After the September 11th attacks, Michael Browne, Dirt Rag’s editor at that time, sent out a request via our eNewsletter. Here’s what it said:

“I haven’t been able to get away from the news for the past week, and I’m sure most of you feel the same way. Wherever you were, whatever you were doing, you’ll probably remember the specifics for a long time. But memories deteriorate. While I often find myself begging (almost) for more contributions, this request is of a different nature. Please take a few minutes to reflect on the past week and write down your experiences. I want to know where you were, how you reacted, what you saw, what you didn’t see. I want to know how this has affected people. I will try to find a way to share it with everyone; or no one, if you prefer.”

The response was overwhelming. At that time, Michael Wrote:

What I received soon thereafter surprised me. I not only received more contributions than I expected, but I found myself coming to terms with things through the reactions of those who wrote back.

I encourage you to read each and every response, for they represent a fraction of what I received. Please remember that these are uncensored responses that might offend you. Read and digest. Perhaps it will help you too.

In case you missed the responses at the time, I’ve linked to the stories below. I find the authors’ personal stories quite moving, despite the passing of six years:

New York, NY by Corvus Corvax
Rockaway, NJ by Bob Veit
Alexandria, VA by Dana M. Mellerio
Greenwich Village, NY by D.J.S.
New York, NY by Jeanette Sperhac
Germany by Mike McCray
Prescott, AZ by L.A. Winney
Aurora, CO by Carlton Loomis
Pittsburgh, PA by Karen Brooks
Ashland, KY by Jeremy Bowen
Santa Margarita, CA by Jan Sprague Chaffin
San Diego, CA by Dan McCormack
Lafayette, CO by Eric Szabo
Tamaqua, PA by Mike Phillips