September 11

2. What were you doing on September 11, 2001? How did you find out about the attacks?

At about 9 o clock, just before I left for work, my father-in-law called us from

Orlando. He told us to turn on the television, and that a small plane has hit the towers. We taught that a tiny plane has just got into an accident and did not perceive this to be a major boeing 7-5-7, fully fueled with passengers.

3. What was your immediate reaction to the attacks? What memories are the most vivid?

My immediate reaction was that was this was just an a freak accident involving either a suicidal lone pilot or someone who accidentally hit the towers due to poor visibility or maybe the pilot had an illness or heart attack.

4. What do you remember about the response of people in the United States? The international community? The U.S. government?

We all were confused, frightened, and saddened of this unexpected attack. The cocoon of safety that we had was all of a sudden snatched away, opening our lives to this threat of mad high jackers.

From watching television, I remember seeing news video clips showing the international community, quite stunned and amazed at the attack. Most of the western world were grieving, but I remember I also sadly remember parts of the Middle East celebrating, especially in occupied Palestine, where the news media clearly showed jubilant crowds, feasting and celebrating in our nations bleakest moment since the Pearl Harbor attacks.

I remember the very quotes from President Bush that day, I vividly remember Bush saying "the United States are at war, and someone is going to pay". The authorities and leaders reminded us to stay calm in this confusing and scary time.

Do you consider September 11 to be a pivotal event in your life? In the History of the United States? In world history?

Yes, certainly, our safety and the perceived metaphor that we were by surrounded oceans and no body could touch us was removed in that one day. To me, the world became a very small place, and technology gained by our enemy had made us more vulnerable. Of course, for the first time, a group dared to attack a superpower so blatantly, and they stabbed a dagger right in our hearts. We were injured, psychologically and physically, our policy and decision making towards nations drastically changed, words like "islamofascism" were created. There was an innate fear that all of us had when we left our houses. We still feel that, but much less, when we leave the safety of our home.

What did you think about terrorism before the attacks? Did the attacks change your view on terrorism?