My Memories of 9/11

September 11, 2001 is one of those dates frozen in time, and one of the only events in American history simply  known by its date...9/11. I recall exactly where I was when the news came in. I was working in advertising, and as I was beginning my work day in my Clinton office, I got a phone call from a friend who said, "Are you watching TV? Did you see what happened a few minutes ago in New York City?"

I immediately turned on my office TV at about 8:55 a.m. to see the smoldering flames of one of the World Trade Center Towers. At that point, only one plane had hit, and TV news anchors were wondering if it was an accident or an intentional act. Then several minutes later, I saw in real time a second plane hit the other tower. At that point, it was obvious that this was a terrorist attack on America.

I immediately called my wife to see if she heard the news, and if everyone was alright. With some of our kids in school and away at college, we made sure everyone was ok. Throughout it all, we were glued to the television for any further news on this tragic event, which kept getting more tragic by the minute with the crashed plane into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and the downed plane in Pennsylvania.

We watched the late Peter Jennings, ABC-TV news anchor from the first few minutes and remained with him in the hours and days that followed. In my opinion, it was Peter Jennings shining hour, as he kept calm and told the story meticulously as it unfolded, keeping America calm at a time of crisis.

At one point, being human and a father, Peter Jennings choked up on the air, as he mentioned that he called his children to see if they were ok, and advised those of us watching to call our kids as well.

Here's Peter Jennings' reporting on ABC-TV on that September 11th morning.