Where was I on Sept. 11?

It’s crazy to think that it’s been 24 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Where was I on Sept. 11, 2001? I was in the second grade at Speers Street Elementary (now the Newberry College Center for Teacher Education) in Mrs. Dawkins’ class. I don’t remember Mrs. Dawkins first name off the top of my head, but she was a great teacher if any of her family should read this column.

Like many, it was just a typical day in second grade. I very vaguely remember being in class and being told over the intercom system to turn the T.V. on to a specific channel. By the time we turned it on, I think the first building had already been hit. As kids we really didn’t understand the gravity of what just happened. We saw these planes hitting buildings, but what second grader would understand what a terrorist attack was?

I don’t remember much from the day after that. I do remember seeing it being talked about all over the news and seeing the clean-up process begin.

I even remember seeing a ton of commercials broadcast where people could buy these light up portraits that when turned on would illuminate the Twin Towers. Do they still make those? I always thought those looked nice as a kid.

One other thing I remember are the songs that were released following the attacks. The most notable that I can remember is “Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning by Alan Jackson. I think a lot of people know/remember that song. I’m sure there are more, but that’s the one that sticks out the most.

Usually around this time of year, my personal TikTok page will be flooded with videos from that day – of people running away as the buildings begin to collapse, people covered from head to toe in debris from the buildings and the aftermath once all the dust and rubble has settled. I hope that on this day you all will take a moment to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost and pray that one days acts of terrorism such as this can stop.