With the 10th anniversary of 9/11 on our minds, the Coastal Courier asked locals to share their memories. We asked: Where were you when you first heard about the 9/11 attacks? What was the first thought that ran through your head?
“I was a freshman at Louisiana Tech University and was getting ready for class when I heard the terrible news announced on the radio. I remember freezing in my tracks, shocked and wondering how something that horrific could be happening in our country.”
— Suzanne Russell, fifth-grade teacher at Taylors Creek Elementary
“I was in Alabama visiting my brother and was in the shower when my dad told me about the first tower being hit. I thought ‘Oh my God,’ and as I got out to see it (on TV), the other tower was hit and I was devastated.”
— Samuel Chaoman Clark, Hinesville Goodwill employee
U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., was in the Capitol building when the attacks occurred:
“It was a mass of confusion. We didn’t know who was attacking us or why. And there was certainly outrage that innocent people were attacked in such a cowardly manner. We just knew America was under attack. It was a total surprise and ambush.”
— U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga.
“I was serving at Fort Campbell as the division artillery operations chief. I had just completed showering following PT and stuck my head in the division artillery commander’s office, where we watched the second aircraft hit the World Trade Center. Two thoughts ran through my head. One, I had just completed writing and issuing the division operations plan. I immediately called all of the battalion operations chiefs and directed them to draw all of the guard ammo required in this operations plan from the ammunition supply point as soon as possible. And two, someone is gonna pay for this.”
— Fort Stewart Garrison Commander Col. Kevin Milton
“I was teaching kindergarten at Button Gwinnett when I heard about the attacks. I was hoping it was a mistake, and was shocked and saddened when I realized it was no mistake.”
— Tracey Rogers, Liberty County Pre-K Center teacher
Where were you on 9/11?
