My City September 2021

On September 10, I traveled to Florida on business with one of my management staff to visit a key advertiser in one of my international B2B publications. I was able to stay at my Florida home and my employee stayed in a nearby hotel. On 9/11, I woke up early to grab a bite and then head to the local gym for a workout before our late morning meeting.Throughout the gym, TVs were tuned to the news networks. I typically wear headphones to stay focused on my workout, but didn’t have them that morning. Suddenly I heard someone scream – unusual for the gym. Turning toward the sound, I saw about 20 people standing under one of the TVs, watch ing (I soon learned) the first plane strike the World Trade Center. I couldn’t take

my eyes off the TV and when the second plane hit the south tower, I quickly left the gym and called my employee. She was watching the news and I could hear the fear in her voice – she had a young son back home in Michigan. I remember calling home to talk to Sherron and our daughter, Courtney. I was not only worried for America, but also scared I may not see my family again. All flights were canceled and I spent the next two days trying to rent a car to drive home to Michigan – no luck. My employee tearfully told me she did not want to get on a plane, but flying was the only option. On day three, the U.S. government started al lowing a limited number of flights and we were able to book one from Tampa.

Arriving at Tampa International Airport was disturbing; I’ve flown over 1,000,000 miles and the security level was unprecedented.There was an eeriness, everyone looked at each other – maybe thinking, “are YOU a terrorist?” or look ing for some assurance that things were going to be okay. EVERYONE was cry ing and reluctant to fly … I’m sure most had no other way to get home to their loved ones. I remember saying a prayer when we boarded the plane and another on takeoff. It was in God’s hands. Yes, the horror of 9/11 is unforget table for all of us. God Bless America.

Vince Lorraine Publisher My City Magazine

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