story3617.xml

story3617.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

In the beginning, like most others, we turned on the t.v. to view a "plane that crashed into the WTC". But as we stood in amazement at the beautiful clear day and the smoke plume, we soon realized we were under attack. The news followed of the Penatagon attacks (more smoke plumes) and a little town in Pennsylvania. Immediately, the Directors in all departments of Verizon were at what I call a "war table". I soon heard words such as "temporary morgue", and of complete chaos in NYC. Soon Verizon had people moving into those areas, establishing new communications, make shift communications, and trying to make sense of it all. Although I am personally a strong union person, I could never been prouder of the relationship between management and union that horrific, confusing day. Normally when I leave for home, I walk into a hectic rush hour. That day, I swear, in the streets of downtown Pittsburgh, the tumbleweed was rolling and I could hear the screams.