Herald and Review from Decatur, Illinois • Page 6

A6 LOCAL SEPTEMBER 11, 2002 DECATUR, ILLINOIS Remembrance XiuuJ Renewal A Look Back Chicago's skyline were digitally enhanced with special effects designed to look as though buildings were being blown up by missiles. It was our best work yet. It had award written all over it. It was the band's big break. And now, our three months of painstaking, creative work was unshowable, because of a freedom-hating, homicidal maniac.

Not that our loss compared in any way to the senseless human loss that day, but who could have guessed that the ripple effect of Bin Laden's actions would adversely affect our business and the future of a talented group right here in Central Illinois? In honor of those who innocently and heroically lost their lives on this day, I'm choosing to celebrate life the life God has given us, with no guarantees for tomorrow. Brenda Everman Wilcott Decatur Grateful to be in the home of the brave I was escorting a group of 46 to New York City for a five-day tour. We departed via motorcoach at 6:30 a.m. Calls started coming in when we were about 30 minutes from Lambert Airport, where the group was to catch a flight to New York. Upon arriving at the airport, it was closed.

As this moment in time, I had not seen any televised accounts of the terrorist THE GOOD OLD U.S.A. is a true-blue friend when foreign countries need us, including- -our enemies. I watched as weeks turned into months, and the tears were starting to fade away, but my feeling towards these people intensifies. Now as we approach the first year anniversary, I am prouder than ever to be an American, and my heart still aches for the police and firemen, paramedics just everyone who was there to help and especially those who gave their lives so that others may live. Geretta demons Arthur Travelers missed destruction by days Two mornings before the terrorist bombings of the World Trade Center, our cruise ship returned from Bermuda and docked in New York Harbor.

Husband Vernon, daughter Patti and I rode across the city to LaGuardia Field to take our American Airlines flight home. En route to the airport across town we passed areas later bombed. Flew from where the terrorists would fly. Here at home we were horrified when we watched the deadly destruction on television. We were just there! Took snapshots of the sights now changed forever.

Traveled the same streets. Saw the World Lack of information was terrifying Classrooms are isolated, and I didn't hear about the hijackings until late in the morning. An aide came in and said, "Four planes have been hijacked on the east coast, two of them crashed into the twin towers. They don't know who did it." Terrifying as that was, it was made worse by a phone conversation I'd had that morning. "Safe journey," I wished my husband, Matt.

He had called from the Atlanta airport a little before 7, as he prepared to board a flight to Newark. No information as to which flights was available yet, no way of knowing if he was safe, if he was one of the group that rushed the cockpit, crashing into the Pennsylvania countryside, no way of knowing if he was one of the faces seen in the windows of the planes as they drove into the Towers. I didn't even have the number of Matt's home company in Princeton, N.J. I called my mother to call information and the company. I could have done this myself, but panic had driven logic from my brain.

The longest half hour of my life passed, with images of the last 25 years with Matt flashing by. When the phone rang, my mother's relieved voice said he was safe, that the minute she had identified herself, they told her he was OK, and passed her on to the person to whom he had spoken earlier. He'd been 15 minutes from Newark when they were diverted and sent back to Atlanta. He managed to get a rental car, and drove straight home, arriving after midnight. My heart aches for those families who will never have that utter sense of relief as their loved one comes back through the door, and I give thanks to God for his blessings on us, and pray for peace.

Diane Andrick Decatur Student responds by showing pride On September 11, 2001, 1 was in my first hour class at Eisenhower High School. I didn't know what was happening until my third hour class. When I found out about what happened in New York City, I got really scared. But a few days later, I felt like a true American and I always showed my pride. To this day, I still show my pride and I will always remember what happened on Sept.

11, 2001. Tiffany Logue Decatur Remember for describe what it was like. Aimee Stock Moweaqua Difficult to be away during tragedy It was 1:30 p.m. in Larne, Northern Ireland, on Sept. 11, 2001.

My phone rang at FG Wilson, a Caterpillar Inc. company. We were making final preparations for a 2 p.m. (8 a.m. in Illinois) video conference.

Calling me was the VP of the Decatur plant. He offered me a job in Decatur. Having been out of the U.S. 3 12 years and knowing the offer was coming, I quickly accepted the job. We started the video conference which was immediately interrupted as "all hell" was breaking loose in New York and Washington D.C.

I quickly went home to be with my wife and we talked with our children in the U.S. The distance from our family was very disturbing. We wanted to be physically with them. We stayed up late that night watching CNN and, not being able to sleep, were up at 4 a.m. still not wanting to really believe what we were watching.

Was it a bad dream or a movie being replayed over and over? During a moment of silence at work on Friday, Sept. 14, 1 broke down as my heart was filled with sadness for the families who lost loved ones and my brain was telling me the world had changed forever and I knew the change wasn't for the better. I wanted in the worst way to get back to the U.S. and the family and friends there. My good friends in Northern Ireland comforted me and could clearly relate to my plight as they had lived with terrorism their entire life it isn't a pretty thing! Our trip to Decatur for house hunting was delayed a week as plane travel was immediately restricted.

We were in line two hours to board a plane in Dublin the following Tuesday. In the airports and planes as we made two round-trips and then a final trip home, the sense of security and physical security had changed forever. I found myself eyeballing other passengers as I never had before wondering if one of them was a threat. We appreciate the U.S. as we never had before both due to having a good understanding of how fortunate we are to have the lifestyle and freedom we take for granted versus people in the U.K., Europe, etc.

and because we'll never again feel as secure abroad as we had before that tragic day, Sept. 11, 2001. Tom McDaniel Forsyth 16 minutes that ZZ fc -h 44 we deserved it for being married 10 years, so we planned a cruise on Carnival to Jamaica for five days. While in Jamaica, we went to a beautiful flower garden, and they had a little stand at the end with things to buy or to have drinks. While standing there drinking water, a radio was playing and it said a plane had hit one of the twin towers, but that's all we heard.

The next stop was to climb a waterfall, and when we got there people were coming up to us and saying how sorry they were. We didn't really understand why, but when we got back to the ship it was very interesting. Lots of police, and we were really checked still not knowing why, really, until we boarded, and we found out. The rest of the trip wasn't much fun; we worried for ourselves and family at home, our two children. We couldn't contact anyone till we docked two days later in Miami and then took two extra days to get home because of flights.

So we did have a good time at first, but it was an anniversary we and our children will never forget. April Veteto Decatur Even 'city of glitz' affected by events Monday, Sept. 10, 2001, we flew to Las Vegas. Tuesday, Sept. 11, we awoke to the news as it was happening.

In the days that followed, the "city of glitz" was somewhat subdued and we experienced an odd mixture of feelings. Disbelief was followed by guilt because we were having a good time while others suffered. Being away from home caused us uneasiness. The uncertainty of returning home was solved when the airport reopened on Thursday. Concern took over as we checked with our airline on possible flight changes and new security measures.

Patience sustained us through 17 hours at the airport before arriving safely back in St. Louis, about 24 hours behind schedule. Arriving home brought us into full reality. The horror of what had happened grew day by day as we began to understand the effects terrorism would bring to our lives. Sadness prevailed and will always be with us.

Jim and Emily Kettelkamp Pana Alaskan travelers shocked by news We were in Alaska on vacation. Our departure flight was to leave around midnight on 911. When we woke up on 911 the first thing to do was call the airport to confirm our flight time. The airlines said all flights were canceled and to turn on our television. It was 7:30 a.m.

in Alaska and 10:30 a.m. in Illinois. We turned on the television set to find out the terrible news. We were able to fly out of Alaska on the next available flight which was on 913. My husband and I had to find another hotel because all rooms were booked and not knowing how long we would be staying in Alaska.

Ann and Kerry Jones Decatur Sleeping giant still awake, alert I was home, getting my mind and body ready to go into the hospital for quadruple bypass surgery. When I saw what had happened, I forgot everything except the horror in front of me. I could not believe that people could hate like these people do. The people who gave their lives on the airplanes fighting with those morons proved to me that a sleeping giant had been awakened and America would be united more than ever. We have done just this and viewed funerals and memorials for our lost patriots.

I prayed for America and for the firemen and police, paramedics and all who were there trying to save people. I remember Pearl Harbor vividly, and I had hoped I would never have another time in my life that that, but it happened. I just say, the sleeping giant is still awake and alert. Beware. William Clemmons Arthur MORE LETTERSA7 ment did not make an impact until much later in the day.

In order to protect the students from undue apprehension, he quietly informed me that the World Trade Center had just been hit by a plane. As I remember 911 and the seriousness of the situation, my response reflects the invincibility felt by most Americans before that day. I said, "Well, my classes are scheduled to go to the library for the first time. I'll watch the news later." The naivete of my decision to follow my lesson plan was replaced with fear and concern for my country, my family and my students as I saw the crash replayed over and over again. What ramifications would this even have in our lives during the upcoming months? That day has made me reassess my priorities and enjoy the beauty of each day and the uniqueness of each person in my life With pride, I observed the dedication to patriotism as my students participated in the Pledge of Allegiance and honored the flag while "To the Colors" was played each morning at Stephen Decatur Middle School.

Finally, I realized that Americans have shown greater compassion and inner strength during a time of immense grief. The invincibility level that we felt before Sept. 11 had changed, but in that mutation, we have developed into a stronger, united America. Karen Rivera Decatur Reaction to terror is to love more On Sept. 11, 2001, 1 woke up and began celebrating my daughter Adrena's 2nd birthday.

We were up early and singing happy birthday songs all morning. I had taken that day off from work, because I was not only celebrating her life of two years but my second year of motherhood. I had not turned on the television because I did not want Adrena to get wrapped up in cartoons that morning. I wanted us to spend time together before I took her to daycare to celebrate her special day with her classmates. My sister called to ask if I was watching television, and I said, "No, not today, Adrena and I are celebrating her life!" She told me I needed to turn on the television and do it right away.

How devastated I was to see the horror of a terrorist attack on so many lives in New York and Washington just as I am celebrating life in Decatur. I remember hearing a mom say that her son of just 11 was taking his first plane ride and was on one of those planes. I felt awful, and Adrena's special day would be changed forever. A day after the attacks, I sent cards to every family member telling them how much I loved them and to remember how important it is to love now. My faith in Jesus has definitely become deeper.

I know that although we cannot prevent painful things that happen in our life we can control our reactions. I hope this year on Sept. 11, our reaction will be to love. There is not a day that goes by I don't think about the lives that were drastically changed a year ago today. Every morning when I pray for Adrena, I always pray for those families and individuals that will always share with Adrena such a special day.

This year on Sept. 11, Adrena will be 3, and I will not only celebrate her life but also everyone's life. Adrena and I leave each of you with this poem to cherish in your hearts and families. Today I cannot change yesterday, for it has gone away. This morning's sunrise reminded me I only have today.

I cannot make tomorrow perfect; it has yet to appear. I'm only responsible for right now, I refuse to live it in fear. Today is what I'm promised this very moment is mine. I alone choose how to use this gift of time. LaSonja Chargois Adrena Chargois-Warren Decatur Couple won't forget anniversary cruise My husband Bill and I were married 10 years on Aug.

26, and we had said since neither one had been on a cruise that REMEMBERING: Jeff Porter reacts as 'God Bless America' is sung Sept. 14, 2001, in Daley Plaza in Chicago, as the nation observes a day of remembrance for victims of the terrorist attacks. changed the world Sixteen minutes. That's all it takes to get to work. It was like any other day.

I watched "Good Morning America" while getting ready for work. I listened to a CD while driving through town. It only took 16 minutes. When I got to work and went in the office with the television I asked, "What's that?" I was told that a plane ran into the World Trade Center. At first we thought how could a pilot run into that huge building.

Then the second plane, third plane and finally the fourth plane. Sadness, denial, fear, and anger have been just a few emotions that I've experienced since Sept. 11, 2001. Sadness for so many individuals whose lives have been ended or turned upside down. Denial because I still can't believe this has happened.

Sometimes with all of the TV news reporting it seems like a movie playing out. Fear because I wonder if today is the day when they strike again. Anger for the way they have harmed our people, our nation and our way of life. Sometimes I wish I could have those 16 minutes back. Just so I could go without worrying, without hating and without mourning.

Tonya Angell Decatur Heart still aches for rescue workers I was at work, had the TV on, and when I saw this happening, I was crushed. My eyes filled with tears, and I became very upset. Associated Press file photo attacks and had no idea of the severity of the situation. My thoughts were, "It's the World Trade Center; it withstood a terrorist attack in the past, it will survive this as well." Naturally, when I was able to see for myself what had taken place, the trip was canceled and the group returned to Decatur. On Sept.

11, 2002, when our nation pays homage to those who lost their lives, I'm thankful for this great nation; land of the free, home of the brave. And I will bow with the rest of the nation this Sept. 11 to pay homage to all whose lives were lost, their family members who continue to mourn, and the brave men and women who protect the United States. Laurie Bollhorst Decatur We're a stronger, united America Will anyone ever be able to look at a calendar and not relive the events of Sept. 11, 2002? That morning is etched in my memory with indelible ink.

My second hour class had just entered the classroom, and I was outlining the day's lesson. Suddenly, a fellow teacher approached my door; his facial expression indicated that something was wrong. He asked "Is your TV connected to the cable hookup?" "No," I answered, and his next state future generations On 911 1 was at school when the planes hit the World Trade Center. The bell had just rung for us to go to second hour. We got to class and my home ec teacher told us all to be quiet as she turned on the TV.

We watched the news as the World Trade Center towers collapsed. I will never forget how I felt when I saw the south tower fall down; it was horrible. For the rest of the day pretty much every class watched the news. We were all in shock. I have an uncle who works down by the World Trade Center, so I was scared because I didn't know if he was OK or not but he was fine.

Then the next day we had a service at my school, where we prayed for those who didn't make it. Then about two months later we had a man come to our school telling us how he was raising money for families and charities. He told us how he was there and how he helped and a couple of months later turns out the man lied to us. I could not believe someone would use this tragedy as a way to get money. I was so hurt that this man used people's pain just so he could have some extra money.

Well, that is my 911 story. I know it's not the best but I will never forget coming home and watching the news with my family and thanking God everyone I knew was OK. But I felt bad for those who lost their lives and their loved ones. I have almost every newspaper or magazine about 911 in good condition; that way I can show my kids and grandkids and tell them how horrible it was and try to Trade Center. Left from LaGuardia! A week earlier when we had boarded ship, our passports and luggage were checked.

Bermuda is British territory. But when we returned we were required by American Customs to show our Declarations of Purchases abroad but neither passports nor luggage were checked. We were routed directly to our luggage carousel and transportation. How different today! Even then I wondered why our passports and luggage weren't checked. There were cruise passengers from other countries aboard.

Two days later when we learned we had missed the deadly destruction, we grieved for others and for America but were grateful we were home safely. C. Lucille Crow Decatur Loss brings about celebration of life I awoke to celebrate my Sept. 11 birthday. A close friend called in tears, saying, "Happy birthday turn on the TV it's awful I'm so sorry." My family and I watched and prayed, riveted to the television, in utter disbelief, as life in the United States was forever changed.

Our company had just finished producing a spectacular music video, where shots of.