I awoke this morning as usual but I felt heart sick as I recalled the events of 9/11. I looked back and, in a way, relived the experience of that day from my own personal perspective. I do so on every 9/11 anniversary.
At the time, I was a patient at the VA Hospital in Miami recovering from surgery. I was to be discharged that morning and while waiting for my walking papers I watched the morning news in my room. I witnessed the first plane as it slammed into the first tower. I was horrified by what I saw and very fearful that our nation was, for the first time in our history, under siege. The second plane confirmed my fears as did the news about the hit on the Pentagon. Later, news regarding the remaining plane whose mission was stifled by those brave passengers who gave their life for their country added more fuel to my heightened level of anxiety.
Training taught me that I should make ready. I was, after all, trained to respond to any threat from any enemy at any time. In my mind, the events thus far led me to believe that other attacks were not just possible. They were likely. With no access to weapons or a command post to report to, I decided to go outside for a cigarette. At that particular time I wished that I was still in uniform.
Within minutes, the usually bustling facility was quieted as vehicles were denied access to the the grounds of the hospital and the entire perimeter was surrounded by Miami police and Florida National Guard Personnel. Miami airport is one of the busiest in the country and is in close proximity to the hospital. Planes by the dozens per hour usually take-off and land there but now the skies overhead had become silent.
I remember the sounds of sirens and horns as military and enforcement personnel assumed their pre-determined posts at strategic locations throughout Miami. The Port of Miami is one of the largest shipping facilities in the world. I feared that insurgents may also be planning to attack critical shipping and military sites. Fortunately, none of these scenarios came to fruition. Later in the day, the hospital began to release patients and allowed VA vehicles onto the property. Our shuttle back to Key West left about four that afternoon. Our ride back was quiet. Most of us were Vietnam Veterans and it was like we were all in a state of shock. I think that, once again, most of us were already trying to forget the events of the day. However, none of us would be able to.
Days ran into weeks and weeks into months. During that time I could not get rid of the fear I still felt and the nightmares I experienced since Vietnam worsened as a result of this recent series of painful events. With help from the VA, I have a prescription now that shadows these episodes usually resulting in a fair nights sleep. I consider myself fortunate.
I hope all Americans take some time to reflect on the events of 9/11. Personally, I pray for the well-being of our nation and do my best to support our government, men and women in uniform, firefighters, police and all the public servants who are charged with providing for our safety. I hope you do too.
