Ten years Later…

You don’t even have to really say just what you’re referring to. In the months, the weeks and even the days leading up this week, just about everyone I know has given me a recount of where they were ten years ago.
Ten years ago – when life as we know it changed. Ten years ago, I was in Atlanta, working for CNN. I had just gotten to work and was watching the live reports of how a small plane had hit the World Trade Center. I saw the flames and wasn’t buying it. Small plane? No way.
I started calling friends and family to say I thought we were under attack. I was on the phone with my friend Kathy when the second plane hit. Suddenly there were reports of other planes, other attacks. CNN Center went to lock down and life as we know it changed.
This column is supposed to be about travel. And travel is where people associate the most obvious changes in routine. Before September 11, 2001, you could walk your loved ones to the gate at the airport. You didn’t need an ID to get on a plane. You didn’t need to put small liquids in a baggy to pass through security. You didn’t need to remove your laptop from its case, take off your shoes, take off your coat.
Now, it’s so standard, you don’t even realize how it used to be… ten years ago.
This week is about remembering those days a decade ago and the events that changed them forever.
It’s hard to believe Sunday will mark an entire decade. People are a bit on edge now. They are concerned that even though Osama Bin Laden is gone, his minions will attempt to make a statement.
In short, Bin Laden is dead but continues to terrorize us. There are those of us who will never feel safe again no matter how good security is, no matter how great Intelligence works.
It’s okay to be cautious, but please don’t be fearful. That’s no way to live.
In addition to the ceremonies on Sunday morning, there are several other events you can attend or take part in:
Thursday – 9/8/11
7:30 p.m.: Port Authority and United Community Civic Association will hold a candlelight vigil at McManus Memorial Park located at 81st Street and Grand Central Service Road, Queens.
7:30 p.m.: The Public Theater Explores “The 9/11 Decade: New York and America After the Towers,” Alec Baldwin hosts the event and the discussion to follow
7:30 p.m: Performance of Richard Nelson’s “Sweet and Sad” at 25 Lafayette Street, Manhattan.

FRIDAY 9/9/11
8:30 a.m.: Unified Court Systems Officials hold a memorial mass at Supreme Court, Mineola.
3:30 p.m.: Manhattan College (Riverdale, Bronx) holds “We Remember” service. Former mayor Rudolph Giuliani will be featured.
4 p.m.: St. Paul’s Cathedral, Manhattan – Free performance by Young People’s Chorus of NY
4 p.m.: Tribute by the Broadway community held in Times Square
5 p.m.: Columbus Circle, Manhattan – Free performance by Young People’s Chorus of NY
5:30 p.m.: Peace of Heart Choir sings at 9/11 anniversary event at Central Park South and West 59th Street, Manhattan.
6 p.m.: Imam Feisal Rauf hosts Muslim event honoring years of interfaith work to recognize various groups and individuals since 9/11 (Interchurch Center, 475 Riverside Drive, Manhattan)
8 p.m.: Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation holds “A Tribute to Our Heroes” fundraising concert at St. George Theater, Staten Island.
8:30 p.m.: Trinity Church near Ground Zero – Free performance by Young People’s Chorus of NY

SATURDAY 9/10/11
8:46 a.m.: Hand in Hand/Remembering 9/11 event along Manhattan’s West Side waterfront between Greenwich Street and Battery Place, Manhattan.
1 p.m.: Peace of Heart choir sings at 278 Spring Street, Manhattan
2 p.m.: FDNY holds memorial service at for firefighters and their families at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Manhattan.
3:30 p.m.: Trinity Church in Lower Manhattan holds reunion BBQ for 9/11 first responders, recovery workers and volunteers
6 p.m.: Trinity Church’s St. Paul’s Chapel will remain open for all-night vigil, prayer and meditation.
7:30 p.m.: Lincoln Center Concert – Lincoln Center, Manhattan.