Another 9/11 anniversary has come and gone, and just like we’re told to “never forget” I don’t think any of us could ever forget that morning.
I was working in Houston at The Greensheet newspaper at the time. None of us knew about it until our boss arrived to work a little late. She told us what happened and we were all shocked.
I worked in a large phone room and we had a wall of windows overlooking Houston’s downtown skyline. Our work environment was usually very loud, very busy and very fun, but that day it was very quiet as we looked at the skyline not knowing if we would see a plane hit one of the skyscrapers.
The phones weren’t ringing because everyone was at home glued to the television news. Not only that day but for days afterward. It was a very quiet and somber day.
I had friends who worked downtown in those skyscrapers and I was very worried about them not knowing that everyone who worked downtown was ordered to evacuate. The traffic outside was unusually heavy and none of us knew why.
My Mom and Dad were standing on top of those towers with their traveling buddies only two weeks prior when they went to see the US Open tennis tournament and do some sightseeing. Thank goodness they chose the dates they did.
And in the following days seeing all the American flags waving and everyone coming together regardless of our skin colors, ideologies, rich or poor. We were all Americans first. Of course none of us ever want to see another 9/11, but I do wish we could get back to that sense of togetherness again.
We will never forget!
On page 2A of this week’s paper you’ll find an ad from the Rockdale Downtown Association about Rockdale’s newest annual Christmas tradition and how you can support it.
We will now have a huge 32-foot Christmas tree with over 56,000 LED lights in Wolf Park every year, and it’ll be a far cry from the one we’ve had for so long. Think of the great family photos we’ll be able to take around this tree.
The good folks at Whinstone and Perry & Perry Builders have agreed to put the tree up, and what a monumental task that will be. So if you see anyone who works for those two companies be sure to say thank you for installing the tree at no cost to the city.
Donations are being accepted to help defer the $26,000 cost of the tree, and in the above-mentioned ad you’ll find out how you or your company can be a part of this new Rockdale tradition.
Chad Harris with Whinstone, super negotiator and all-around nice guy, got us Rockdalians this tree for $6,000 less than what the company was asking for. So from everyone in Rockdale: Thanks Chad!
I am usually a bah-humbug type of person about Christmas in general. It’s not my favorite holiday unless we’re talking about what we’re going to be eating. But even I can’t wait to see this tree up. I’m so glad to be here and be a part of this new annual Christmas tradition for all of us. Look for announcements soon about when the lighting will be.
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