First let me start this with a little disclaimer. I know this is a blog about The Quest For Stuff and I also know that this is a blog read by more than just Americans. However, all of the Addicts writers are from America and we feel as though it just wouldn’t be right to let today pass with out something. This post will remain our top post until after the moments of silence, and we will return to our regular TQFS posts shortly after. Thank you for your understanding and respect.
Today is September 11th 2014, the 13th anniversary of the attacks on America, where 2,977 innocent people were killed while just going about their everyday. Today Bunny and I would like to take a moment to honor all those innocent lives that were lost in New York City, Shanksville PA, and Washington DC.
We ask you, the readers of this blog, to take a moment today to reflect on that day and honor those who lost their lives.
On a personal note, 9-11 has never been easy for me. Growing up as close to NYC as I did I had many family members that would travel in and out of the city for work on a daily basis.
Including one, my aunt, who worked in the North Tower.
We lost my aunt that day. She was on one of the floors that took a direct hit from the first plane that hit. She never saw it coming.
I was a junior in high school on 9-11-01. 13 years and I can still tell you every detail of that day. Every word spoken by my teachers, being sent to the library and watching the South Tower crumble to the ground. My mom coming to get us from school. Every feeling, every emotion, every facial expression. It’s all there, etched into my brain. And it’s difficult for me to relive those memories. Even now.
What’s been even more difficult for me was to even attempt to visit the World Trade Center site since. However, on a couple of Bunny’s trips back east she (along with my husband) encouraged me to go now that the Memorial was open.
And I’m glad they did. They did a wonderful job with the 9-11 Memorial. It’s a beautiful place to go and pay your respects. While it’s still hard to go, it helps. It helps with healing. If you’re ever in the area and have the chance to go (it’s completely free to go to the Memorial) I encourage you to visit and pay your respects. What follow are some of my personal photos from my first trip to the Memorial, including one of my Aunt’s name on the wall….
North Tower
View of the 9-11 Museum
Bunny and I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the police and fireman who saved lives that day, and everyday. We would also like to say a special thank you to all of our brave service men and woman, at home and abroad, who risk their own lives so that America can be safe. We would also like to honor all of the service men and woman from our allies around the world.
We encourage you to share your stories about 9-11 in the comments below.
Family Guy Addicts 
Hi to all. I love this site. I am just now reading this because the 11th of Sep is a hard day for me to get through. I was a Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army serving in the Pentagon on that day. I was on the 3rd floor outer (E) ring 4th corridor when the plane hit. To be precise, it hit to the right and just below me. 20 feet left or 10 feet up and I wouldn’t be here. I lost 4 friends. 2 in the office beside me and 2 below me. I avoid anything related to that day, but was curious about your post. I am glad that I read it. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and Thank you to all of the commenters. I enjoyed reading this post. I will never be able to put this behind me. It was a struggle to get out and then to find out how close it was to me and the friends I lost was very overwhelming. I struggle with it every day, but this day in particular is very hard to get through. I Thank all of you.
LikeLike
Thank you for your service and for sharing your story from that day. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you Alissa. I appreciate that.
A big thank you to you and Bunny for maintaining this site. Your information has helped me to progress in the game. I appreciate both your wit and wisdom. – Don
LikeLike
Aw well thank you! We love what we do, and love even more when we can help players out 🙂
LikeLike
This day is so sad and I know it may be hard for you, but thank you for putting this up and not being afraid to show your pride. However I do have one question, which pertains to this topic + Family Guy. Having been affected by this horrible tragedy, what goes through your head when Family Guy makes a 9/11 joke? You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to, but I was just wondering.
LikeLike
There is a fine line you must walk with humor. There is always a time and place for it and an inappropriate time and place. Myself personally, I think that we do need to laugh, smile, enjoy, etc. It helps with the healing process. Jokes will be made. It depends on the setting. I think a cartoon is different then if you were sitting face to face with someone you do not know cracking jokes about it.
That’s my dollars n cents. 😉
LikeLike
I think for me the significance really set in later in 2001 when we had the head of our South African operation and the head of our Hong Kong operation were in the US and they asked if things were starting to get more normal. I said somewhat but things would obviously never be the same. They said it wouldn’t for them either and they started describing exactly where they we’re, exact conversations, how things had changed for them. I realized then that yes this had been a major attack on the US, but it was also an attack on the entire free world.
God bless those who served, serve or will serve in the military and my deepest condolences to those that lost loved ones.
LikeLike
I was little when this event took place ( I was 6 years old). I do not remember much of this day, but I do remember my parents watching the horrible news on tv and the images of the towers collapsing. I may not be an American (I’m from Belgium to be honest) but I do want to show my respect to you all. This disaster still remains a black page in modern time history and it may never happen again.
LikeLike
I’ll start with it whole heartedly feel for your loss and so many others. I had been working all day without any media no tv, radio, Internet etc. As it happened so had the Mrs and something happened to her which needed medical attention so the first I knew about anything was in the walk in centre on the TV. This was several hours after it had happened. Couldn’t believe what I was seeing, so awful. now for the poignant bit the doctor treating the Mrs was a Muslim and he was just as appalled at the on going events as everyone. I know quite a few Muslims and they are all of the same mind. By the way in white middle to lower class and from the UK. Many thanks for reading to the end ( we’re all living on this planet together). Xxx
LikeLike
I think the memories of that day are frozen in all our minds, but the memories of those lost are carried in the hearts of their families & friends. Here in Scotland we are thinking of you our American friends today, especially those lost & those left behind.
LikeLike
Our thoughts from here in the UK are with all who lost someone, the world changed on that tragic day. The tradegy lives on to this day with the brave rescue workers who are still suffering illness and death from working in such awfull conditions. I have been to NY and I had to pay my condollences and also visited a firehouse where a number of brave firemen lost there lives, it was very moving. I know we have to move on but what happened should never be forgotten. The people who lost friends and family will never forget.
LikeLike
Not gonna go off like I did on the other site but I want to thank you guys for acknowledging the events in such a respectful way. Your sharing helps those of us who lost someone on that day or during the campaigns fought afterwards. Nice to honor them in a safe and friendly place where everyone is made to feel welcome. Kudos to the staff.
LikeLike
I remember waking up that morning just before the second tower was hit, running upstairs after having turned the tv on and telling my mom. The rest of the day was just stunned awe and silence.
I’ve been disabled since Jr. High, so serving in the armed forces was never a choice, but I respect those who serve/d and have a brother who is currently a part of the National Guard.
To those who read who have served or are currently serving, I salute you. To those who lost family members on that day, I’m sorry for your loss. I’m sure this day is tougher for you than most and my heart goes out to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bunny and Alissa,
Thank you so much for your message. I lived in Manhattan during the attacks, and still do. This is a very hard day for all of us, and kind words and bonding with friends and loved ones is how we can get through it all.
Be safe and be well.
~Kelpek
LikeLike
As a vet, I honor those who died on this day 13 years ago today. I even tried to get a job as a Air Marshall to help protect our skies. But…I was too tall at 6’7″ and 310 lbs they told me. God Bless America
LikeLike
As a vet and a lover of this game and site, I’d just like to say kudos to the staff here for not being afraid of showing pride in this wonderful country. Way to go!
To all of those who’s lives were changed that terrible day, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. To all of those who have served before and after me, THANK YOU! You deserve more than you will ever receive.
America the beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your service!
LikeLike
Have done multiple tours of OEF and OIF including being one of the first in for OEF and one of the last out of Baghdad…where we hung one of the biggest Texan Flags off the side of Saddams palace. The Air force had the twin towers painted on close to the nose of all of their planes and was a reminder of why we were there. Don’t think you have to worry about offending any Europeans..was in K-Town (Kaiserslautern, Germany) a few months after 9/11 for training and the German people couldn’t of possibly been nicer..can’t even begin to explain about the hugs or well wishes they gave us near our Army concern.
LikeLike
I joined the Marine Corps in 2006 mainly because of 9/11 I served 8 years did 4 deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and would gladly go back again if I was needed I have lost many good friends fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan for what the cowards did to us on this day 13 years ago. To all who lost some one that day and since that day either as a direct result or in an effort to make sure it never happens again I send my condolences. We lost 2,977 loved ones on 9/11 and 5,281 service member in Iraq and Afghanistan since then today is for them may they never be forgotten and until we meet again may they rest in peace.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for your service.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Living in Europe, and remember this well. Someone came into the office and said a plane had crashed into WTC and I replied “yeah, that happened many years ago. A small Cessna or something?” Then I checked the online news and it was slow. Unbelievable slow. Everyone gathered in the conference room, watching CNN and seeing everything live. Noone was calling us, Everyone, all our customers, everything, stood still, our eyes glued to the television.
Then the second plane, and wow.. then we knew, this was no accident.
The rest of the day was a bit unreal, watching update after update.
I had friends in NYC that they, or rather, they were outside of NYC, and today they had planned to go in to see the WTC. Getting a hold of them was hard, the phone circuits were overloaded, but we found out that they had woken up late and were still standing at the bus stop when this happened. Such luck!
However, I agree that we should move on now. Let the wounds heal. After all, if you want to talk about tragedy, the US has around 3000 people die in motor vehicle deaths EVERY MONTH. Gunshot-deaths not far behind.
I’m sorry for everyone’s loss, to all of these causes. I know losing someone isn’t easy. My condolences.
LikeLike
I joined the Army when I turned 18 shortly after 9/11. Was in Iraq back in 2006. Nothing has made me proud in my life then wearing the US flag on my shoulder. Never forget!
LikeLike
I think a mention of 9/11 is completely appropriate and warranted. These nice people who run this page that you take no hesitation in visiting have a personal connection (as does all of America) to this tragic event. To allow them to provide us all a chance to reflect in our own personal ways as well as get an understanding of how it affected them is what stitches us all together. If you aren’t interested in being part of this community you are “free” to move elsewhere.
LikeLike
Let me start by offering my condolences to every man, woman, and child who was affected directly or indirectly by the events of 9/11. As a NYC resident of 40 years, I feel your pain. Your losses are still felt.
The 9/11 disaster was senseless and changed the landscape of both America and the world over. Our sense of security and even faith in our own governments won’t ever be the same. Some of these changes have been for the better. Others have not. Regardless, behind all of this, there is a human face and we should NEVER forget
That said, AS a NYC resident of 40 years, I’m a bit tired by the annual commemoration of this tragedy. Much like the decade long habit of calling the WTC area “Ground Zero,” the extensive (televised) annual coverage has only managed to keep this old wound fresh in our hearts and minds. Momma always told you not to pick at the scab. Same thing here. How can we, as a state and as a nation, look to heal when we insist on keeping the wounds fresh?
I don’t say this to be insensitive. I just say it to acknowledge that, eventually, we’re going to have to try and put this all behind us and look toward tomorrow. There are countless joys to be experienced ahead of us. There are as many threats on the horizon. While its important not to forget so that we might not repeat, there must come a time for closure. World War II. Vietnam. 9/11. Some events must be remembered forever, but eventually consigned to the annals of history.
Learn from the past and never forget, but keep on living and move on. That’s the only way we can heal.
Once again, this is not meant to upset or offend. As a NYer, I’m there with you. This is just one man’s opinion.
Thanks for your time.
LikeLike
We do appreciate your opinion. Thank you.
I say it comes down to the fact that each person grieves differently. It is more of just a moment of silence for the lives lost. Same as Memorial Day. Many need that moment to reflect. This one is personal to us. It’s not a matter of dredging up all the ins n outs. Just saying “I remember” for a brief moment and moving on.
Just like this game, other games, movies, books, tv shows, etc…each person has their own views n tastes. Does not make one better than the other.
But we all do need to be respectful and allow each other that uniqueness. If it’s not for you and doesn’t apply, that is ok. You can just move to the next item. Not every post applies to everyone, but we’ll still put it out there for those it does apply to. 🙂
LikeLike
Well, I’m not 100% sure that it’s the same thing as Memorial Day. I don’t think that we’ll be having 9/11 BBQs and roasting weenies anytime soon. I get your point though.
However, in addition to the “picking at the scab” issue, there’s a further problem with this annual tradition. Terrorism isn’t just about blowing buildings up or taking innocent lives. It’s about fear, hence the “terror” part. Here in NY, we’re already a little on edge when it comes to this stuff as it is. We seem to get extra paranoid and afraid on 9/11 because everybody from the families to the news reminds us how vulnerable we were that day. If for only one day, it makes us check our front door locks that extra time, curl up under the blanket a little more, and just be a little more scared. Terror wins again.
I’m not suggesting that the families forget. I’m not suggesting that the country forgets. We’ve got a hole in our skyline to remind us everyday. We’ve got a permanent memorial on what is essentially a mass grave. Nobody will ever forget because it’s now a fixture in the landscape. We will never forget because, on that day, the country changed. We went from “ignorance is bliss” to quietly and willingly exchanging some of our personal freedoms for security, love it or hate it. 9/11 is in our face and in our lives every day. ESPECIALLY in New York. Increased police presence. The near militarization of said police. Random bag searches. Airline restrictions. The whole NSA debacle. ETC and so forth. The long term effects of 9/11 are the constant reminder. How can we forget.
Not every post is for everybody and you’re right. However, I’m just offering up an opinion here. As a New Yorker, I think that I have a say – even if what I’m saying isn’t what everybody else is. I’ve done my best to be respectful and will continue that trend.
My family might not have been as impacted, but we were still impacted just the same.
On 9/11, both my father and my brother’s former girlfriend both had to walk home from Manattan to the Bronx. They were covered in ash from head to toe. For a while, due to the confusion, we even briefly believed that my uncle was one of the people who had perished in the WTC. Thankfully, he wasn’t at work that day. My aunt, an USAF medic was one of the first people on the scene that day. The horrors she saw… She’s haunted to this day.
As a result of 9/11, my brother in-law went off to fight in the Middle East. Physically, he came back in one piece. Mentally, due to the things he saw and did, he’s not the same persona anymore. As my sister tells it, even 7 years out of the service, there are still nights when he wakes up in a cold sweat. He’s still plagued by nightmares and shellshock level PTSD. Thankfully, although my sister served in the USAF for 6 years, they never sent her. Still, I’ve had various family members come back from the wars and they were all changed by it.
Nobody in my house died, but the effects of 9/11 will never be forgotten in my family. For the first few years, my 70yo mom would cry every time the ceremony came on TV. Now, she no longer turns on the TV, reads the newspaper, or does her usually internet activities. She’s tired of being sad. She’s angry that the news won’t let us move on. She’s frustrated. I don’t blame her. I’m not quite sure that we need a national day of mourning to remember something that still impacts us every single day.
I respect that people are different. I appreciate that no two people heal quite the same. However, it’s been 13 years. We won’t still be doing this in 2101. We can’t. It’s not constructive.
Maybe I’m in the minority here. I was 27 when the towers fell. I’m 40 now. The whole thing sits with me a bit differently than it would a 12/25 year old. I was a full grown adult when it happened. I remember a different world on 9/10, the day before. Maybe not a better world, but a vastly different one than the day after.
With or without a day of rememberence, 9/11 will nevere be forgotten. It will always be remembered as the day that changed America forever. Reminders? We live the reminder.
LikeLike
I get all points. Everyone has their thoughts and feelings and no one was impacted the same.
All we ask is allow those that DO need things like this to continue to heal be given their moment without being belittled.
It’s that bigger picture. You see through your eyes, me mine, Alissa hers, etc. Those views are our own. So allow others their site without contention. If it is not for you, that’s fine. Then move on and allow others their time. 🙂
Again thank you for your thoughts, but there comes a time we need to humble ourselves and allow others their voice too. Appreciate them for what they go through. Support them as a community. 🙂
(P.s. I have loved ones there in NYC too. As well as a LONG line of family in the military. I’ve seen all impacted by it. Lost some too.)
LikeLike
First let me say I understand what you’re saying and I truly do respect your right to your opinion. Having said that, I mean no disrespect but just because your are a New Yorker doesn’t give you a deeper connection to the tragedy. You have to remember that those of us who have served or are still serving in the military have continued to be affected. We are still fighting and living with the fallout from that horrible day. Once the site was cleaned up and the rebuilding commenced, people began the healing process and moved on with their lives. Unfortunately many of us, including those who lost family, are still actively involved. Soldiers are still dying and families are still missing members. It wasn’t an event that happened and then was over. The after effects are still present with every IED, suicide bomber, or sniper attack. WWII or Vietnam may be over but the war on terror is still very much alive. To be honest the Soldiers who fought in WWII or Vietnam would be quick to inform you that while civilians can move on, once you’ve served in combat it never ends. Both of my grandfathers served. One in the Korean War and one in WWII. My father and uncles served in Vietnam. To the day they died they carried the nightmares with them. My father passed away a couple of years ago due to complications from exposure to agent orange. So it isn’t something to be consigned to the history books yet. Not as long as lives continue to bear the scars and feel the pain. It isn’t just reopening old wounds because people continue to be wounded.
Now for the part many forget. While it is a day to mourn it is also a day to celebrate. The way our nation came together and for a short time put aside all our differences to help one another and comfort each other, was a remarkable testament to our fortitude. The attackers failed in their goal to cause chaos and cripple our economy. We showed just how strong we could truly be when the situation called for it. Many people were too young to have ever seen anything like it. It was like the moon landing or VE day. It was truly remarkable and made me proud to be an American.
I say celebrate and mourn. Do it every year and talk to others about it. I think of the friends I’ve lost and I feel grateful for having known them. Proud of them for making the ultimate sacrifice for not only our nation but for the world. It will always be a day of mixed emotions. Again I say no disrespect is intended and your opinion is your right, but as long as I live I will never forget or let my children forget the horrendous and cowardly act. It’s the very least I can do for those we lost and those who are still fighting the good fight.
LikeLike
My thoughts are with you, and I’m sorry for your loss, Alissa. I believe the whole world changed that day.
LikeLike
Still hearts & thoughts go out to everyone with a link to that terrible day, 13 years ago. That day, I had just started a work shift in the UK and no-one knew in the office, within 5 minutes every single Macintosh and PC was watching BBC news, Sky News, NBC News, the whole world paused, it was almost unreal the events that happened. I was lucky enough to visit East coast ‘Merica a few years earlier, made friends over there, some in NY Fire Depts, NJ Army National Guard etc. We’ll never forget, only to hope it never happens again and must now think positive to stop events like this ever to be created again.
LikeLike
Yes Mark I am sure the this post has whipped the Family Guy playing radicals into a frenzy…
Alissa thank you for sharing, even here in the UK I remember that day so clearly, and I do not think it is inappropriate (and on today of all days) to share this.
Never forget.
LikeLike
I am so sorry for your loss, Alissa, you are in my thoughts along with anyone else, family and friends who may have lost loved ones on 9/11/01. I remember coming home from school and watching this on the news and just sitting there in pain. I can’t fathom the feelings and emotions and sense of helplessness you must have felt on that day and still do. It was such a horrible event and it will be remembered. May your loved ones rest in peace.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
I live in Central-Europe. By CET it was afternoon. I was at home after school. I was listening the television. And then I heard the hungarian reporter’s scream: ‘OH MY GOD!’ the first tower collapsed. It was like a morbid action movie. My father said: No son, that’s real.
My first thought was: I can’t believe it.
And the reactions… Grief vs vengeance. 9-11 and the following years are a dark chapter of our history.
LikeLike
Alissa, I wish all the love and strength to get through this day.. NYC is founded by the Dutch as new Amsterdam, so our country was also devestated when the news of the events came in.. So just for you americans: Remember Europe is mourning and remembering with you even still as for today.. ❤
LikeLike
Thank you.. 🙂
LikeLike
My mother was a flight attendant that day at work. One of the scariest days of my life. So tragic. Bunny, Alissa, even wookiee. You guys have a great site that I check daily! Thank you for remembering to be human today and honor the lost. Classy move!
LikeLike
Respect we love you bunny!!!
LikeLike
Thanks but this one really goes out to Alissa. I’m glad I got her to go. It was peaceful and surreal for us both to be there. More so for her.
LikeLike
I am a Canadian. Your neighbor to the north. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. I was sitting at my desk at work and a colleague jumped out of his seat and shouted “OMG !!! An Airplane hit one of the world trade centers in NY”. Within a few minutes my entire company I work for (roughly 1500 corporate employees) gathered in the cafeteria and auditorium and the news was being broadcasted on all the big projector screens. When the second plane hit, we all knew it was not an accident. Something was going on. I have relatives that live in NYC. Thankfully they were not in the towers, however, they lost some friends that day. One of my cousins best friend worked in the first tower that got hit.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families and friends who lost loved ones that day.
God Bless
LikeLike
Alissa, I’m so sorry for your loss that day. Even though it was 13 years ago, it seems like yesterday. We Will Never Forget. I’m posting this at 8:46 a.m. – we all know the significance of that time. God bless you and God bless America.
LikeLike
Thank you Mike.
LikeLike
I have to say it doesn’t seem like 13 years may your aunt and all the innocents who died rest in peace and well done to the US for a great memorial #they’llneverbeforgotten
LikeLike
On that dreadful day I was 20 years old and had just visited New York the May before. I was completely obsessed with it and sure that I’d move there someday or at least visit again often. My mom got me out of bed before my alarm and told me that The World Trade Center had been hit by a plane. I totally felt that she was making fun of me because of my obsession. I rolled over and ignored her. She told me they think it was terrorists and I got up still skeptical but I got up.
From there I proceeded to sit and stare at the tv from the coffee table for the next hours.
Though I didn’t live there or live through it directly, I was sick to my stomach for about 6 months afterward. I was told that I had some sort of physical anxiety due.to stress even though I didn’t feel it emotionally.
This will forever be a day that haunts my life as well as most Americans.
Thank you Alissa for recognizing the brave men and women who fought for loved ones and strangers on this day 13 years ago.
LikeLike
Having my father be a fire fighter at the World Trade Center and thankfully making it home, seeing this great nation join together even in the smallest places of the earth(addicts) really brings a smile to my face. You guys are the best. Keep up the good work and bless this nation!
LikeLike
Thank you to your father for all he did that day, and in the days after!
LikeLike
I remember waking up, walking into the living room and saying “hey dad”. He replied “its a sad day in America son. Planes have hit the World Trade Center”. And me being still 1/2 asleep I was like ummm ok, dads gone crazy. Then I went into my room and turned on my TV and the first thing I saw was the replay of the 2nd plane hitting. I just sat there in such disbelief.
LikeLike
I’m a former New Yorker who had family and friends there when it happened, although none lost thief lives that day. I moved to Texas in 2005 so I’m yet to see the new memorial or freedom tower.
LikeLike
Well, I’m not an American. But I am a piper, so when I get home tonight I’ll play something suitable on the pipes in memory.
LikeLike
I had friends who died in the towers and I wouldn’t post this… I was actually scheduled to have a meeting with the head cheese from Akamai that morning (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_M._Lewin). It just reminds people of the pain and reminds the radicals of why they hate the USA. I certainly don’t think this is the appropriate place for something like this.
LikeLike
Mark i’m sorry you feel that way I really am. But as I said to your comment on the other site, it’s not easy for me either. However, it needs to be talked about…not every day but today. Once they moments of silence are over we’ll go back to game posts…
LikeLiked by 3 people
Wow…really buddy? Just seems like there’s always one idiot out there that would say something stupid just so they can get some attention and a rise outta people. Why can’t she talk about it here?
LikeLiked by 1 person
This made me sad 😢 Thanks to Alissa, bunny and Cybersilly for this ispiring post. We will never forget 9/11! And, i feel sad for those 2,977 innocent people who died.
LikeLike