Kristinn's Pentagon Photos and Report 9/11/01

self | Tuesday, September 11, 2001 | Kristinn

[kristinn]

Thought you might be interested.

To all who've responded, thanks for your concern. Most of D.C. will be going back to work today, as will I, but our thoughts will be elsewhere.

[mommadooo3]

Amen. And thanks for the report/photos.

Any word on how many were lost at the Pentagon? Last news report said..100-800 were lost there. But the first reports said the numbers were @ 30-35, because that section of the Pentagon had just been refurbished and not even 'open' for 'business'.

[backhoe]

Thank you for the report and photos. Naturally, we are all relieved that you are well.

You mentioned:

It is a testament to the strength of America's belief in Freedom, and President Bush's trust in his fellow citizens, that our nation's capital was not turned into a militarized zone today

Me, too! So far, so good....

[Requiem for Truth]

You were in my thoughts and prayers today, Kristinn. I am so thankful that you and the DC Chapter are safe.

I still can't believe that Barbara Olsen is gone. I simply cannot wrap my mind around that thought...

Thank you for the pictures and yet another thoughtful DC report.

[Angelwood]

I appreciate your concern. I was already at work when reports of the first terrorist attack came in. I saw the headlines on Free Republic and got out my small TV to verify the grim news. As the secondary attacks were executed and federal offices were evacuated, my building security closed our office to anyone not possessing a Castle key. We were told that we were safer inside and were given the option of using personal leave to go home.

One of my bosses was driving in on I-395 past the Pentagon and saw the plane crash into the building. She said everyone was in shock. The plane had disappeared into the building and flames and smoke were all they could see. Cars stopped, people pulled over and got out of their cars. The FBI was there almost immediately closing roads and redirecting traffic. But it took a long time to clear the roads and people helplessly watched the carnage wondering what was next.

I had no trouble getting home on the metro train when I left at 2:30 p.m. The city was very quiet with few people on the streets. The cordoned off area surrounding the White House was a street away from the block where my building is located and the police/Secret Service presence was visible.

Unfortunately, my cable and roadrunner Internet access were down the whole evening and I was unable to communicate or see much other than the local channels on a TV with an old antenna.

This morning the metro trains are running smoothly and the cordoned off area around the White House has been moved back. People on the train and in the streets were subdued, but going about their normal schedules.

[ironman]

Thanks for the report. Thankfully I was not at the Pentagon today. My company has lots for people who work down there and go there for meetings. I have no info yet as to whether we lost anybody.

PS - nice beard, starting to look like mine.

[AGreatPer]

Thank you for the report.

[AppyPappy]

Hey, who's the homeless guy with the paper?

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

It is a testament to the strength of America's belief in Freedom, and President Bush's trust in his fellow citizens, that our nation's capital was not turned into a militarized zone today. While there was a strong police presence, I want to reiterate that D.C. was nowhere near a police state.

Thank you. An important message that the press has overlooked.

[Humidston]

Good to hear you're ok, Angelwood. Our FReeper family seems to be intact and that means our prayers were answered.

[ravingnutter]

Just heard back from our tele-commuter employee we have in WDC, had put out a panicked e-mail this morning to him, as I was out ill yesterday when this happened. Thank God he and his family are safe. Will keep your associates in my prayers.

[Angelwood]

My husband's company had people working in the WTC. We haven't heard any news about them yet.

[CommiesOut]

Thanks for a ping. Great post and photos.
Thank God DC FReepers are safe.

[cfrels]

Glad to hear you are OK and thank you kristinn for the pics.

I miss all your adventurous reports...you guys must have time to cut your lawn and wash the windows now!

[cfrels]

Glad to hear you are OK and thank you kristinn for the pics.

I miss all your adventurous reports...you guys must have time to cut your lawn and wash the windows now!

[YaYa123]

Thanks dear friend for this first hand report.

The White House Tour is an even more meaningful memory now.

[maestro]

Thank you for posting.

[Angelwood]

The military presence is now on the streets of DC. When I walked out of the metro station at Farragut West (17th and I Streets), the street was blocked with yellow crime tape and cars were blocking traffic. On the next block at K Street a camouflaged Humvee was blocking the road and military personnel were directing traffic. People were allowed to walk to businesses in the area, but no vehicles were allowed.

There are people everywhere with red, white and blue ribbons, clothing or flags; and conversations heard when walking down the street mentioned the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance, the lighting of candles at 7 p.m. this evening and attending church or memorial services.

[ELS]

While there was a strong police presence, I want to reiterate that D.C. was nowhere near a police state.

The military presence is now on the streets of DC.

I was going to say the same is true in NYC, but then I saw Angelwood's post. The part of Manhattan that is open and getting back to "normal" does have more of a police presence than it used to, but there aren't soldiers in the streets. The downtown area that is closed off does have some National Guard troops in Humvees.

Kristinn, thanks for the report and pictures. Take care.

[LiberalBuster]

Thanks. BUMP!