Where Were You on 9/11? Defense Secretary Leon Panetta & USAF Mark Lawson

The morning of 9/11:

• Beautiful sunny late summer morning in the northeast
• Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta was on Capitol Hill, briefing members of Congress on oceans issues
• Received news of the trade towers being attacked
• Realization that our country was under attack

Chaos and confusion:

• Shock and dismay as news trickled in
• Members of Congress were briefed on the attack
• Consensus to evacuate and ensure safety
• Pentagon also struck during this time
• Younger generation watched the events unfold on television

Impact on the younger generation:

• Mark Lawson, a senior airman in the Air Force, was in fifth grade during 9/11
• Initially thought it was a movie
• Schools were shut down, parents came to pick up children
• It didn't fully hit home until later as an adult
• Sense of America being attacked was felt even as a child

Inspiration to serve and protect:

• Mark Lawson's experience on 9/11 inspired him to join the Air Force
• Witnessing the attack motivated him to serve his country
• Understanding the significance of the events grew with age
• Today, as an adult, the impact of 9/11 is deeply felt
• Sense of duty to protect America

National unity and resilience:

• 9/11 brought Americans together in solidarity
• The nation mourned the loss of lives and showed resilience
• Increased patriotism and support for first responders
• Remembrance ceremonies held annually to honor the victims
• Lessons learned from 9/11 continue to shape national security measures.