This is what I recall about 9/11/01. Normal day at the office, working in my 8’8′ cube across from soon-to-retire George Vuscko. A co-worker announces the first WTC building had been hit and then I discover that no one has internet access. We’re waiting for the decision to evacuate, which must come from D.C. Then I remembered there was a tv in the office of a position now since eliminated by Obama. So I sat in the southeast corner of the building with a direct view of the building formerly known as the Sears Tower with two other people. I’m thinking the Sears Tower is next. I left to call my friend Ron Swanson to inquire about his status and glean any info I did not possess. You see, Ron worked on or about the 34th floor of the Sears Tower. He explained that he would be one of the last people to leave the building. I went back to the tv and watched in horror as the second tower collapsed. My employer got word to evacuate, but I had to wait until the next scheduled train departed. I chose to walk to Rock Records as Slayer’s album, God Hates Us All, was coincidentally scheduled for release on 9/11. The store did not receive the shipment so no cds were available. Instead, I bought the most recent Bjork release that I did not possess. The trains were packed – one of only two times in 15 years that everyone waiting to enter a train car could not (snowstorm was the other). Once I got home all I remember is watching tv and praying.
– Mark Erickson
