Reader Feedback: Where Were You on 9/11?

Like December 7, 1941, the day Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese, September , 2001 is a day that will live infamy. It’s a day that no matter how old you were or are, you’ll never forget where you were.

Many in Lindenhurst were , as well as indirectly. Eight residents died in the attacks on the World Trade Center: Joseph Angelini, Jr., Joseph Angelini, Sr., Susan M. Clyne, Tara Moore Debek, Geoffrey E. Guja, Gary H. Lee, Catherine Lisa LoGuidice and Laurence Nedell.

And many residents were , helping first in rescue efforts, then in recovery efforts.

As the 10th anniversary is now upon us, residents and readers of Lindenhurst Patch shared their memory of and what they were doing when they learned of the attacks.

They shared their stories in and on Facebook and Twitter. Here’s what they remember:

@SchaffGOCANES (Steve Schaffer): “Mr. Lombardo’s sports. Marketing class. We didn't know how bad it was till we got in the hall after class and saw everyone.”

Robert Lynch: “On a Delta flight from Palm Beach to Atlanta. I called my wife when we landed – they kept us on the plane for 45 minutes – to find out what was going on. Could not believe my ears. The pilot finally told us as he fought back the tears.”

Kathy Chernick Yodice: “It's like it was yesterday, don't you think? I was home on maternity leave. My son was nine weeks old, and his baptism was two days before. My husband and mom were home with me, and we turned on the TV a few minutes after 9 a.m. and saw the first tower billowing smoke. Tried to piece together what was happening...saw the second plane hit...right there live on TV...and my husband immediately said, ‘Terrorists.’ I just STARED at him at that moment. I could NOT believe what he was saying.”

Ellie Sladic: “I was home on bed rest for preterm labor, praying my son wouldn't arrive that day (since my birthday falls on Pearl Harbor Day) after I, too, turned on the TV just in time to see the second tower hit. Although I was lucky not to lose family for either, it saddens me deeply for both anniversaries.”

Tom Leyland: “I was getting ready to go to work at Kennedy Airport...couldn't get there for three days. Better than being at Kennedy and not being able to get home for three days.”

Paula Braun: “9/11/2001 was one of the most horrific days of my life. I remember hearing that a plane hit one of the towers and thought a small plane, an accident. When the other plane hit I knew it was more, much more.
“We didn't have a TV where I worked so I ran back and forth to the bank to watch.
“What struck me the most is that people around me didn't seem to grasp the horror of what just happened. Business as usual. It wasn't until hours later that it started sinking in. I knew immediately that this was so bad.
“Now 10 years later I still feel the pain. Pain for the victims and their families. Pain for our country. And pain for those people who still feel the need to kill.”

rik: “Working on the Pile at the World Trade Center, Friday, 9/14/11. My story is here.”

Helen: “We will all remember exactly where we were on that morning. Exactly. We all know a victim somehow...I pray for all of us. I pray that peace will prevail and that while vigilant and scarred, we will carry on with courage.
“The 10th anniversary is such a milestone. So much time gone by, and yet the pain is so fresh. May our children today never know such horror personally. May those who perished rest in peace, and those left behind find their own. To all the workers, THANK YOU, and to all the workers who continue to suffer in sickness, thank you, words are not enough, but it's all I can afford. May God be with all of you.”

Do you have a memory to tell? Share in the comments below, or on Facebook and Twitter, or e-mail barbara.loehr@patch.com.