By Wayne Smith

Sept. 11, 2001, was a tragic day in the United States that nobody will ever forget. Everybody knew where they were when America was crippled after two planes crashed through the Twin Towers in New York, another plane went into the Pentagon, and some brave Americans overpowered terrorists to crash a third plane into a Pennsylvania field before even more lives could be taken. 

9/11 changed history forever. It rocked this great nation. Yet bravery won out, and America came out of the ashes of that day in September stronger even though there was a lot of sadness and a lot of tears were shed across the nation. The country had to heal, and it would, over time. 

Last week, I caught up with people from western Washington County. Many still remember 9/11 as if it was yesterday. It was a very emotional journey through time, history, and triumph. 

Michelle McLaughlin, of Harrington, said, “It was a very sad day for America. Too many lives [were] lost. I was working at Irving when I heard it. After my shift, I went home and turned on the television and watched the news. It was just so sad and heartbreaking.”

Dave Pinkham, of Milbridge, told me that it seemed surreal, and it was hard to believe that there were people in this world with so much hate that they would do such a thing to themselves and others.

Ronie Strout, of Addison, said, “Well that was a horrible thing to happen. I was home with a migraine when the transportation [supervisor] called and said the school was getting out as soon as I got there. I thought it was a bomb scare.”

Randy Blevin told me that it was one of the worst days in his life, while Janie Snider, of Milbridge, told me that it was “a scary time.”

Bruce Mathews, of Cherryfield, said of C. H. Matthews (a store in Cherryfield): “It was scary, we were enlarging the store at the time, we stopped immediately. And our flag went half-mast.”

Tina Smith stated, “I was working with the radio on in the background. When I heard the announcer say a plane flew into one of the Twin Towers, I almost didn’t believe it. I was stunned.”

Beth Edwards, of Milbridge, remembers, “I was working at Bayside, and we were listening to it on the radio. It gave me the worst feeling of doom. I went home on break after hearing of the first plane and saw the second plane live on television. I was afraid for my family and wondered what we should do next. Luckily my boyfriend was home because he was working the night shift, he reassured me and I returned to work. It was one of the longest days of my life. I felt sorrow for the loss of life and for the loved ones of those who lost their lives and was proud of all those making sacrifices to help. There were many emotions for the next month. I was devastated by what had been done to our country. I knew I had to stop living in fear of what might be, so in December, Wayde and I were ready to get married. I had to have something positive in my life. This gave me a better future for our family. There are not too many experiences in my life that have been so profound. Certainly, the way you appreciate life in the USA.”

Richard Bedard, of Columbia Falls, said, “It was a horrible day. I remember watching it live on the television. I was surprised our government did not have any warning. I think a lot of good people were killed. It was a horrible day, and many were killed. A lot of brave people did what they could. They didn’t get a chance either, pretty sad. It was a terrible time in our history. I watched the news like everybody else.”

Phil Duggan, of Milbridge, said, “I happened to be watching the morning news at the time, and they showed the smoke coming from one tower and surmised a small plane had crashed into it. They had a live feed, and as news anchors speculated about what happened, I saw the other passenger jet come into view. It looked like it was turning, and then it slammed into another tower. I knew that we were going to war. The day continued, events and coverage were heart-wrenching. I’ll never forget it.” 

Dawn Fickett, of Cherryfield, said,  “It was such a sad day for our country. I remember just coming out of a college class at the University of Maine at Machias that morning, with my sister Mary, and hearing the news on the radio. We were all shocked. When I got home from work I was glued to the television to find out more information if I could. I was heartbroken for the innocent lives lost. And the loved ones having to go through such a tragedy. After it happened, our country turned back to God, but sadly now we are going the other way. It made me scared for the future.”

Steve Noyes, formerly of Harrington, mentioned, “One day, the hatred for our country rang strong, but the unity of our country rang stronger. They couldn’t divide us, they united us.”