September 11, 2008 Open Thread: Seven Years Later

Someone downloaded an entire 1 hour documentary called "The Falling Man" on to YouTube. Its the story of the people who jumped from the burning World Trade Center towers seven years ago and the search for the identity of a man featured in an iconic photograph of the events of the day. The documentary is loosely based on this story from Esquire.

Comments

[Mommy B]

God, you can forget how bad this day was, but when you see these images it brings is all back. Haven't had the lump in my throat like this in a while. As horrific as these images are we can't let them go away. I was in mid-town Manhattan that day. It's still sureal to think that while I was waiting at Penn Station with hundreds of other people, trying desperately to get a train back to Long Island, thousands were dying just a few miles away.

[Mar]

Surreal is the only word that summarized that day. I worked downtown and was entering my office when my building shook. I looked out my window to see debris flying from the first building struck. After my building shook again when the second building was hit, I knew that I had to get out of that tall building and out of Manhattan. The rest is a blur of debris monsters, unforgettable smells and terror until I was able to walk safely home to Brooklyn with some of my co-workers in tow. Then it consists of sitting in my night clothes for hours watching my fellow New Yorkers looking for their loved ones. I thought that my profound sadness of all that was lost on that day would dissipate over time, yet here I am 7 years later still bawling. I cannot even go by that hole in the ground without my heart hitting my mouth. But I am thankful because it surely could have been worse for me and the ones I love.

[La Belle Femme]

I didn't turn on the TV all day. I don't want to think about that day.

[Ananda Leeke]

this day in dc has been gloomy. very little sun and it was quite appropriate for my morning subway ride to work which passed the pentagon. all day today i was remembering the day and all of the phone calls i made to nyc to find friends who worked in or near the wtc and pentagon. i will never forget the day and the people. it is why i pray for and work to create peace. tyou for posting the documentary. i will watch it this weekend when i have more time. peace, ananda

[Tamara Wrenn]

Unexpectedly this documentary made me cry and I felt like I wanted to vomit. Much like the tragedy itself I did not realize how deep it affected me until I rode the subway about 4-6 months later. I had a panic attack and I wasn't in Manhattan that day although I could see it. The Fallen Man gives me a sense of perspective about what I think are my problems, my issues, my choices and it leaves me speechless.