Sept.11 Attacks: 14 Years Later

By AUTUMN JOHNSON (Patch Staff)

It’s been 14 years since 9/11. Where were you and what were you doing when you heard the news that day?

I was a police officer in California during the September 11 attacks and I woke up from sleeping for my night shift when I heard the news on TV. Our department, like all departments, was put on high alert to brace for any further attacks. It was a very surreal day for all of us.

The thing I remember most, besides the pictures of the destruction and loss, was the overwhelming sadness and fear in every corner of our community on that day and the days following. It was palpable.

When I visited the 9/11 memorial in April of 2011, I was with my cousin whose husband is a firefighter, and I remember standing by the pools reading the names and listening to the sound of utter silence around us. It is virtually impossible to put those kinds of feelings into words, but I can say that standing in the spot where all of those lives were lost was more than just humbling ... It changed my life.

How do you mark the anniversary? How did your life change after 9/11?

Add your memories and thoughts below.

Photo: 9/11 Memorial in New York City. Photo: Autumn Johnson