Where Were You on 9/11? Defense Secretary Leon Panetta & USAF Mark Lawson
09/10/22
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.