First let me start this with a little disclaimer. I know this is a blog about The Simpsons Tapped Out and I also know that this is a blog read by more than just Americans. However, all of the Addicts writers are from America and we feel as though it just wouldn’t be right to let today pass with out something. This post will remain our top post until after the moments of silence, and we will return to our regular TSTO posts shortly after. Thank you for your understanding and respect.
Today is September 11th 2016, the 15th anniversary of the attacks on America, where 2,977 innocent people were killed while just going about their every day lives. Today Bunny, Wookiee, Patric and I would like to take a moment to honor all those innocent lives that were lost in New York City, Shanksville PA, and Washington DC.
I ask you, the readers of this blog, to take a moment today to reflect on that day and honor those who lost their lives.
On a personal note, 9-11 has never been easy for me. As many of you may remember from previous 9-11 posts, we lost my aunt that day. She was in the north tower and on one of the floors that took a direct hit from the first plane that hit. She never saw it coming.
15 years later and I can still tell you every detail of that day, as I’m sure many of you can. Every word spoken. Every feeling, every emotion, every facial expression. It’s all there, etched into my brain. And it’s difficult for me to relive those memories. Even now.
However, I will say visiting the 9-11 Memorial at Ground Zero, while very difficult to do, is incredibly helpful..especially during this time of the year. They did a wonderful job with the 9-11 Memorial. It’s a beautiful place to go and pay your respects. While it’s still hard to go, it helps. It helps with healing. If you’re ever in the area and have the chance to go (it’s completely free to go to the Memorial) I encourage you to visit and pay your respects. I still haven’t been able to go into the museum, but hopefully soon.
What follow are some of my personal photos from the Memorial, including one of my Aunt’s name on the wall….
North Tower Reflecting Pool
North Tower
Bunny, Wookiee , Patric & I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the police and fireman who saved lives that day, and everyday. We would also like to say a special thank you to all of our brave service men and woman, at home and abroad, who risk their own lives so that America can be safe. We would also like to honor all of the service men and woman from our allies around the world.
We encourage you to share your stories about 9-11 in the comments below.
I live in Australia and that day still affected me.
Before then, terrorism was something that happened in faraway places where conflict had always occurred. But this was America, our big sister. Terrorism in first world countries was suddenly a reality, and it was scary.
At the time, my mother worked in a family law court and, being a government department, they were in lockdown. Security was heightened in all government buildings, especially after the anthrax scares which were a week or so after September 11. For the next few days after the initial attack, every time I heard a plane overhead, my heart jumped. It seemed Australia was a valid target in those early days, and it was a scary time.
My thoughts are with all Americans. You showed spirit and compassion in the face of immense tragedy.
This is always a mixed time for me. I became a parent two days later. Putting together a crib while the TV in the background is discussing the events that morning was one of the most surreal moments of my life. As you can imagine I had all the hopes and fears any new parent feels and then this happened. What kind of a world was I bringing a child into? I also remember that day, night, and the days after very well.
I live in the uk and I was around 8 or 9 when it happened and I used to mess around with my toy planes flying them around my room into things. Apparently when my mum came to tell me a plane had hit a tower in America my childlike reaction not understanding the consequences of it was to say “cool”. 15 years now and my parents won’t let me live it down.
Thank you for this post. I was on 32nd street that morning. I Will never forget the outpouring of love, respect and humility we all had for each other afterwards. I remember all the hugs when seeing my friends Alive! Hugging firemen, big bear hugs, crying hugs, loving, caring hugs. God bless us all.
Jude
A young man who I had watched grow up had just started his first “real” job at one of the financial businesses in the WTC. He perished in the towers that day. I remember the horror and panic of his family and friends, as they travelled into the city day after day with flyers to post, searching, hoping for good news that never came. So many others were do doing the same, with the same sad outcome.
Many of my friends and co-workers in the film industry worked in the wreckage, setting up lights and generators to aid in the search efforts. Many of them have developed respiratory ailments due to the toxicity of the smouldering heap.
I grieve for all those lost that day in NYC, in Washington DC, and in Shanksville PA, and for those who have sickened or died as a result of thier selflessness during the rescue and cleanup processes. My heart goes out to all their loved ones. And I give thanks to all of the men and women around the world who spend their lives working to keep us safe every day.
9/11 was the biggest reason I joined the US Army after high school. Five years and two combat deployments later, I would do it again.
9\11 still leaves me with a massive lump in my throat, every image, every word is just still so heartbreaking and emotional, and I’m usually pretty sturdy. It’s certainly a flashbulb memory, etched forever. Pre 9\11 I was a medic in the Army reserves and I was raised moving around as a Navy brat, my Pop was a Navy officer for 25 years. My uncle and cousin served in Iraq as well and suffer from PTSD. So although I’m anti-war I certainly respect and understand the importance of our military and I feel like since I served as a Navy brat and as an Army reservist I can have that opinion. Well I guess anyone can, free speech and all. America is great that way.
At the time I was working as a full-time paramedic and in college (thank you Army!) I thought it was an accident at first and then sat stunned as it all unfolded, I was home alone and wanted to run outside and shout, “Is anyone seeing this, what is happening!”
My firefighter\paramedic brothers and sisters formed a group to go up to New York and help….. I opted not to go, I was in college and frankly was scared. I regret that to this day, sadly one of my biggest regrets.
They came back heroes, rightly so, and shared very piognant, horrific and also beautiful stories. Unfortunately later on in life some became very sick with various respiratory illnesses and cancers. I feel honored to have been witness to such heroic people, proud to call them friends. Damn I just can’t seem to swallow this lump.
On a lighter note my 5 yr old niece has been saying “Happy 9-11 day!” Wide-eyed and mortified, I quickly picked her up and said lets have a talk kid. Cute.
Yes..I remember. I was in NY that day, visiting. I am from there originally and I remember breakfasts at Windows on the World..I remember almost every relative that flew into town asking to see two things: The statue of Liberty and the top of the WTC. I remember the people I knew that were in the towers. I remember my tears, I thought they would never stop. I remember Peter Jennings on the air until his voice was almost gone – he was our information lifeline. I remember the sadness mingling with the anger until it formed a tight knot in my stomach. I have not gotten over it, I am not sure if I ever will, Like you Alissa – I remember every moment, every second, when I close my eyes I can see the smoke and I can smell that horrible electrical smell that rose from that pit. It hurts. I do remember how our country came together – I do remember how unified we were as a nation and compared to now, it seems like forever ago. I do hope that tragedy is not the only thing that unites us in that way. I still have hope. This thread helped today – much like a few months ago when I was in the hospital and my new baby was in the nicu – I read your thread, it has been an incredible way to put the seriousness of the world aside for a moment and PLAY…to not think of the horrible things …Thank you all for your time and effort, your attention to detail, your patience and your love of all things Simpsons and helping us all stay young and care free in our own silly little world in a silly little game forever…(Or until EA pulls the plug 😉
I’m glad we could provide a way to ease your mind of some painful moments in life. My daughter too was in the NICU when she was born…it’s so incredibly rough. So I’m glad we could provide you a little outlet to get you through 🙂
I lived in NYC and was there that day. I am so sorry for the loss of your aunt. I don’t care to relive or retell every year, but I will reflect and think of those who lost their lives and family members. Hugs.
… 15 years later and it’s still hard to believe, like a bad dream. I remember that day like it was last week. As the years pass, it gets just a little easier as it feels to be something less real (wether that is good or bad, is another story). instead of continuing to be phosophical about it, I’d rather use another moment of scilence …
I will never forget that day. I remember who was in the room with me at work watching the tv. The disbelief, the horror, the anger. I called my wife and we considered going to school and getting our kids. My son was 6 in first grade. I remember trying to explain what had happened to him and trying not to tear up. I still have a hard time watching footage of that day. I watched some of the names being read today. It’s hard and I didn’t lose anyone I know. I hope you find some comfort today Alissa.
There will be no complaints from me today. After all this is just a silly little game.
It was a spectacularly beautiful morning in Massachusetts…crisp, clear, sunny. I was driving into the office, running a bit late, and listening to NPR, on my drive in, as usual. They reported that a plane had hit the World Trade Center and, to be honest, while I found it a bit concerning, I assumed that it was just a small plane (it had happened before) and that no serious damage had been done (except, probably, to the plane). But, a short while later, just as I was driving into the garage at work, when they reported that a second plane had crashed into the WTC, my blood ran cold (really understand that phrase now), as I realized that could NOT be a coincidence and something really big and awful was going on.
I finished parking and went into the office, where most people had no idea anything had happened (why would they…this was before we had any TVs on the wall or anything), so I was the one breaking the news to some folks. The pulled out some TVs and then began the most frightening few hours for me, as I tried to reach all four of my parents (who all live in the city). I was able to reach my mom pretty quickly…she was at home way uptown (and, so, totally fine). My stepdad was way downtown manning one of the polling sites (it was an Election Day that day), which, of course, they ended up closing and I think he ended up having to walk several miles to get home (since the subway was shut down). My stepmom was trapped in Brooklyn, I think…I think she ended up having to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to get home, but I’m not 100% sure if I’m remembering that correctly. But the person I was most worried about was my dad…he frequently went to the WTC on business (he built software for the financial markets and such) and I didn’t know whether he was in the building that day and I couldn’t reach him for several hours. Thankfully, when I finally did, I found out he was fine…he was, in fact, in, or headed down to, that area that day, but he wasn’t in the WTC and he was okay.
Alissa – my heart goes out to you about your aunt….I was so fortunate that day and I’m saddened to hear that your family was among those that weren’t. 🙁
I was really shaken for several days…everyone was pretty much glued to the tv, even at work… Fortunately, I had previously signed up at work to do a Community Care Day thing, so the next day (day after?) I got to spend the day washing walls and painting and weeding at the Home for Little Wanderers, which was very therapeutic (and more “productive” than I would have been able to be at the office anyway). I was so glad for the timing of that.
That event also gave birth to CNN.com’s “Breaking News” email subscription, which I still have coming to my work email, so that, even when I’m working, I’m always sure to know if something important happens.
This event brought out some of the best in people (the way New Yorkers stepped up, as usual, during the crisis and the aftermath) and some of the worst (the ugly, unfair anti-Muslim backlash/discrimination/etc., for example). 15 years later, I’m sad to see that a lot of that ugliness still exists, and sad for all of those people who will never see their moms, dads, aunts, uncles, children, friends, etc., again. I wish nothing more than peace, both internal and external, for everyone.
(P.S. Watching a segment on the WTC memorial on CBS Sunday Morning right now, as I finish typing this. I’ve never been, but I’m glad to hear that it helps bring even a measure of that peace to some.)
I’m 36 and growing up I of course learned about the Kennedy assissination. At that time I never really got how it impacted people of that generation. Everyone who was old enough to remember could tell you where they were when they heard the news of him being shot or that he died. They could still tell you that information today. When 9/11 happened 15 years ago, I understood the whole Kennedy thing. I am now someone who lived through an important historial event. I can tell you where I was, what was happening that day around me and even the day of the week it was without looking (it was a Tuesday). Almost every single TV channel for a few hours showed nothing but coverage of the shocking, tragic events. MTV and VH1 actually went back to being MTV and VH1 again, playing only music videos for at least a couple of days. The whole nation was in shock and fear.
The thing I remember most about 9/11 is that we came together as a country to truly be the “United” States of America. Flags sold out of stores quickly. People painted their roofs, lawns, even cars the American Flag. We had such pride to be Americans and were eager to show it. Musical Artists wrote new songs to express our pride to be American and to show we’re still strong despite the attack. But I also rememeber we also banded together to hate. The ugliness of our hatred showed as many treated our Muslim neighbors with violence. Despite the facts we were given about their religion being a peaceful one and those who attacked us being a radical group of terrorists, our fear brought out the worst of us too.
I’m lucky that I don’t know anyone who was injured, killed or in that area that day, but my heart and prayers go out to all those who have suffered because of the events that day. To those that lost someone, may all the wonderful memories you have of them bring you some kind of comfort.
To those that find today difficult, may the parts of your life that bring you joy help you through this day.
I Will Never Forget.
(if I could insert the American Flag in this post, it would be here)
That’s very interesting about MTV and VH1…I didn’t know that! I don’t think I saw a TV tuned to anything but the news for several days.
Yeah it was a crazy time. I didnt want to watch much TV either in the days following, but I distinctly remember Jay Leno refused to tell any jokes, and they kept giving us 1-minute long shots of New York with a massive cloud of ash, debris, smog, etc. were smoking out of the heap of leftover rubble. You coukd actually see it puffing up into the atmosphere on camera. Absolutely crazy time on TV. No one was sure what to play.
For a while that day, at least in Chicago, MTV had the news feed on. I remember this vividly because I couldn’t help but think how poignantly it emphasized how important these events were. I flipped through the channels and counted 36 that were broadcasting the events; another number that sticks in my head. I think we only had like 60 channels.
I was driving to volunteer at my children’s elementary school when I heard on the news that the first tower had been hit. The report seemed to think tragic accident until the second tower was hit. As I went into that building, where fortunately my volunteer work didn’t involve the students , I watched the news while making photocopies and tried to figure out how in the world I could even begin to explain this to my children. I don’t know how all those teachers kept it together but the decision was made not to tell the students ( 4-10 year olds ) and to keep the day as normal as possible. It must have been incredibly difficult but it was the right decision.
I can relate to this story….I was a student teacher at an elementary school the day that Challenger exploded with Christa McAuliffe, the “first teacher in space” inside. I can’t remember all of the details (it was almost 30 years ago), but it was a tough situation.
Little nine year old me always wanted to see and even get on top of the twin towers, the biggest towers in New York City, and admire the view. It seemed so far from our little Europe and even further for me since I didn’t spoke a single english. And this 09/11/01 just before going to school, I learned about it on the news. Our class held three minutes of silence this morning. And when I finally visited NY in summer 2012, I held three more minutes of silence in front of the One’s building’s site for all the victims of this tragedy, american or not.
Thanks for posting this Alissa
My whole family takes a moment of silence every year for this
I am sorry about your aunt though
With love the Kerdachi family
More than just Americans died that day. Thank you for taking the time to remember this tragic day. 🇱🇷
I remember that day vividly, exactly where I was and the unbelievable images I was witnessing on the TV here in Australia.
My thoughts are with you, Alissa, and the loss you experienced along with all of the others who lost their lives and their families.
This event affected the entire world and made everyone feel unsafe.
What is your Aunts name? I would like to read it in the photo and send you virtual hugs.
Lydia Bravo
I live in Canada. Several years ago my wife and i visited New York, and the WTC Memorial. It truly is a beautiful memorial, as is the one in the small church near the site. While we were there construction was getting underway for the new tower, with cranes and workers literally everywhere, and i remember saying to my wife that if i was a terrorist what would scare me more than all of Americas military might and techno prowess was this: if you knock down a building, they will only build a better one. That to me is the greatest legacy of the World Trade Centre site…That we remember the tragedies of the past, but NEVER stop building to the future.
my most sincere condolences on the loss of your Aunt. I thoughts and prayers are with you and your today.
P.S. Homer was wrong, New York is an amazing city!
I’m 12, so I don’t even remember 9-11. I asked my dad in 2009, and apparently he was getting coffee at a gas station. The tiny TVs by the checkout were swarmed by people, and he barely missed the second tower going down. Nobody that I know was killed.
If you’re 12, it’s not that you don’t remember 9/11, you weren’t born yet 🙂
I was about halfway into my 20 year career in the Navy when 9-11 happened. I was an aircraft mechanic during my career and was working the night shift during that time. My roommate woke me up the morning of 9-11 after the first plane hit. He told me that I better turn on the TV and my phone, he was sure work was trying to get a hold of me. I must have had close to 10 missed calls, as I watched as the second plane hit. I knew that my life was going to change. The aircraft carrier that my planes deployed on was on the hook to leave at any day. When the towers fell, I was shocked, but then got up and started packing my bags. I knew we would be deployed sooner. It was one week to the day when my aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt pulled out to sea. It took us about 3 days to steam across the Atlantic, and when we got close to having to go through the Suez Canal, the fear of being attacked grew. Once we got close enough to where we could start flying missions against the Taliban we did so, and we didn’t stop for 159 days straight. That’s 5 and a half months of non stop flights bombing those that had attacked us. We had a pilot who’s mom and dad were both retired NY police and fire. They gave our mailing address to all the departments. We were so overwhelmed with care packages, it was the saddest part of our trip. Because each package included names of the people they lost. When we got those lists, we would go to the ships store and buy a disposable camera and take pictures of writing the names of the people they lost on bombs and send it back to them. Anything to try to help them heal. The ships cruise lasted about 7 months, in total the ship got 8 days off in port. Those 8 days I had to still work for 3 of them. So in 7 months, I was able to have 5 days off to rest. I still look back at this cruise and wish I could have done more. I look back at this day knowing my life changed forever, and that I’ll forever be tied to thousands of people who’s lives changed that day.
I am sorry for your loss, Alissa. I consider myself incredibly fortunate not to have lost anyone that day. My oldest child is 15. He was two months old that day, and I was home with him. I slept late, woke up after 9 and couldn’t figure out why GMA was still on. The image of the first tower smoking was up and no one knew at that point what had happened. Then I watched the second plane hit and screamed. It was the day my son rolled over for the first time and, desperate to put something “normal” in that day, not knowing if everyone I cared about was safe (remember how we couldn’t call?), I videotaped him. You can hear the news reports in the background of the video.
I am not from US. It was night time for me, I was home with my cable TV on with CNN live. I told my friend via MSN messenger that a plane crashed into the WTC. My friend was indifferent to it as he thought it was just an accident. For me, as I watched and realised that a second plane has crashed, I went cold as I was thinking that this was serious. It was a feeling that the world was going to experience another world war. However, in the later days I was still very confused who was responsible for the attack. I think it was Osama Bin Ladin but US started a war with Iraq instead. For a long time I was thinking the war with Iraq was for the attack.
I was up on WTC a few years earlier before the attack. So overall this event hit hard on me. Seeing the clips of people trapped and falling. I wish peace be with us at all times.
On the west coast, I arrived at work without having turned on my radio that morning. It was ~6:45am and people were gathered around the VCR TV, watching live coverage, wondering how this could have happened. Events unfolded, and a continent away, we all felt helpless and realized that this was a defining moment that would change how the world operated.
My deepest sympathies to you, Alissa, and all those who were personally affected. May time heal the wounds of that horrid day.
Peace be unto all.
I remember the day like it was yesterday. Couldn’t believe what I was seeing on the News channels over here. Sadly 15 years on attacks on our freedom continue. Many countries over here in Europe are struggling to deal with not only the threat of further attacks but the hatred they are fueling. My thoughts go to anyone who lost someone in any of the attacks and my hopes are for an end to intolerance and hatred that is engulfing the world.
Folks from the United Kingdom are thinking about you all today.
We will never forget.
This tragedy changed our world and way of life for ever. I am sorry for your loss and for the loss of so many families. My thoughts are with the American People on this day of rememberance. HB from Australia
RIP to all those lost that day and in the subsequent War On Terror.
I remember I was 13 years old that year. It was a Saturday. We live in a different country and our timezone is ahead of the U.S. We were celebrating my sister’s birthday. She was born on the 9th but because of work/school we couldnt hold the party tik the weekend. It was just after 9 pm when my mom turned on CNN and we all saw footage of the planes crashing into the towers while everyone was gathered drinking in the living room. Our youngee cousins came out of my room where they were playing the Resident Evil computer game I had to witness the real-life horror unfolding.
My sister’s birthday was on Friday but though everyone was available, we didnt get together to celebrate.
I from UK I went to new York last year and saw north tower reflecting pool. I was not born yet I was born 2 years later but terriost is bad thing they got to be stopped and that tragic day was worst attack that happened to the USA. In no end people died cos some crazy guy think he will be greatful and thanked in there heaven thingy and everybody should remember that awful day so it will not happen again. Just wish there will so much badness across this world we live in and innocent people should not die. (Also will there be 2 minute silence in USA I don’t know since I’m from UK)
I’m very sorry for yours and everyone else’s loss that day. It really seems that day changed everyone, even though I’m from Canada. I too will never forget what I was doing then.
I cannot believe it has been that long – some days it feels like yesterday.
And there are now so many teens that never existed when it happened… It is history for them, not a real, vivid event. I hope everyone takes what they need to be OK today and reflect on the people they want to be.