I will always remember the significance of 9/11 in my heart because there is a part of me that will always have some connection to the events that occurred on that fateful day. After all, I worked for American Airlines and I knew that some of my coworkers died that day in a most horrible way.
I am forever thankful to all the people who stepped in and braved their lives to assist through all the chaos. Because of that day I will no longer be the same person. I believe all my AA friends and coworkers feel the same way.
I was driving to work about 6:30 in the morning or so. I drove for awhile without the radio on and then tuned in to Rick Dees in the Morning like I usually did, cursing under my breath to be up so darn early in the morning!
I caught him in the middle of talking about something and he sounded really emotional. It took me awhile to process exactly what he was talking about. In fact, I first thought it was just some kind of joke, like War of the Worlds, or something. I kid you not.
When it finally penetrated what was happening in New York...that UA and AA planes were crashing into the Twin Towers, I started crying and freaking out. The enormity of the situation became very crystal clear to me. And I was on my way to LAX, not knowing if it would be safe there, or not.
Crying and praying I continued, feeling that I had to do something, whatever I could to connect with my friends and coworkers. When I arrived, everyone was as white as a sheet, with tears in their eyes. TV's were on showing inconceivable pictures of destruction and death.
We had no idea what would happen next. We saw the Pentagon attacked, the crash in Pennsylvania. The news showed the same clip, over and over, of the two 767's hitting the towers, people jumping off the buildings.
What was next? Was LAX at risk? Then the planes were grounded, we were told to secure the aircraft. All the while no one could be sure if the terrorist attacks were over.
I volunteered to help with other agents to close up the aircraft that were parked at the gates. All planes were to be searched, closed and separated from the jetway so no one would be able to board.
I walked downstairs to the ramp and walked alongside the aircraft in eerie silence. I could hear bugs buzzing by and birds chirping it was so quiet.
It was the most strangest feeling to be in a usually hectic and ear piercingly noisy place and hear nothing. No one was there except for maybe three other agents who were closing up the other planes.
It felt like the end of the world for those moments that I was locking everything up. I felt helpless and numb, absolutely nothing could compare in any way to this situation.
I think I spent the rest of the day cleaning up. I can't remember if passengers were allowed in to refund their tickets. I believe that for around three or four days or so everything remained shut down.
We were told to go home and wait until the airport reopened. It still feels unreal to me, all that happened after the initial shock of events. I will never forget that day nor that moment of blatant recognition that nothing would ever be the same again.
There were many changes that occurred in quick succession since that day which affect how everyone travels--not to mention how the travel industry functions--not to mention how airlines operate--and how airline personnel need to adjust practically daily. I miss the way things used to be.
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