9/11
I remember where I was when I heard the news. I expect everyone does. It was one of those moments when the world changed, irrevocably and forever.
I was in the lab up in Glasgow when Dave came through and said he’d been listening to the news on the radio - a plane had crashed into the World Trade Centre. At first we thought it must’ve been a terrible accident, but then came more news - a second plane had struck the other tower. Deliberate then. And the shocks and tragedy kept coming.
I was writing up at the time so I went home to watch the news. I remember sitting with my mouth open, staring at the telly with tears rolling down my face. Seeing footage of people leaping from the burning buildings - those poor, poor people. Their loved ones should never have had to see that - I expect they see it every time they close their eyes. I don’t think you’d ever get over it.
And the bravery of the people on the fourth plane - I don’t think I’d have had that kind of courage. But they were right to dig their heels in, grit their teeth and say no. People should hold their heads high and not be intimidated by terrorism. Show no terror and the terrorists are powerless.