[cooperino]

I was close. Thankfully not too close. Was on my way into the city. In traffic in mid-town tunnel when the first plane hit. I was heading in to see a client downtown. Made the turn onto the FDR and could see the smoke. Must have been around 25th or 23rd streets I heard what happened on the radio. A couple blocks later NYPD had streets blocked heading south. Almost at the exact same time I was about to head back up town the radio announcer reported the second plane hitting. People pulled over and got out of their cars and looked downtown where you could already see the smoke. It was the most shocking and unsettling feeling I have ever felt in my life. My appointment was for 9:00 AM and I called to tell my client I was running late "traffic" Within minutes it was impossible to use a cell phone. Driving back on the LIE "Long Island Expressway" lots of people pulled over and stood beside their cars in shock. Watching emergency vehicles race by heading west into the city.

I lost 2 close personal friends that day and 4 more over the years from related issues from being at the site.

I will never forget that day or the days my friends passed away from their injuries.

I will never forget all of the heros that rushed to help others and lost their lives

I will never forget the servicemen and women who fought back for us and continue to protect us from this evil happening again.