Remembering 9/11: Silverthorne, Schmidt Share Their Stories

This month marks the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that killed thousands at the Pentagon, World Trade Center, and in a field in Shanksville, Penn.

Check Patch every day this week for new 9/11 stories from Fairfax City council members, school officials, religious and business leaders. Share your 9/11 stories with Patch by emailing whitney@patch.com.

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On Sept 11, 2001, I was in Charlottesville at a work offsite/retreat.  Needless to say, the offsite was canceled and I was back at home in Fairfax by 1:00 p.m. I remember it being a beautiful fall day, with very few clouds in the sky. Not being able to call out on mobile phones to family or friends to check on their safety was also unsettling

I remember the details as vividly as it happened yesterday, but I believe I was in the same situation as most people watching the news. My work colleagues and I all watched the screens at the offsite hotel in disbelief, and we were then encouraged to head home to be with family and friends.  

People were uncertain if the country would continue to be attacked and with the chaos of the news out of Washington, DC, people were anxious to get home.  

Scott Silverthorne
Fairfax City Councilman

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September 11th started out as a normal work day for me. I could not have ever imagined that our country would suffer a terrorist attack on our own soil. One of my strong memories is how we immediately pulled together as a nation and demonstrated our patriotism - from the U.S. Congress singing "God Bless America" to flags flying everywhere.

American flags, symbolic of our freedom, were proudly flown from the Pentagon, the site of the World Trade Center, homes, businesses, public buildings and vehicles. Individuals donned American flag pins, scarves and shirts. The outpouring of patriotism and support for victims and their friends and families was truly amazing. 

Thank you for the opportunity to share my memories. 

Ellie Schmidt
Fairfax City Councilwoman