I remember this like it was yesterday. I can’t believe it’s been 24 years. I was traveling on business and in California on that day. It was to attend a conference and that day was opening day. I usually travel early to conferences, especially if they are a great distance away.

I stayed on east coast time as it typically takes a few days for me to adjust to a new time zone. As a result, I was up early watching the news on the hotel room tv. To my dismay, I watched the whole thing happen in real time and remembered seeing the second plane hit as it was being covered live.

At one point we were advised to stay in our hotel rooms as there was a rumor that Disneyland might be a possible target for another missing plane. My hotel and conference center were very close. Thankfully, that never happened,

Conference organizers reached out to everyone in the afternoon and said given the circumstances, the conference was canceled. That was certainly understandable. But then everyone realized that there were no planes flying at all and rental cars were quickly reserved and not available. So, conference organizers said since a great deal many of us were stuck there, we might as well try and have a modified conference.

The big challenge was getting a confirmed flight back home. First everyone has to wait until the airspace was opened again days later. Then the mad rush or rescheduled reservations. I remember being lucky and arrived home on Friday if I recall.

When landing at Newark International airport, I always enjoy looking out the window during landing and seeing the familiar NYC skyline. The skyline was still there with a major difference. In fact, all those days later there still was some smoke coming from the tragedy.

I’ve always been drawn to the 9/11 memorial at Liberty State Park. Thankfully I didn’t lose anyone that I knew firsthand. Living in NY/NJ area for my entire life gives me a link to New York City and what it represents.

I remember how unified the country was after this happened.

May we find our way back to the unity and shared purpose we knew after 9/11, and learn to celebrate our individuality and diverse viewpoints with understanding and peace.

September 12th: Updated with photos and a video I created last night.