As the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, approaches, a personal recollection offers a poignant perspective on the day the United States came under a coordinated terrorist attack. The author, Maureen Callahan, shares her experience from her Williamsburg, Brooklyn apartment, providing an intimate look at the unfolding events and their immediate aftermath.
On that morning, the sky was a clear, cerulean blue. Callahan was preparing for work when her brother called with a warning: a plane had struck the World Trade Center. Initially, she thought it might be an accident, similar to a 1945 incident involving a bomber crashing into the Empire State Building. However, as she watched from her window, a second, massive fireball erupted from the South Tower, making it clear that the United States was under attack.
"This had to be that," she recalled thinking, referring to the 1945 accident. "We hung up, and I kept getting ready for work. The TV was on now, no clarifying information forthcoming." Her mother also called, expressing concern about her commuting into the city. It was during this call that Callahan witnessed the second explosion, a realization that solidified the gravity of the situation.
"Now it was beyond clear: The United States was under attack by terrorists and New York City was the prime target," she wrote. The city, known for its constant activity, began to shut down as bridges, subways, tunnels, and airspace were closed. Reports soon emerged of attacks on the Pentagon and the downing of United Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Callahan described the rest of that day as a blur, with cell service failing and smoke from the burning towers blanketing the area for months. Her brother eventually picked her up, driving her to their parents' home on Long Island at high speed. The following morning, watching the news repeatedly showed the towers being hit, exploding, and collapsing, making the reality of the tragedy sink in.
Her father, a Vietnam veteran, urged her to "get yourself together," a comment that resonated with Callahan, making her understand his perspective. Two days later, she returned to the city, still scared but compelled to go. Exiting the subway in Union Square, she was immediately confronted by the smell of burning bodies, a visceral reminder of the devastation.
Despite the horror, Callahan noted the profound sense of unity that emerged in New York City in the days and weeks following the attacks. Strangers on the subway would share acknowledging nods, a silent recognition of shared trauma and support. "This city has a life force that cannot be conquered," she stated. "Everyone in New York was gentle with each other for quite some time... New York City had never been so united. In its way, it was beautiful."
Callahan emphasized that her story is that of a bystander but acknowledged that the retelling of these events serves to make sense of the tragedy and to honor the victims, heroes, and the city itself. The memory of September 11th continues to shape the narrative of the city and its people, a testament to its enduring spirit.