The island of Manhattan, including the former Twin Towers
Queensboro/59h Street Bridge
On September 11, 2001, I went to my job as a secretary in a nice, corporate building on 53rd Street (in Manhattan). Although I didn't have a clue as to what was about to take place at The World Trade Center (a.k.a, The Twin Towers), I had some weird dreams the night before like thousands of other New Yorkers. I saw images of being trapped under stone, debris, metal, etc. Yet, it wouldn't be me who'd be trapped. These were images that others were soon to see.
I made my way up the elevator and just as soon as I opened the glass doors my co-workers and I were seeing two of my favorite buildings (one of which I'd recently visited and both of which I'd seen almost every day of my life for many years) on fire! We were miles away from the horror that was occuring on the very island on which we stood. Of course, we left work early. The subways were shut down so, I walked a few blocks to the 59h Street Bridge (a.k.a, The Queensboro Bridge). I lived in enviable Forest Hills, which is part of the borough of Queens. Normally, I'd complain and swear but I felt lucky that I wasn't in either of those buildings. There were thousands of us walking in the hot sun to get across that bridge. I finally made it to my car that was parked and picked my child up from daycare.
I worked within walking distance of The World Trade Center when I was in high school. I proudly worked as File Clerk and General Office Clerk on John, Water, and John Streets. I have nothing but fond memories of this place which is no more.
The Twin Towers had been glorified in so many movies and TV shows. I had a picture (like the one below) that I hung on my bedroom wall for quite some time. Those buildings were what we waited with bated breath to see when we'd fly into JFK or Newark Airport when we came from out of town. And what many folks don't know is that The World Trade Center, also consisted of adjacent shorter-level buildings. Those, too, were destroyed. I shopped there and hung out with friends occasionally. Darn, I'll miss that place. Ode to The Twin Towers and my heart goes out to those who perished. I personally know people who lost friends and loved ones on that day.
I'm a native New Yorker who loved The World Trade Center. Click here to read my account of what I experienced on 9/11.
