Where were you during 9/11?

Last night I received a call from my contractor telling me that my union had contacted him and requested that I make an appearance at the Hall this morning.

I knew immediately what it was  they needed to see me for. 

This past Saturday I was suppose to show up to my union hall to sit down with a reprsentative from the department of labor. They do these quarterly audit interviews with certain members. In order to make sure that we’re filling out these books that they use to monitor the hours we put in using certain skilled traits we’re being taught in our apprenticeship program. 

I missed the meeting this past Saturday because I was extremely tired. I thought since I had been interviewed twice prior to this last appointment and I know of guys who’ve have yet to meet with this woman, it can’t be that big an issue if I don’t make it. Yet here I am.

So I’m sitting in the lobby waiting to see the cooridinator and I notice this by the window ledge.

I was attending Peter Rouget Middle School 88 in September of 2011. As a matter of fact, I was in school at the time of the incident. I remember being in gym class and feeling like the entire world stopped. The sound of feet screeching and dodge balls bouncing turned into completely silence. It was almost like you can here the thoughts of the students and the staff. I remember seeing the pure terror on my friend Leo’s face. His mother worked in the towers and was present at work that day. They held us in the gym for a few hours after both towers were attacked. Shortly after we were dismissed only to our parents or assigned guardians. I stood with my buddy Leo the entire time up until his aunt picked him up. They had tried to contact his mother but never got a response.

Its horrible to see a person lose someone so close and dear to them. I can‘t imagine what it would feel like to lose your mother at the tender age of 13. The truth of the matter is that this was a moment in history that will forever haunt the memories of those  there to witness this tragedy. Till this day I’m not sure exactly what the true cause of this attack was. The headlines screamed “terrorist” and  “Bin Laden” but it always felt like there were some inconsistencies in the news coverage. One thing is for certain. The victims were real. The pain and tears on my friend Leo’s face were real.

People are dying at the hands of the wealthy. REAL hard working people. People with families to support. We put mad men in charge of the worlds wealth and governments and they lead us into war for special interest that only benefit the pockets of the 1%. The worst part is we are becoming completely desensitized to traumatic events. 

I hope the future is brighter.