As we celebrate our country’s 250th birthday, we are reminded of the brave things soldiers have done from the Revolutionary War to Afghanistan. But every day Americans demonstrated great courage just 25 years ago. This year is the 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 attack. So let’s think about some things that happened that tragic day some of you may not be aware of.
On the morning of 9/11/2001 on lower Manhattan there was panic. Both Twin Towers were burning after the planes crashed into them. Then the first tower collapsed and the city was filled with smoke and concrete dust. People had no idea if there was going to be more destruction. They just wanted to get away.
Being an island, after the planes crashed all modes of transportation were closed because of security concerns. All bridges, trains, subways, and tunnels were closed. Since Manhattan is an island, people were stranded. People ran to the docks at the river’s edge. That was their only way out. In no time people were along the river ten deep, many yelling for help. Some people were in such a panic, they jumped in the water and were rescued by nearby boats. At that point the Coast Guard sent out an All-call, “All water craft come to Manhattan to assist in evacuating people.”
In less than an hour the water teamed with all manner of water craft. There were ferries, tug boats, yachts, party boats, fishing trawlers, and many others. One captain said, “If it could float and could get there they came.” Some boat captains saw the calamity on TV and hurried to join the effort. Thus, began the greatest boat lift evacuation in history.
Some people had never been on the water or been in a boat. There was no central command, no one giving orders. They just came. People helped each other that day. For example four executives in business suits saw an elderly woman in a wheelchair. They proceeded to pick her up, wheelchair and all, and lifted her over the fence for evacuation. Those on the boats didn’t worry about legal capacity. They took as many as they could fit on each craft. Some boats made 20 trips back and forth to the New Jersey side. Those same boats took medical and other needed supplies back to the Manhattan side. Not one person paid for their trip to safety.
During WWII, there was another boatlift. At that time approximately 345,000 allied soldiers were evacuated to Great Britain. It took 9 days. On 9/11 500,000 people were transported to safety in nine hours. That’s more than five times as many people who gather in the stadium for a Nebraska football game. It was their only way out. Those passengers owed those captains and crews a debt of gratitude. And remember not one of those people paid a penny.
I think we need to be reminded from time to time when people need help Americans pull together. They can accomplish amazing things. Not one of those people getting on the boats was asked his or her country of origin, religion, or political leanings – All of that disappeared when the need was greater than what divides us. One sailor said that that taught him that most people have goodness in their hearts. Today when we seem to be living in a time when there is so much conflict in our country we need to think of occasions like the 9/11 boatlift. We need to have faith in our common humanity.
When we sing “God Bless America” think God Bless Americans. Tehy are what makes this country great!
Thank you.
Jody Mischnick