Bulletin Board - General Comments

General Comments  |  Children's Issues

We welcome comments on any topics you would like to see discussed. Please note that by submitting your email, you are granting FOS11 permission to post your comments on our website and materials and to edit and/or shorten as required. All submissions remain anonymous. To submit a posting, click on the link below. Post your thoughts on our Bulletin Board

September 11, 2007 Good morning, I use the word good because it is a correct salutation, because today is not a happy day. I live in Miami, FL but my family lived in New York for twenty nine years. On that fateful day, we were living our lives as usual. I was working and someone ran up to me saying a plane had hit the WTC. I never suspected the magnatude of what was happening, till I was told a second plane had hit. I ran to my youngest daughter's school, pulled her out, and went to my parents home. I sat there fixated on what I was watching on TV. I was also on the phone with my older sister. We had grown up in New York, married in New York, had children in New York. Though we lived in Miami, we were consumate New Yorkers. Our beloved home had been attacked and we were devasted. We wanted to help but we were so far away. So we decided to help in what ever way we could. My sister, Gema Lahesa, decided to donate blood at her church. So on Sept 23, 2001 she went to her church and donated the gift of life. But on the way home, she lost conciousness at the wheel of her car, hit a large palm tree, and was critically hurt. She was taken to a hospital, and though the doctors did everything they could, my sister passed away. No one could help her, eventhough she tried to help others. My parents were devasted. No parent should ever have to bury their child. Every Sept 11 is a day of tears and heart wrenching sorrow for us. My sister was a wonderful person. Dedicated to her family, extremely active in her church, and loved by numerous people. I wanted to share my sister's story with you. I wanted someone to know of her sacrifice for the city and people of New York. Every year my parents, who are octogenarians, have a mass for her on the 23rd of Sept, the day she died, but Sept 11 is just as painful. My niece, her daughter was a US Marine, and was discharged a few months prior to 9-11. She wanted to reenlist, but we begged her not to. But my 19 year old son, is now in the US Army and will be deployed at the end of this year. My youngest daughter was one of the hardest hit, as she adored her aunt Gema. Thank you for letting me tell you about her. Submitted by Lizette M.

July 31, 2007 [Regarding the Passage of the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Bill]: Bravo to all of you who persisted in this regard. Hope you have not run out of energy. Your hard work is greatly appreciated. -- FOS11 Member, Relative of Victim

September 15, 2006 I would like to pass on my thoughts and deepest sympathies to the families of those lost on September 11 2001. I was injured in the Kings Cross bombing in London last year, and while I have a very small understanding of the pain and sadness that terrorism causes, I cannot begin to imagine the sadness felt by families of anyone lost in such attacks. I would like to say that please remember that you have many friends in the UK -thinking about you and wishing you well - I am certainly one of them. -- General Public

September 15, 2006 September 11th is now just one of the tragic memories our generation has to live with. With this, I want to say sorry to all families who have lost someone very special in their lives. And to those who were suppose to be there on that awful day your angel is still with you. I still remember that day like it was yesterday. I was so terrified because all my family works in the buildings right next to the world trade center. You know just saying those words make me realize just how much you must apreciate everyone and everything in your life. These terrorists thought they'd break us down with that horrible act of unkindness and yet it just made everyone appreciate what they have in their lives. I'm not saying it should have happened but what i'm saying is that the memories of everyone there are still with us, and because of them it brought the U.S. back together. This is to the memories of all the people who passed away in this disaster. Keep the spirits up and God bless. -- Gina

September 11, 2006 As we reflect on the events of 5 years ago, I continue to have respect and grieve for those lost due to acts of terrorism. My thoughts and prayers are with you! -- Member

September 11, 2006 To the Tuesday, September 11, 2001 bereaved families: Your grief may ebb and flow. It has been said that each of us has this well deep inside of us that can be filled to the brim with grief. Every time we cry, we empty out some of the well. But the well fills again. The level of sorrow in your well may lessen as time passes, but it will never run dry. There will always be birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and those days when the well seems to fill to its brim again. Allow yourself time to remember and mourn. It is part of your healing. Grief is a continuing journey -- General Public

September 11, 2006 Today I read an article in the local paper here where your co-founder, Carie Lemack, was quoted. She expressed how she does not see the 9/11 events as being a form of entertainment. I so agree. I wanted to write and tell you that my heart is with all of you on this very sad day. I am a wife and mother and live in Calgary, Canada. I remember this day five years ago when my daughter came running into my bedroom and told me that a plane had hit the WTC. I went to the TV to see the burning image and not 10 seconds later did I see the second plane strike. And then that feeling of utter confusion, shock, and disbelief. My husband was in Cuba on business that day. I was talking to him and he said they were watching it on the TV, but the footage was not live. As I was speaking to him I witnessed the first tower collapse and I became hysterical as I told him. It was as if I felt the loss of all those people leave this earth at that very moment and it was so beyond my comprehension. I just could not understand, as if it could not possibly be real. As I turned on the TV last night, channel after channel was airing one or another show on 9/11. I still to this day get sick to my stomach when I see those images and all of the feelings of that day come back. I could not turn on any of it and I wondered if I was disrespecting all of those people who were taken that day, like as if I am ignoring their memory, denying this ever happened. But I just can't watch it. I can never feel what you have all been through, your loss, your pain. But, yes, we were all touched, affected that day. My husband travels alot in the Middle East, my children are gone to university, away from home. I worry about all the normal mom stuff that mom's are entitled to worry about. But you know, I think I worry more about them riding the subway or an airplane, because of the threat of terrorism, way more than I worry about the mom stuff. I guess it is because you can tell your kids to brush their teeth, look both ways, be careful, etc. but you have absolutely no control over this invisible factor and it is such a helpless feeling. I just wanted to let you know that there are some of us out here, maybe lots, who cannot watch this tragedy as entertainment. I can still vividly recall the faces in the street, their agony. But that, in no way compares to those who spent their final moments in fear, terror and helplessness. I always think of them first. -- General Public

September 11, 2006 May all who lost loved ones find peace and comfort knowing America still remembers. -- General Public

September 11, 2006 Hello, families – You have all been in my thoughts and prayers today – I am so sorry for your losses and the losses you represent – today I donated blood in honor of your loved ones – it was something small I could do – please hang in there!! -- General Public

September 7, 2006 I am a Police Inspector working in the area of Counter Terrorism at Gatwick International Airport England. I am making contact with you to let you know that you will all be very much in our thoughts over the coming days leading up to the anniversary of the attacks in the USA. I have many friends and contacts in enforcement agencies in the US and will be putting aside some quiet time on the 11th to think of all those persons affected. Best regards -- General Public

July 11, 2006 I'd like to offer my deepest condolences to those affected by blasts today in India, last Year in London, and on September 11th. These tragedies remind us that we must be ever vigilant in the fight against terrorism! -- FOS11 Member, Relative of Victim

July 7, 2006 I just want to express my sympathy to London on the anniversary of their losses one year ago. As a mother who lost her son and only child on 9/ 11, I know how hard each day is,and my thoughts are with you. -- FOS11 Member, Relative of Victim

May 25, 2006 Hello to all. Just an FYI. I had just gone out to a movie tonight and had seen the coming attractions for WTC. My theatre had a posting at every entrance warning patrons of the preview. Had watched it and began to fill up on just the minute or so clip. Movie is going to be "gut-wrenching". The story has to be told, though I feel that it way too early for it-there may never be an "OK time" to see a movie dealing with the WTC, though I know that I'll be there with my FDNY cap. -- Family Member

May 10, 2006 I would just like to say that as a person who lost two loved ones on 9-11 at the WTC, I will not be viewing any movies made, tastefully done or not. I do not need to be reminded of the horrors of the day nor of the greif that I and thousands of others live with each day. I refuse to to give money to those looking to make a profit from our loss! -- FOS11 Member, Relative of Victim

May 6, 2006 To each person who is still physically ill, and maybe even still in the hospital due to the attack: I think about you and I know others do, too, even if the media may act like everyone is back to normal. I pray for your healing. To everyone else, who is still feeling that fear, feeling the economic impact, the employment impact, and mostly, missing your friends and family, so many of us still think of you daily. We do not think in pity, but in hopes of your healing and in sympathy for this thing that no one asked for and no one could imagine. -- General Public

May 2, 2006 My husband and I saw the film UNITED 93 yesterday, and were glad that it was tastefully done. It showed the confusion of the day, as well as the heroics of the passengers: It was dramatic and graphic, yet you left the theater numb and with GREAT RESPECT for those aboard that flight! To those who lost loved ones that day I continue to grieve with you, and remain grateful to your loved ones for their sacrifice. -- FOS11 Member

May 2, 2006 I just wanted to say to everyone out there, I was there as rescue, I have felt so bad for so long that I couldn't do more for everyone. Please know that my deepest hurt goes out to you, I'm sorry it happened, and I still hurt with you to this day. I'm sure the feeling of loss will never go away, but maybe that's okay, because it shouldn't, by this I mean that I will never completely recover, and my suffering is so light by comparison to what you all have gone through. I guess what I'm trying to say is that though I've never met any of you, I feel very much a part of your family, and with open arms, and deepest of embraces, I cry with you still, and always will...I promise I will never let them go, and I promise to keep them, and you in my heart as long as I live. -- FOS11 Member

April 17, 2006 I have read about comments terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui has made, and know that this is difficult for those whose loved ones on that tragic day to hear such hateful remarks! As a concerned American citizen, I hope you feel that your loved ones will get justice whatever this judge decides to do. My thoughts and prayers are with you! -- FOS11 Member

April 1, 2006 I am just a person who lives in the Boston area. I just want to say that I have not forgotten you. I often say prayers and try to send hope and even joy to the families and especially the children who lost loved ones on September 11. It must be so much worse than losing someone in any other way because of the constant reminders about the date and the fact that everyone's lives changed that day. While those of us not personally affected were changed on that day, it is nothing compared to your loss, because your life changed in the same way ours did, plus you had to suffer a very personal tragedy. Even worse, your very personal tragedy continues almost daily in the public arena -- in politics, religion and on the news. If I could somehow give you true comfort in any way or take away the pain and sorrow for even just one minute, I would. I hope you are all okay. I will try to keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers for the rest of my life as you live yours with this very personal, yet very public, tragedy. -- General Public

March 30, 2006 My husband and I just read an article about a 9 1 1 call made on September 11th, 2001. A man named Christopher Hanley apparently had told 9 11 dispatchers twice about being trapped 0n the 106th floor in one of the towers. Sadly this man who was simply told to ' Sit Tight' and 'Hold On', died that tragic day. This is an eerie remonder of what can happened, when preparations aren't made in the event of terrorist attacks. To The Hanleys and others who lost loved ones that day I am deeply sorry for what your families went through! -- FOS11 Member

March 16, 2006 As one of the K-9 handlers looking for survivors on Sept 12 and the remains after that date for 3 months, I am deeply saddened for the families and individuals that perished on that date. I do not go a day that I think of the faces, and the grief of those who suffered and died. I shall never forget . My heart goes out to all of the families who lost their loved ones. -- General Public

March 2, 2006 I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who still cares. I lost my brother that day he was in the first tower that was hit the plane hit his floor. I have been very depressed since that horrible day. I am so angry with people who tell me to get over it. WELL I can't get over it until it has happened to you maybe then you will understand. That is not the only thing it really and truly killed my mother she was never the same, which in turn killed me so to speak I lost my whole family literally I have no one left and it saddens me to know that people out there are saying to get over it!! Well I really hope nothing like this happens to anyone ever again, but if it does I will never ever say get over it because I know how you will feel.. Peace and Love to everyone that lost anyone that day. -- FOS11 Member, Relative of Victim

February 14, 2006 Every time I hear about more American lives taken in the middle east, my blood runs cold! If we can't stop terrorism on our own soil, how can we defeat it elsewhere? -- FOS11 Member

December 5, 2005 I awoke this morning early. Since 9/11 I have never been able to sleep well again. When I see the planes hit or the towers falling in some news special or photo spread, I cry fresh tears. Human beings are so precious. Life is so fragile. Here is a prayer for world and peace. -- General Public

November 9, 2005 I applaud tighter airline security measures since 9/11, however I recently read something that disturbed me. Scissors and knives are again being allowed aboard planes. This is something that makes me hesitant to fly again! -- FOS11 Member, Relative of Victim

November 9, 2005 My husband and I both think that it's insane to allow knives and scissors aboard planes, especially since 9/11! My main fear is that this will increase the terrorism threat! Isn't here anything LEGALLY that can be done about this?! -- FOS11 Member, Relative of Victim

October 27, 2005 My brother was killed in the London Bombings on 7/7. I wanted to thank you all for your kind thoughts which where posted on the bulletin board. Myself and my family where shocked and angered by the events of 9/11, never could you imagine such devastating actions by man. Now I sit here and I too have felt the pain and anger and utter devastation caused by terrorism. My love and thoughts to you all. -- General Public

October 7, 2005 I lost my mother on 9/11. The last 4 years have been so hard for me -- she was my best friend and now I feel like I'm alone in the world. Yes, I have family but it's not the same. I just had my sweet sixteen party -- it was good, but I wanted to lie down and cry all night because she wasn't there standing next to me. I hate it when people tell me that I have to get over it. It's so easy for them to say that because they didn't lose anyone that day. I miss you so much Mommy, I love you and I will never forget you ever. -- FOS11 Member, Relative of Victim

September 29, 2005 I just wanted to email you and say that I think it is really great that this organization exists. The pain of that day is still very real to those that watched it unfold. I can only imagine what it is like for the families. I just want you to know that all of you are still in my thoughts and prayers and I will never forget. My father was on his way to the Towers that day (he lived and worked in NYC at the time) and was unable to find his pass that day so he walked a block in the other direction to his other office. I didn't hear from him for almost six hours because the phones weren't working. My brother is in the USMC and was called to active duty that day. It was a very scary time for America. I am still sad and angry about what was done to these innocent people that were just trying to go to work that day. God bless them all. I hope that they will find some comfort. Please let these families know that they are in my heart. -- General Public

September 11, 2005 I just wanted to somehow let some of the families of 9/11 know that there are so many of us out here, even in the midst of current tragedy in my home state of Louisiana, that continue to remember and pray for your families all the time. Not just on the anniversary, but year long. Please know that though time has passed, I can promise you I will NEVER forget. Nor will I ever stop remembering, praying, and thinking of all of you. -- General Public

September 11, 2005 For those who lost family four years ago today, I'm grateful to your loved ones who paid THE ULTIMATE price for our freedom! I also agree with other posters on these message boards, that we can't let this day be forgotten! To coin a phrase "Those who don't learn from history, are doomed to repeat it." -- General Public

September 11, 2005 Four years did not soften the day one bit. It is four years but it feels like yesterday that Dennis was here! Thank you so very much for the time I had with you here on earth! I miss you and our family is incomplete without him. The Nutley Fire Dept has truly become a brotherhood I could count on. I guess you were right as you seemed to always be. Dennis I will always love and miss you until we meet again. You are a true Hero! -- FOS11 Member, Relative of Victim

September 10, 2005 I will remember this day forever, it changed my life and it changed the world. I believe it should also be a day to reflect and remember those who were heroes and victims on this tragic day. As an educator, I promise to always teach my students about the events of this day because it is a day WE SHOULD NEVER FORGET. -- General Public

September 10, 2005 There is no doubt that 9/11 should be a National Day of Reflection. We need to constantly remind and reinforce what has happened to us, in hopes that it will never be repeated. As a direct survivor, and as someone who lost a wonderful friend, I am grateful for every day. -- FOS11 Member, Survivor

September 9, 2005 I completely agree it should be a national holiday. People haven't and will not forget in years to come. I have taken this day off from work for the past four years and plan on continuing to do so. -- General Public

July 22, 2005 I am currently in the process of setting up support groups in London for those affected by the recent bombings, and would like to thank everyone for their messages of support. I fully intend to pass your messages on to the members of my groups as they form, and am sure that they will help tremendously. Thank you America! -- General Public

July 21, 2005 I was shocked and again saddened by today's events. My heart goes out to those affected by 9/11/01,7/7/05, and today! -- FOS11 Member

November 3, 2004 I think of my brother every minute of every day especially when he called me that morning. I can't believe I was the first person he thought of and the last; his body will never be found but his soul lives inside me. People can feel sorry for you with all their heart, but those that didn't loose anyone that day honestly can't imagine the pain -- they can go on but the families who lost loved ones live day by day remembering every time they turn on the TV. It's a long battle that I haven't seen won yet. -- FOS11 Member, Relative of Victim

October 28, 2004 I recently read that the director of the movie Speed will be directing a made for TV drama on the events of 9/11. Is anyone else out there sickened by this? Kevin Reilly, an executive at NBC said that the mini-series would be a seminal event -- like "Roots" and "The Day After", a film about a nuclear attack on the US. Boycott these shameless exploiters of grief. -- FOS11 Member

October 21, 2004 I think that Families of September 11 ought to have a press conference to ask the administration to make the report by the Inspector General's office of the CIA public. The report was completed in June 2004, but it has not been made available to the congressional intelligence committees that mandated the study almost two years ago. -- FOS11 Member, Relative of Victim

September 27, 2004 There are no words that can express your grief, so there are none I can say other than I am so sorry for your tragic losses. Since 9/11 many questions go through my mind constantly. How safe are we from further terrorist attacks? I have always been told and I believe that safety is an illusion. No one can make us 100% safe. The determination of the terrorists is the greatest weapon we face. If this is true then how do we, individually, live in our "new" America with these very real threats to our safety and happiness? It seems we each must become more informed, involved and articulate. We can't live in fear or bury our heads to avoid dealing with this very real possibility. Thanks to all of you for moving outside your grief long enough to force the 9/11 Commission into existence. I cautiously read the Commission's report knowing full well that even though they were a bipartisan group, politics still is evident in their final report, but it's a beginning. -- General Public

September 7, 2004 In honor of all loved ones that you lost on 9/11/01, some of us in St. Louis have not forgotten. Two years ago, my father-in-law (a former Army Drill Sgt.) felt that he had to do something to remember those lost in the attacks on 9/11. So at 4:00 in the afternoon, he walked from his home in West St. Louis county to the Gateway Arch (21 miles). He was cheered and supported while he walked carrying his flag, and he cried. Last year, his family and friends vowed to not let him walk alone. We had close to 100 people by the time we reached the Arch. This year, we will do it again! You may check out our web site at www.marchtothearch.com -- General Public

September 5, 2004 Last night my husband, myself, and our young son watched a couple of programs about 9/11. Seven Days of Terror and Anatomy of September 11th showed the events and aftermath of the terrorist attacks, as seen through survivors and others who were there that tragic day. Again my heart goes out to those who mourn, as I grieve with them! -- General Public

August 20, 2004 As the third anniversary of 9/11 nears, I have a request. Let's pray for those who died on 9/11, regardless of your religion or connection to that day. My husband, son, and I will probably watch memorials then. I may write poetry and continue to read the 9/11 Commission Report. -- General Public

August 11, 2004 Let's have an organized national commemoration. Invite the public to stop everything (work, shopping, driving, etc.) -- not for 36 seconds, but for a DAY. Ask people to stop -- if only for a day -- stop behaving mindlessly and without consideration for others, in America and around the world. -- FOS11 Member

July 12, 2004 I share concern expressed with a previous posting regarding the 9-11 Commission report. In general I find it unsettling so little attention has been given to the excellent testimony of retired firefighter Dennis Smith. He has also written a good book on his part in the September 11 rescue (Rescue from Ground Zero). He repeated his comments on defective sprayed-on fireproofing many times. He should be listened to. -- General Public

June 28, 2004 One impact of 9/11 is more respect for the flag. I find myself pausing at the sight of an American flag. I give a heartfelt and patriotic salute to what's become a symbol of hope and peace. I may not have lost anyone that nightmarish day, but I mourn with those who did out of respect. -- General Public

June 24, 2004 I am concerned that the 9-11 Commission's report will not be all it can be, for three reasons: 1) In order to have a consensus, it appears that compromises are being made to avoid partisanship. 2) The government can't allow the Commission to reveal information which would assist the law firms representing the victims' families in their discovery efforts vis a vis suits against the airlines, port authorities and FAA/DOT. 3) The current administration will vet out anything which might not reflect well upon itself. Ergo, the best we can hope for is less than what we deserve. -- General Public

June 8, 2004 I have just read a very moving book called One Tuesday Morning -- it puts into words exactly how those firefighters felt as they went up those stairs, when the towers shook. I can only thank them for their unselfish acts in trying to help people they didn't even know and their poor families that have been left behind -- we think of you and your grief. Please all take care. They were extremely brave and compassionate. -- General Public

May 31, 2004 On this Memorial Day I'd like to thank those who gave their lives on 9/11, and the brave military who serve us NOW! -- General Public

Post your thoughts on our Bulletin Board