Matter of Opinion... September 11th, 2001 September 11th, 2004 One of the most asked questions in history is, "Where were you when JFK was assassinated?". However in the past three years, that question has been replaced with, "Where were you on September 11, 2001?". In what was the most tragic terrorist attack on this nation, people all over the world have their stories to share on their whereabouts. Me, I was working for WWE.... It was about 8am in Houston, Texas. I had just awoken and hopped a shower, ready for a creative meeting with Vince and the creative team for that night's Smackdown! taping. I turned on the hotel room TV and the first plane had already hit. I sat down on my bed and looked at the TV in awe. The newscasters were still speculating on what was really happening and the first thing that came to my mind was, "is anybody really stupid enough to not see WTC and smack into it? No. This is something more". Just then, bang. The second plane hit the second tower. I could not believe it. The thought of all the innocent people on board and in the buildings made me feel sick. Right then I figured we would not be doing a show that night. At the time, I lived in Stamford, Connecticut, a few blocks from the WWE HQ's. Stamford is roughly a half hour from Manhattan, at least the way I drive and nobody knew exactly what was happening, I immediatley called to see how my son was. Panic had set in for a moment. After a few tries, I got through and everything was fine. I quickly finished getting ready and dashed up to Vince's room, where some of the team had already met up. In a gathering that was usually bustling with people brainstorming, there was silence. As I entered, everyone had a look of dismay on their face, from Vince to Bruce Prichard to Brian Gewertz, everyone was in shock and silent. When people did finally speak, it was soft and somber. We watched for a matter of hours, not even thinking of the show later that night. Vince then told us what we all expected, the show was canceled and we'd figure something out later. We were told we could hang there and keep watching or go do whatever we wanted, we would be contacted later with plans. All commercial airliners were grounded and we were stuck in Texas. I just wanted to be with my son, hold him and not let go. After seeing all the people on TV who had just lost friends and family, it was a tough moment being that far away from my then 1 year old boy. I went back to my room and and glued me eyes to the TV, hoping that it was all over. By then, it was, at least the attacks. We had heard about the pentagon and the downed plan in PA. We all got word that we would do a live Smackdown! that Thursday, a tribute show to America and all the innocent lives lost. Everyone was aksed to go and say a few words if they felt like it. WWE taped them and played some on that Smackdown! tribute show. I was one of the first to say something, although it was never aired. I had to write down what I was saying, as I kept losing my train of thought. Looking back now, I don't even recall what it was that I had said, but it had something to do with the terrorists making all of the states united, so in essence, they lost. That tribute show was emotional and heartbreaking for everyone involved. It was the first nationally televised sports event since the attacks and I felt very proud to be a part of it. Three years on, America's spirit has not been broken and it never will be, no matter who the President of the country is and while I am not a citizen of this country, I am still very proud to live here. In a nutshell, that is my 9/11 experience. For those who want to share their 9/11 experiences, you can e-mail me pete@irishpete.com .