Friday, 16 September 2011 12:19 Written by R.W. Daniel J. Schultz, PGH

Nine-Eleven Anniversary: Sept. 11, 2001-2011

As we anticipate the 10th Anniversary of Nine-Eleven, we remember, with saddened hearts, those who perished, that bright sunny Tuesday morning, in the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and Flight 93. This largest “attack” made upon America since Pearl Harbor will go down in the world’s history as the largest terrorist attack on America, yet to date. The effects of this tragedy will never fully end, for they have become a part of our history, as have Pearl Harbor and the Civil War. Our way of life has changed forever. Those of our Brothers, who worked in and near the World Trade Center, recall their terrifying experiences in trying to escape this tragic scene.


A time line of those events that took place that day:

• 7:58 a.m. United Airlines Flight 175, a Boeing 767 departed Boston’s Logan Airport for Los Angeles with 56 Passengers and 9 crew.
• 7:59 a.m. American Airlines Flight 11, a Boeing 767 also departs Boston bound for Los Angeles, with 81 passengers and 11 crew.
• 8:01 a.m. United Airlines Flight 93, a Boeing 757, leaves Newark for San Francisco with 38 passengers and 7 crew.
• 8:10 a.m. American Airlines Flight 77, a Boeing 757 departs Washington Dulles Airport for Los Angeles with 58 passengers and 6 crew.
• 8:45 a.m. American Airlines Flight 11 crashes into the North tower (1 WTC).
• 9:06 a.m. United Airlines Flight 175 slams into the South tower (2 WTC).
• 9:40 a.m. American Airlines Flight 77, Hijacked from Dulles hits the west side of the Pentagon
• 10:00 a.m. The south tower (2 WTC) collapses.
• 10:29 a.m. The north tower (1 WTC) collapses.
• 10:37 a.m. United Airlines Flight 93 crashes in Shanksville, Pa., 80 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.
• 5:25 p.m. A third building in the WTC collapses.

On 9-11 and the days following many Brothers went to NYC to assist in cleanup and recovery. I know of one from our Lodge, WB Keven Cleary, responded as an EMT. One
Lodge in our District, that I am aware of, Fulton Friendship (there may have been others), collected water, gloves and other supplies that were needed. This is what Masonry is all about - lending a helping hand when needed.

A poem, which I have saved for the last 10 years, was written at the time by a Pascack Valley High School senior, and appropriately titled “Lady Liberty”:

"LADY LIBERTY"

As I watched the city with torch held high;
I witnessed a devastation that made me cry.
I’ve watched over this city long before they were born,
Now right in front of my eyes they were being torn.
The destruction I witness without blinking,
The Horrible thoughts I was forced to be thinking.
The Thousands of people they employed and secured,
There screams of pain and fear are all that I heard.
People running frantically not knowing where to turn,
Some stopped momentarily to turn and view them burn.
Helplessly I watched them crumble to the ground,
Although the noise was outstanding I didn’t hear a sound.
Everything around them seemed to stop and stare in awe.
Questioning the reality of what they just saw.
The thick clouds of smoke made it dark as night,
Although it was day there was no sign of light.
As the smoke began to settle and the scene was revealed,
There laid mounds of debris where bodies were concealed.
I couldn’t shut my eyes but I couldn’t bear to look,
If only they knew how many innocent lives they took.
What seemed like a dream was actually real,
I couldn’t imagine how the world was going to feel.
There will be no escape from the effects of that day,
United we must stand as if no cloud is in our way.
I wanted to be emotional but I know that I shouldn’t,
I needed to be brave for all those people that couldn’t.
I knew I needed to provide comfort for those in sorrow,
From me they would gain hope for a better tomorrow.
The smile remained on my lips as I stood brave and tall,
For I represent FREEDOM, LIBERTY, and JUSTICE for all.


In 2011, our Brave service men killed the man responsible for this horrific tragedy. May we always be thankful to all our service men and women for their service and sacrifice, and may we always remember to honor the memory of the victims of 9-11.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

R.W. Daniel J. Schultz, PGH
Historian