Holding Pattern Over Memphis
Brad Hill was the GM of LTA Media, my marketing company on 9-11. He was on his way to Los Angeles to meet a new client, flying at 30,000 feet above Memphis, Tennessee when he heard the strangest announcement over the intercom. The pilot said they had to land immediately and that all planes had been grounded.
I can only imagine the thoughts that ran through the minds of passengers in every jet that was flying at the time. There was no wireless internet or smart phones at that altitude to know anything about what had happened on the ground. All they could do was keep asking and no clear answers were given.
It was only when he landed in Memphis that he called me on his cell to tell me he was delayed. I then told him why and he was completely stunned. He said there was a lot of noticeable jabbering from passengers on the plane, some hearing the news via cell too.
So many people were affected in so many ways which is what makes these 9-11 stories so fascinating. Brad further described the scene periodically by cell that day. He saw jets parked all over the tarmac and even in the grassy areas. It was the first time in aviation history that all aircraft were grounded. Some had ni place to land and had to be diverted to Canada.
He immediately tried to rent a car and all were taken. He was stranded like thousands of others. What an awakening they all must've had that day. I just thought I'd share this one with you because I had the unusual privilege of being there without having to go through it.
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We were all stunned at the IMMEDIATE reactions that resulted from 9/11 and the Twin Towers "Attack", but through the communication networks that had been established we were "all one" as we experienced our own personal emotions, feelings, and concerns. To have all planes grounded throughout the nation was immediate and necessary. It was almost like living stopped! In the ten years that have followed, our lives have been chanted forever! But we must never forget that hope, freedom, and unity MUST be enjoyed by each of us and that 'One Nation, Under God' will be the only way and means that this nation will be preserved through righteous living, caring for each other, and coming to know that each soul is important. I am grateful today for the efforts being made to preserve the stories of 9/11 and the impact it had and continues to have on each one of us including those who were yet unborn at the time of the event.
Thank God Brad was temporarily detained!
What a wild tale of that day. You're right, I wouldn't have known about that with him since I was engaged in my own way at my house. What did that feel like to be on the plane and hear the captain come across the intercom and say those things. You know the tone of his voice had to reveal that there was something behind the statement and that once the announcement came through that there was that moment of "What the heck is going on." flying through everyone's mind. Talk about anxiety on a plane. WOW. I don't know what I would have done in that situation.
Thanks for sharing that perspective. I bet not many people have heard that point of view.
Love ya-
Justin
