Remembering 9\11\2001 - 25 years - Our memories

In an effort to preserve these memories, I have included this blog with my thoughts over these last couple of days. Sharing our memories is a way to hold on to them, which is the goal of this blog - Keeping The Story Alive.

Twenty-five years ago, I was visiting Quad Cities (Davenport Iowa). My Mom spent an entertaining evening with Pat Stamm, in a nearby casino, while I was busy getting ready for a well-planned FGS (Federation of Genealogical Society) Conference, which would begin in two days. We were ready for a great conference, and I climbed into bed after a fun travel day. We had driven from Tennessee to the Quad Cities area with my great friend, Gail Miller, and my cousin, Rebecca Lowe Shipley. The weather was great and the drive up had been fun and leisurely. Once we got checked in at the hotel, the work began. For me, there would be the FGS Board Meetings, and of course, the conference. Here is a picture of the 2001 FGS Board made earlier that year. 

Early morning meetings would require an alarm to be set. That night would open on a morning that would change our lives - September 11, 2001. When the alarm went off, I remember looking out on to a beautifully clear blue day. Getting ready for an FGS Executive Board meeting, and running out of the room, telling Mom I would see her later. The meeting was filled with congratulations and excitement for the great work that had been done by the Conference Chairs - Jim and Paula Stuart Warren and the great volunteers from the area. All was ready for the conference attendees to arrive - we were expecting a large crowd and everyone was ready. We adjourned from the first meeting with enough time for me to go back to my room, and pick up some additional notes for the next meeting. When I got back to my room, my Mom was up and watching TV. I asked her what she was watching. She said "A plane ran into the World Trade Center!" I later learned American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower. I quickly grabbed my extra material and headed downstairs for the next meeting.

We began our meeting before we learned about what was happening at those moments.

9:03 AM (Eastern) United Airlines Flight 175 crashes into the South Tower; 9:37 AM (Eastern) American Airlines Flight 77 strikes the Pentagon; by 9:45 AM (Eastern) The FAA orders a nationwide shutdown of U.S. airspace.

We were all excited about the great conference that had been planned and the excitement about all of the activities. We talked enthusiastically about the upcoming events. David Rencher got a phone call, and he stepped out of the room. When he returned, he told us about what has happened in New York, at the Pentagon, and the fear that it could happen oher places. He suggested we take a few minutes and try to learn what had happened. I still remember the puzzled looks on the faces of my friends and colleagues. Someone asked, "Is this really happening?" When we reconvened, we had to face some difficult decisions. Jim Warren and Paula Stuart Warren has organized a great conference, with a group of active volunteers.  As we left that room, many ran to their rooms and watched TVs in the lobby.  9:59 AM (Eastern) The World Trade Center South Tower collapses.

Within minutes, we heard that all flights were grounded, and we were expecting a large number of attendees to arrive during that day. Many folks began to arrange caravans to travel to the Quad Cities. Later that day, the FGS Board made the decision to go forward with the conference. There were many people already there, and many were already on their way. It was a tough decision, but we agreed to try to stand tall. People who were there really worked hard to make everything work together.  I know there were people (primarily not there) who were unhappy we went on with the conference. There were hundreds of people who worked with Jim and Paula to make everything come together. Events needed to be adjusted; Speakers who were there filled in for Speakers who could not attend. Sandra Luebking made a quick drive home in order to become the Speaker for the Banquet, when the planned Speaker could not attend.  

This is a picture of David Rencher trying to coordinate the stranded speakers from the Family History Library.  

A picture of the day’s newspaper shared in the afternoon meeting. In those moments, you realize who will always stand with you!

Marcia Rice collected beads and ribbon to make red-white-blue pins for us to wear.

Pat Stamm added, "The next days were filled with talks. Between talks, people would huddle around the TV in the lobby. To this day, my hats off to the various FGS board members who worked through the hard times to give the participants a good conference."

Paula Stuart-Warren added," A tough day and yet it did bring the hugs and tears that truly help in our bonding."

This is a photo from the FGS Banquet that week. Sandra Luebking had given a memorable and inspirational talk. The Board and Local Volunteers gathered at the end of Banquet, when I had been asked to lead the group in singing, "God Bless America." We sang proudly! I'm sure that Sandra's hand was crushed as I held tightly to her as we sang. May we always remember the strength and courage of those who protect us! Hug your friends, neighbors, and even some acquaintances with a smile- Make every day count! 

I will remember the costs of that day. Every moment counts! We need to learn from what we see, hear and do! My memories of 9/11 include friends who are no longer with us. Memories & Stories tie us together with our History. May we never forget those who died and the brave men & women who ran towards danger to save others.

I come from a long line of Firefighters and Policemen, I was touched by the active remembrance of the 30 Clarksville [Tenn] Fire & Rescue personnel and 21 members of Recruit Class 01-26 who completed their annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Each firefighter climbed to the top of the training tower and grabbed a card bearing the name of one of the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. They called out the name and rang the bell. They climbed, one after another, and did not stop until all 343 names had been called. Thank you Clarksville Fire & Rescue for remembering.