Local residents share memories of 9-11 years ago
Staff writer
We asked a cross section of people from the Hillsboro area to give us their thoughts on the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks on our nation. We asked the questions: What were they doing on that day? What were their reactions and how did they respond? How did it change their lives or their outlook on things?
Here are their responses.
"The 9-11 attacks have affected me emotionally. I look at others' feelings with more understanding and am more considerate.
"I still get really sad when I hear and see the stories of everyone affected in New York."
Cheryl Prieb
HHS senior, STUCO president
"I remember I was home when the story was first shown on TV. I was shocked. I thought that something like that could never happen in America. I really thought we were safe in this country."
Joyce Hanneman
co-director, Et Cetera Shop
"I first thought it was an accident. When I found out it was done by terrorists, my feelings went to anger.
"My response as a banker, is that our financial system works very well. Things were put in motion that proved it works.
"It has had an affect on our nation, but I think we will survive it."
Carl Long
president, Hillsboro State Bank
"Everybody in Brazil that I know cried. We stopped work.
"What happened was very, very bad for everybody. This situation can not happen again.
"I think the people from the country that did those attacks did not realize how much trouble they caused. It was not just the twin towers they attacked, but the effect is so much bigger."
Daniveo Salvucci
1974 HHS foreign exchange student from Brazil
"It has many of us much more thankful to live in a smaller community. Perhaps we may not be as concerned about the attack, since we don't live in a larger community like New York.
"Personally, it has made me more anxious when flying especially, in larger cities, such as Washington, D.C. and Chicago."
Delores Dalke
Mayor of Hillsboro
"I was cleaning wheat in town when I first heard, and it was thought to be an accident then. But, when I got home, I found out what really happened. My initial reaction was why do people hate the United States to do something like this? I think it might be due to our foreign policies.
"I'm not afraid of terrorists. I'm not living in fear from this."
Ray Brandt, farmer for 50 years,
rural Hillsboro
"We look at things differently now, since Sept. 11. We take more precautions than we did before.
"We have increased our communication with national organizations that we did not have in the past. For example, we now receive frequent faxes — alerts concerning security issues from the FBI.
"We have increased our security here in Hillsboro. Our upgrades will now include security features.
"We are one of the few water systems in our area that can produce water if the electricity goes off for an extensive amount of time."
Morgan Marshall
senior water treatment technician
"As I entered the police department on Sept. 11, 2001, it was obvious that something was wrong. My co-workers all had a somber expression and were transfixed on the television. I turned to look just as the second plane hit the World Trade Center. It was immediately apparent that this would have a lasting and profound affect on the entire world.
"As we grieved for those who lost their lives that day, we were brought together by a common bond. Many found a renewed sense of patriotism and sought a closer relationship with God.
"Little did I know the effect it would have on Hillsboro itself. I could not have foreseen that the Hillsboro Police Department would someday be a part of this country's homeland security."
Chief Daniel L. Kinning
Hillsboro Police Dept.
"I have learned that you have to appreciate God, family, and country more. I am more aware of security and am more cautious."
"In the post office, there have been lots of changes. The attacks have hurt us financially at the U.S. Postal Service. Especially the anthrax attacks and the deaths of postal employees. It will take time for us to recover."
"I continue to pray for our country and the families of those who lost their lives. I hope we will be able to love and respect each other for our differences and our diversity."
Norman Bouwie
Postmaster, Hillsboro
