ex-girlfriend and my father in LA to see if they could get me anymore information on what was going on, but everyone else was in the same boat. After about a half an hour it became impossible to call into the States. I watched BBC most of the rest of the night, starved for information. Unfortunately, outside the capital city of Tbilisi, I had no access to the internet so my ability to get information or communicate was circumscribed. NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. I still work overseas teaching political operatives about campaigns, elections and political party organizing (recently moving to Azerbaijan) My life itself has changed only in the sense that I believe the work I do now is not only interesting but is actually, to an extent, important to the security of the United States. Coming from an academic background in security studies, I've always tended to look at democracy promotion as a side show. Beneficial, yes, but ultimately disconnected from our real security concerns. I do not necessarily hold that view anymore. The question in the days after September 11th was "Why do they hate us so much?" To me the answer was always readily apparent to me. It was no mystery. The medieval cultural outlook personified by people like bin Laden is threatened by the power of the West. The West may, in fact, wish them no ill. But that's not the point. Western values, the values of the Enlightment are slowly usurping the traditional medieval values that hold sway in the region. bin Laden and his ilk hate us not so much for any particular act, but because we are, literally, usurping their culture. In his book "The End of History and the Last Man" Francis Fukayama posits that we are at "the end of history," meaning, not specifically the end of history but the end of confilct of ideologies. Specifically, the West, the values of the Enlightment (political pluralism, market economy, cultural pluralism and tolerance, science and reason) has usurped all other competing ideologies; monarchism, fascism, communism, etc. There is nothing left to stand in the way of universal application of Western values. In this particular theory, he was wrong in only one respect. There is still one challenger culture left, and that culture springs from the Islamic world. While most of the Islamic world may not brook such horrific acts as those that occurred on September 11th, the usurpation of their culture by Western values is of extreme importance in their psyche, and thus they (understandably) react with hostility at the alleged "imperialism" of the West. Until September 11th, this cultural clash was not truly of concern to me. Eventually, as Fukayama predicts, all states in the world will be compelled to follow the Western model, because no other model has proven to be successful. And then when all states are basically westernized, there will be nothing left to fight about. In the meantime, it was necessary only to keep the rest of the world stable. Whether or not there were elements in the world who truly hated us was not our concern. Oderint dum metuant. Let them hate, as long as they fear. But September 11th demonstrated that, although the usurpation of medieval islam by the West may be inevitable, it may not be happening on a time table required to ensure our security. Therefore, my role, as an active missionary for the Enlightenment, seems to have taken on, for me at least, a new importance. NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? Even though the scope of the human tragedy was immense, the reason September 11th will be remembered 100 years from now is that it will come to be seen as the joining of the final battle for the ascendency of the Enlightenment over the mind of man. As a personal memory, when I flew out of Newark International Airport on August 30th, destined for a far off and unknown land, the last thing I saw from the window of the plane was lower manhattan, dominated by the illuminated twin towers. The plane banked hard to the right, obscuring the view and that was the last I saw of my country or the towers. NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? I always have an American flag with me, but I must admit I am more partial to my copy of the Constitution. I believe I read the Constitution 20 times that week. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah5280.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-11-11 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 213.172.66.169 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. Like most other mornings before September 11th, I loaded internet news onto my pocket pc to read on the bus on the way to work. Not knowing yet what had happened in the past few hours, I remember thinking as I walked to the bus stop what a beautiful morning it was. I even stopped to admire a spider web decorated with dewdrops. While on the bus going into downtown Seattle, I casually began to read the news. The lead headline was something like "Second plane slams into World Trade Center." Ever see a movie where the character gets an inkling that disaster is imminent? That was me. As I read the story, I glanced up repeatedly to look at the faces of the other riders; all were impassive. I wanted to shout out to them "two planes have hit the World Trade Centerthis is not an accident!" but I guess decorum and a sense of unbelief prevented me from doing so. I knew this was going to be big, and my life and the lives of these unsuspecting people were going to change. I just didnt know how much. As I got to work, a coworker got on the elevator with me; she was crying. I tried to console her, and she told me she had family members working at the Pentagon. I had no idea the Pentagon had also been hit. The office was strangely quiet. My assistant came in, we talked and he told me an airliner had crashed in Pennsylvania. It was like a sucker punch. My feelings were a strange mixture of fear and confidence born of righteous anger. We were all over the internet looking for news. Within an hour we got an email telling everyone to go home. There were a few people who chose to stay and get some work done. Although I didnt think we were in imminent danger, I still thought they were crazy to stay. Looking back, I wonder if they were in denial or maybe wanted to be alone in their grief. While doing a few errands, I noticed the local mornings newspaper with routine headlines that knew nothing of what had happened. It was like the last vestige of innocence on display, with the knowledge that it too would disappear with the next edition, crying out about the horrors unleashed on our country. Later, I picked up my then eight-year-old daughter from her school bus stop. I wasnt sure how to broach the subject of the days events, but I neednt have worried. After the usual hug, she immediately proceeded to tell me what happened. I kept asking her what else she knew before filling in any gaps appropriate for a child. As we were almost home, she said Daddy, the terrorists thought they could hurt us by destroying our buildings, but America is people, not buildings. From the mouths of babes...I nodded and as we walked, she didnt see the tears streaming down my cheeks. NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. I constantly remind loved ones that I love them. Compliments and uplifting talk flows freer, anger and resentment is just not worth keeping in my life. I embrace life for what it is, right now, and I try not to put off the important stuff until someday--someday may never come. NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? I know it's cliched, but the heroes. Not just the emergency personnel, but the everyday heroes. And we should also remember that although America lost her innocence that day, she grew up fast, got much stronger. I look at the faces of those who were there and see a steely resolve in their eyes. I feel the same thing three thousand miles away. NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? I've never been a pacifist, but was never a flag-waving patriot...until this. When I finally remembered where our flag was (folded up in the closet), I flew it. I'll take it down after the one-year anniversary. After that, it will fly every Flag Day in June, July 4th and September 11th and Veteran's Day. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah1612.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-09-09 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 63.231.21.179 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. My 4th grade students had gone to PE, like they do any other day. I was preparing to go to a grade level meeting when my principal said that the TV was on in the teacher's lounge and we need to go watch. When we entered the room, we saw the second plane hit. At first, like many Americans, I thought this was a movie or even a joke. When the reality hit, I thought "Do I tell my students?" Then, I remember my 5th grade teacher telling us about the Challenger explosion. When my students came back from PE, I told them that something aweful has happened and we need to have a serious talk. I was on the verge of tears. I told them that today would be a day they would never forget. I told them about how I clearly remember the Challenger explosion and how my parents remember Kennedy's asassination. I told them what happened and immediately the questions started. Are we going to war? Did people get hurt? Are they going to bomb our school? Some questions I had answers to, many I did not. As teachers, we made the decision to let our kids watch the events on TV. We saw the towers fall. My students wanted to know why people hate Americans so much. I told them they do not hate Americans, but rather what we stand for.I will always remember that day. I will never forget when I first heard the song by Alan Jackson "Where were you when the world stopped turning?" I was in a classroom full of innocent children. NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. I do not feel as safe. I have a lot more tolerance of others and others are more tolerant also. I saw so many people start being nice to others. I noticed strangers holding doors for others, people smiling at eachother more. NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? All of it. The good, the bad, everything. Especially the victims and the children who lost parents, siblings, grandparents. NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah465.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-08-28 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 65.205.114.50 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. September 11, 2001 is a day that I will never forget. On the morning of the attacks, I was teaching at a small Middle/High schol in Southeast Texas. It was second period, World Geography to be exact, and the news that something terrible had happened in New York city was spreading throughout the school like wildfire! I went to the television in my classroom to see if I could catch some information through CNN, and as soon as I found the channel, I became frozen in disbelief! Initially, I felt that it had to be some sort of mistake, even some sort of pilot error, but inside my gut I just had a sick feeling. At this point the teacher next door told me that this act was intentional. As my students were watching the news, I began to worry that this was an all out attack against the United States, so I immediately called my sister in Hawaii, who is a member of the United States Navy. I remember telling my sister, "Wake up! Wake up! Someone is attacking the U.S.!" Not fully understanding what I was saying, or even what I meant, she made her way to the television only to turn it on to the sight of the second plane hitting the tower. At this point we began to call everyone that we knew, all over the country to see if they were aware that we were under attack. NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. I have worked hared at becoming closer to my students and family. I am also working harder at making every moment of my life count. NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? First and foremost we should remember the victims and their families, and to work hard to see that their memories are not desecrated in any way. NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? I flew the American flag before the attacks, and continue to do so until this day. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah320.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-08-20 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 198.170.184.121 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. during september 11th i was home sick with a bed alergic reaction to something . just as i woke up my mom said a big axcident has acurred. when i looked at the t.v. i sow the second plan cross live. i could see all the people screaming it was so horible. NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. even though no one died in the accident from my family i still was affected. some of the people that died could have made a big difference bye solving a problem , but know they are dead or severly hurt the wont be able to do there discoverey. so since this happened there new discoverey wont be discovered and it would hurt the whole world NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? i think we should remeber all the people that died in the tragety. also we know should remeber even a small little country can do big terrible things. NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? yes, we put american flags on both of our cars and one really big one in the front of our house. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah3243.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-09-11 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 209.204.95.2 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. I remember the day very well. I was sleeping upstairs with my 9 month old son Kendall. My father called me from work telling me I should turn on the T.V. I actually got a little upset that he called and woke me up. I turned on the television and the first image I saw was of a huge plume of smoke rising out of the first tower hit. I was shocked, but assumed that it had to be a bizzare accident. I continued to watch, but also to listen about what happened, then another plane entered the shot and plowed into the other building. I was absolutely stunned. I sat there for a minute and then called my father crying and shaking I told him "They did it on purpose..OH GOD they did it on purpose." I moved downstairs to feed my son and with horror I watched those people die as the buildings came crashing down. It felt like a movie or a dream..this couldn't be happening here..this is America. NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. I now have a new direction in life. I got pregnant and had another son. I didnt want to wait for that. I dont put off things so much now. It has brought my family closer together and made me really think about my life. I go through the emotions of what it would have been like for me to lose my husband. Those feelings I translate in to love, and every day appreciation of what I have in my life. I do not live in fear..I live in love. NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? I think the courage displayed on September 11th is what I will most remember. We will all remember the people who suffered and lost their lives to the many terrorist cowards. I cry for their family and pray that the passage of time helps lessen the overwhelming burden they carry in their hearts. The compassion and love for one another was immesurable. I hope that carries on in the memory of those who fell that September day. NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? My father went out that day and purchaced a flag to fly outside his home. I remember in the midst of the attacks, I could hear tears from my father on the phone, he said "Im going to fly the flag for all of those people, and let them know we love them." The american flag always represented the states being united, but now it represents unity with its people. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah5642.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2003-09-05 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 24.129.115.242 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. I was on my way to work with my friend and fellow carpooler, Joe, in central Illinois. Joe got a cell phone call about the first plane crashing into the WTC and we turned on the radio in time to hear about the second plane. When I arrived at work I went over to the jail (I was working as an assistant state's attorney at the time) because it was the only building with cable TV, and I watched in horror the replay of the planes crashing into the buildings, the fires, the people jumping and then, before my eyes, the buildings crashing to the ground. I knew that not everyone had gotten out, and I felt just like I did when I watched the space shuttle Challenger blow up - mortified, only magnify that feeling a thousand times. I cried for the people who didn't make it and for their families. I couldn't believe that someone could be so cruel and heartless, in spite of the fact that I'd witnessed other acts of terrorism toward my fellow americans (the previous bombing of the WTC and the bombing of the Federal Building in OK city). I was also very worried because I have family that live in and work in NYC. Over the next 24 hours we emailed each other in an attempt to make sure that our family was intact - thankfully we were all safe. NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. For the first month or so after the attack I was just plain scared. I suffered from an unusual type of paranoia and I actually believed at one point that I might be around to witness the end of civilization as we know it. Of course I eventually got over that. Other than that my life hasn't changed all that much except that I try with everything I have to let all the people in my life that mean so much to me know that I love them every chance I get. You never know what will happen when the ones you love walk out the door. NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? I'm concerned about the barrage of emails I'm getting from people who are trying to disguise their obvious racism with patriotism. It is not patriotic to treat people from a different culture as though they are criminals just because someone who looks like them did this to us. I don't recall hearing about riots against predominately white religious centers after Tim McVeigh blew up the Federal Building in OK City. We shouldn't be harrassing our fellow americans just because they look different than we do, and practice a different faith. Our constitution guarantees all americans the right to practice their religions without fear of reprisal. Patriotism is the love of one's country and all it stands for. Our country was founded upon the ideas that all men are created equal, and our freedoms are enumerated in the Bill of Rights which applies to all americans (not just the white ones). What should be remembered about September 11 is that if we learn to love one another and get to know our neighbors, it would be much less likely that this would happen again. NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? The flag is symbol of our country. It is easy to wave a flag to make others believe you're patriotic, but it doesn't actually mean that you are. The true test of patriotism is whether or not you believe and practice the basic cornerstones of our form of government. When was the last time you read the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence? Do you know, can you recite, all the freedoms guaranteed us americans in the Bill of Rights? And do you believe with all your heart that these basic rights apply to all americans, despite their color or culture or religious beliefs? I've sworn to uphold the Constitution and defend it against all enemies both foreign and domestic. The foreign enemies are usually easy to spot. The domestic ones are much more insidious. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah4186.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-09-11 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 152.163.188.168 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. I remember being in shock that this could happen. And thinking that this is what our families must have felt on December 7th 1941. Nothing else in my store of knowledge could relate. NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. I don't think that we will ever be as innocent ever again. NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? How proud we are to be Americans. Because we all were witnesses to seeing our fellow Americans standing tall, together. NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? It always has caused me to tear up to see our flag waving and hear the Star Spangle Banner played. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah5562.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2003-07-07 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 155.104.239.16 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. I live in North College Hill, a small town on the outskirts of Cincinnati, OH. I was up late the night before. I was watching the movie "The Cell" until late night. I remember taking the test on the DVD. The special psychological test. I did something interesting on the test the night before. I answered into the highest echlon on the quiz and then I chose all of the answers that had to do with the next lower echlon and the next lowest and the next lowest. My concience told me to just go to bed however I ignored my concience. The next morning I awoke in my bedroom. The colors of my room seemed to be a bit shifted. There was a man on the radio talking about how the towers of New York had fallen. I thought to myself that "I was experiencing a dream and that I had never been so concious of a dream before." I walked into the living room and life seemed to be moving in slow motion. There was a crispness to the air that I was not accustomed to. The light shone in through the windows and it was a bright morning. A very bright morning. I turned on the television and I saw the image of a plane flying into a building. I did not know how to react. I sat down on teh couch and just began to absorb. What was I looking at? What was I seeing? Shortly thereafter the second plane hit the second building. I was in awe. Never had I ever imagined a sight such as that would ever enter into my conciousness. I was speechless. I went online and checked my email and then I checked were-here.com and an online chatroom. I perused the news sites and my email account. I was aghast, it dawned on me that I was no longer in a dream and that it was never a dream, airplanes crashed into buildings in real life. I was numb. I had to work later that day. I was employed at Blockbuster Video. I went to work as usual and everyone was quiet. There was not much to talk about and there was not much to do. Everyone was innundated with imagery of a horrific event and life was supposed to continue as usual. It seemed unfair however there was nothing else to do except to continue as though nothing happened. NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. I have lost a lot of focus in my life. I do not know the point anymore. I do not know how to react. My life has changed basically because I have become so much more patriotic. I fell back on my belief in the American Dream and the political system that is in place within america. I never used to be so Pro-American and now I firmly believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that America needs to be and is the greatest nation on earth. There is no more doubt left in me. I also live each day as though it could be the last. I understand just how fragile today is because never in my wildest dreams could I imagine a plane landing on me and I am sure that none of the people in those buildings could either. I just live every day as though it may be my last and I live a life with no regrets because if my final moments come unexpectedly I want to be able to understand that there is nothing more I could have done. NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? I think people should remember what they thought before September 11th. I think people should try and remember how life was just before the event occured. I think people should also remember the calmness that occured as a result that day. The looks in people's eyes that day. NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? I have fallen in love with the American Flag. I feel that it represents a feeling and an idea that will never be replicated or outdone. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah5440.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2003-02-17 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 24.27.187.193 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. Although physically removed from the terror of September 11, I was more emotionally engaged by the events of that day than by anything I had previously encountered. I vividly remember sitting in my Chorale class as our principal came over the intercom and announced that a plane had crashed into the world trade center. Nearly the entire class looked up at the speaker on the wall, expressions of shock imprinted on our faces. I walked to my English class in a daze, where we proceded to stare at the television in the corner for the period. There was nothing I could do but watch the events unfold with my hands covering my mouth and tears in my eyes. I kept thinking that every generation has its story, and this horrific attack was to be remembered by mine. As a senior in high school, I had no doubt in my mind that September 11 would be with me for the rest of my life. The rest of the day continuted in a haze, with my classmates constantly reaching for their cell phones, rumors being spread throughout the halls of who heard what, and discussions in each class of our feelings about the attacks. This day quite literally changed my life, for no longer do I feel that I am invincible. Instead, I have come to realize just how fragile life is, and I thank God whenever I pray that he kept my family and friends safe and for the life with which we are all blessed. NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. While I was not directly impacted by the loss of a friend or family member, I have come to value life more dearly and all of the blessings that I have been granted. NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? This should live on as a day in which our nation united, becoming not a mass of different races and backgrounds but a community of Americans. We were united by the fact that together, we were under attack, and together, we have the strength to fight back. NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? Following September 11, my family flew an American flag outside of our house, and I placed a flag on the back of my car. One of the most striking things I remember about the weeks following the attacks was that nearly every car on the road had a flag. I feel that our flag came to represent pride in the United States and a newfound unity of its citizens. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah3728.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-09-11 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 129.59.56.98 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. WHEN THAT HAPPENED I WAS LIKE OMG!! I THINK THATS MESSED UP WAT THEY DID 2 DESTROY THE TWIN TOWERS....I WAS BUSH I'LL KILL BIN LADEN. I HATE THAT GUY... NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. NO MY LIFE HASNT CHANGED WHEN THAT HAPPENED ON SEPTEMBER 11TH BECAUSE NONE OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS OR FRIENDS GOT KILLED. NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? WHAT SHOULD BE REMEMBERED IN SEPTEMBER 11TH IS THE TWIN TOWERS. NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? NOPE I DIDNT FLY THE FLAG I ONLY LIGHTED UP A CANDLELIGHT. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah4733.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-09-12 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 209.158.162.201 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. I was in the middle of a wonderful dream that I was flying through the air over a large city when I look in front of me when I saw two very tall but identical towers that I was closing in on. I got closer and closer, picking up speed until I finally came into contact, I woke up only to find myself being yanked out of bed by my mother to the TV in her room and I saw what the rest of the world saw, two towers, very tall but identicl in size, one of them was on fire. When I came to school and went to my history class, the second tower was hit, but what was most sad is that when I saw people jumping out of the towers, two boys that I didn't like very much were laughing at them. As I came home I thought to myself, "Was that dream really so wonderful, or was it some kind of a sign that I'm supposed to do something with my life?" I don't know and I don't expect to find out anytime soon. NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. My awareness has skyrocketed, I cant even pass by people without turning around to see where they are going. NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? I can imagine those reading this, many of which have been drastically affected by the September 11th attacks, that all of you wish that none of this should've happened, a word of encouragement for those who feel this way,"So do all people who live to see such times but that is not for them to decide, all you have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given to you, there are other forces in this world besides evil, and that is an encouraging though." NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? I did fly the our flag and my feelings have not changed at all because I still believe in our country. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah6771.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2004-09-13 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 66.75.113.55 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. It was a day when the entire world stopped and stared in disbelief. The morning of September 11, 2001, I was at home in New York City with my 3-year-old daughter, Quincy. She was going to start attending preschool in a few days so for the moment Quincy still had the luxury of playing at home in her pajamas. My wife, Theresa, had gone to London a few days earlier for business meetings so on September 11, 2001, I was at home doing household duty. At 9:00AM, I received a telephone call from Theresas mother in Rhode Island, who blurted something into the receiver. She spoke so fast I couldnt understand the words she struggled to communicate. Trying again more slowly, she asked where we were. "Home. Why?" A plane crashed into the World Trade Center! "What? No, were here." I just heard it on the radio. Thank goodness youre not there! "Were okay. Thanks for calling. Bye!" And that, for me, was how it began. I turned on the television to see Tower 1 wrapped in dark, filthy smoke. News reporters werent sure if we were watching a horrible accident or a deliberate terrorist attack. Moments later we knew the answer. I remember the colors most of all. Foul grey smoke spewing from one tower and then a radiant yellow-orange eruption slowly bursting from the other clean one. From her bedroom, Quincy heard my horror and hopped into the living room. I shut off the TV, asked her to go play with her dollhouse and, when she finally did, turned it back on. Naturally, she wanted me to play with her and kept hopping back out. I turned off the TV again. The rest of that morning I stole brief glances of the news when I was actually alone. It got to be too difficult to keep Quincy out of the living room so I unpacked our 2-inch portable TV (from our old California earthquake kit) and tried to quietly watch and listen in the corner of the kitchen. At the time, I thought I was being responsible and merely protecting her from images that a 3-year-old should never see. I eventually realized that what I was hiding from her was the fact that her world had just changed forever and there was nothing I could do to return it to where it should be. Over the ensuing days and weeks, I viewed grief and anguish through a camera lens. I initially started taking photographs because I told myself someday I would want to explain all of this to my daughter, but not until shes old enough (which is preferably at least 10 years from now). A camera isolates whats happening. The world that you see and create fits into a finely-ground, optically-perfect viewing screen. If you dont like what you see, move over an inch. I often take photographs when I want to insulate myself from my immediate surroundings weddings where I dont know anyone, things like that). If you try hard, you can pinpoint your focus and ignore the world outside the edges of the viewing screen. For the weeks following the deliberate murder of thousands of people, ignoring what was happening past the edges of the viewfinder didnt work much. It was all there, everywhere. I come from a family of 10 children and on September 11 we (and our friends) were geographically distributed across New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, California, England, Germany, Turkey and even China. For the first few days, it was nearly impossible to make long-distance calls from New York City as all the phone lines were jammed. The most reliable way to communicate was through our local Internet accounts. The e-mails begin with my first brief message to my family at 9:39AM, before either tower had collapsed and before the magnitude of the destruction was understood. It was sent to my mother, Mona Huang, my brothers and sisters Elizabeth, Christina, Henry, Grace, Joy, Andrew, Glory, David and James my mother-in-law, Marie Menders, and my wife, Theresa. I remember that after I sent the first message, I was relieved that Theresa was in London, very far away from home. Meanwhile, Theresa was hell-bent on returning home as soon as possible. Six months later, New York City is returning. Not returning to normal, because by definition thats not possible anymore. But returning nevertheless. The debris is almost completely removed from Ground Zero and deposited somewhere out of sight, out of mind. The missing posters have been removed and replaced with tributes to the victims. Memorials remain where landlords are willing to let them, and they continue to be added to and refreshed on a daily basis. Daniel Huang April 4, 2002 NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah442.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-08-26 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 12.89.132.124 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "September 11: Bearing Witness to History" Stories Submitted Online Description An account of the resource Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's, "Bearing Witness to History" online exhibition submitted these reflections beginning in 2002. NMAH Story NMAH Story: Story How did you witness history on September 11th? Share your experience. It's something you wish you did'nt remember every single detail but i do remember. I was in spanish class when the principel came on the announcements and informed us on what had happened. The first thought that popped into my head was my dad, because at the time he was working in the Pentagon. I rushed down to my next class and went to the phone to call him but of course i could not get through, so i called my mom and she said she had spoken to him for just a minute and he was on his way to the bomb shelter located in his department. Are teacher let us listen to the radio to hear what was happening and it was horrible for me listening to the radio only left to come up with my images, which i though were bad but they were nothing compared to the reality of what was going on on the outside. When class ended i rushed to the door becasue my friend told me he woulhd take me home, when i reached the door my mom was there, we did'nt know what th think or say.My mother and i went to go pick up my brother, there were many pernts there doing the same. At my brothers middle school they had not in formed the kids of anything that had happened, and it was horrible to listen kids reactions to the news. I was in a state of shock and the most nervous i had every been my whole life. At five in the evning we finally heard from my father he was allright but of course would not be home till late because he had to work. Once i knew he was allright all i could feel was anger that somebody could be so horrible and do something like this.Still today i feel angry about what the terrorist did to us, but we have picked up the pieces and make someone pay the consequences. NMAH Story: Life Changed Has your life changed because of September 11, 2001? If so, tell us how. My life has changed because i am afraid someone will think of another way to harm us,and we'll miss it. My outlook on humans has changed because i have really learned what they are capable of. NMAH Story: Remembered What do you think should be remembered about September 11th? What shold be remembered is all the people who's lives were cut short, all the people who risked thier lives to pervent others from losing thiers. NMAH Story: Flag Did you fly an American flag after the events of September 11th? Have your feelings about the American flag changed as a result of September 11th? Yes, i did fly a flag afterwards. My feelings have'nt changed about the flag i have allways felt pride for it and recognize what it stands for. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource nmah6208.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. story Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2003-09-12 IP Address The IP address of the device used to submit the item. 208.31.154.100