9/11: Memories a Decade Later

Perhaps, this topic seems unlikely for a blog dedicated to discussing films, TV series, and Broadway shows. However, events like 9/11 are precisely the reason why preservation of classic film and TV remains essential. Consider how our experience as an American was redefined that day. Each of us was directly affected by the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers. For the Americans who lived through a World War and various other wars and "conflicts," it was a sobering reminder. A reminder that the names and missions may change, but evil men still rise to power and take their revenge on the innocent. For other adults, it was the shocking realization that violence could take place on American soil. For the children, it shattered their innocence. Many young adults and teens can not remember a time of peace for the United States. In addition, all of us know someone  in the military  or someone who has a family member in the military. As a result, we are very aware of the sacrifices of the members of the Armed Forces as well as their families.

I will never forget that day. I teach Mathematics at a high school in Bergen County, NJ. This school is just 10 miles from NYC. In fact, many commuters who work in Manhattan pass through this town. As a result, 9/11 was not just an event on the evening news for myself and my students. I still remember finding out at the end of 2nd period that the towers had been struck by airplanes. The information was minimal at that point. It was impossible to have lessons that day. Many students were worried about parents and other relatives who worked in Manhattan. As the day progressed, our principal handled the stressful situation well with periodic announcements and allowing the TV's to be on in the classroom. Our school was ordered to be on "lockdown." That meant no one could leave the building until 3 pm. The cafeteria workers did a great job making extra lunches for the students who would normally go home for lunch. Before the teachers and students were dismissed for the day, we were told that school would be closed the next day. The town's close proximity to NYC led to that decision. The local, county, and state leaders knew it was essential to keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles. In addition, I believe the safety of the students was also a major concern for our Superintendent of Schools.

I was also worried all day because my mother worked as an executive secretary at Lord & Taylor on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. I was unable to reach her during the day because the circuits were overloaded. In addition, the Twin Towers were the home of many antennas including those of many tv and radio stations. Ironically, the building which the Twin Towers "replaced" became the unsung hero of September 11, 2001. CBS had a back-up transmitter at the Empire State Building and was able to stay on the air through the entire crisis. Eventually, the other stations did find temporary facilities so they too could broadcast. Now, the Empire State Building is once again home many of NYC  TV and FM radio stations.

I finally reached my mother after 8 pm that evening. She was safe but obviously had a difficult day. The one thing she said that has remained with me is that everyone seemed to pull together. She and a coworker traveled together since they lived in the same NJ suburb. The NY Waterway sent its busses to pick commuters like my mom and her friend who would normally have taken the bus home. Instead, they were taken to the ferry and crossed the Hudson River from Manhattan to Hoboken. At Hoboken, she and her coworker were able to take a NJ Transit train to a town close to where she lived. They then shared a cab ride home. All of the transportation that day (with the exception of the local cab) was free. The Port Authority of NY/NJ did an admirable job making sure it provided as many people with a way home as possible. Honestly, I still believe this was possible in large part because of the strong leadership of Mayor Giuliani.

Now, back to my original statement at the beginning of this article. I said, " events like 9/11 are precisely the reason why preservation of classic film and tv remains essential." Memories fade and those who lived during a particular moment in history eventually pass away. However, movies preserve the emotions and thoughts that exist at those specific moments in time.  It is important for us to remember our ENTIRE history as a nation. Therefore, classic films and TV series do provide us with insight about not only the sad times but also the happy times we as a nation have experienced. Classic films and TV shows reflect that we were not always a country in conflict nor a country targeted by terrorists for attack. In fact, many films from the 1930's through 1950's celebrate the American spirit. These movies often show how people from many countries of the world came here by choice and were proud to become citizens.

Obviously, I realize that many old films and TV series contain stereotypes. In addition, gangster and film noir genre movies do show the darker and less appealing aspects of the American culture. However, that does not mean the negative has to overshadow the positive. I believe that viewing a variety of classic films and TV shows gives a person a well rounded idea of why there is reason to be proud to be an American. Throughout history, the people of the United States have found a way to recover from tragedy. In my opinion, it is important that classic films be preserved so that today's young people have the opportunity to see that there were times of peace and prosperity. These young viewers will also see that even in times of crisis such as the Great Depression and World War II there was still an optimism that we as a country could and would recover. That is a legacy worth preserving.