Getting ready to go to NYC tomorrow to cover the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Follow my journey here and on Twitter.
@yow checking into my flight to NYC. Security was smooth lines to fly to the US were long though.
Ready for takeoff in Ottawa #9ww
Ready for takeoff in ottawa #911
Arrival time at LaGuardia 9:11 #911
On the way into Lower Manhattan our cab driver tells us he was in Queen's that day and drove people he saw running from the city centre home.
He has lived in NYC for 18 years moving here from India. He said one of the first things he did after moving was go to visit the World Trade Centre. "It was unbelieveable" he said of the view. He took his relatives there many times before 9/11 and has a lot of fond memories of that place.
As we pulled up to our hotel, which is right across the street from Ground Zero, he said he felt like he couldn't work the rest of the day because he relived the memories of 9/11. Many New Yorkers have said the city has moved on and gone back to normal, but the wounds are still fresh after ten years.
It seems all of New York is pitching in to keep the city safe this weekend. Along by a concierge, we were greeted at our hotel by security guidelines.
They warn of road closures, police checks of backpacks. We were also told to always have government ID and that anyone trying to enter the hotel would have to prove they are a registered guest.
It all became clear why when we got up to our room. We have an uncompromised view of Ground Zero and the site for the memorial.
Just talked to a man who works in Lower Manhattan. He says one of 9/11's lasting effects are the constant police presence on the street #911
Not easy to find New Yorkers in Lower Manhattan these days, but I talked to a couple who say thanks to all who helped pick up NYC after #911
Tons of cameras on the streets around ground zero. Just saw CBC. #911
Talked to a guy that has worked at the WTC site since Sept. 12, 2001. He told me some remarkable stories, here's one for now.
After a few months of digging through the rubble workers found a tree stump that appeared to still have a bit of life. The workers dug it up and one of them took it home to rejuvenate it. Ten years later it is 25 feet tall and has been replanted at the memorial site. I'll try to pick it out for you all on Sunday.
At PACE University where Aaron Brown of CNN fame is talking about the impact of #911 on journalism
Brown says he doesn't talk about #911 and tonight will be difficult
The point of good television is to let the picture speak for itself #911
All of us who worked that day in what ever capacity we worked we were changed #911
#911 says it did not happen to me, it did not happen to you, it did not happen to Rudy, it happened to us: Brown
Brown says he could see, hear and smell #911 - a moment he prepared for for his whole life.
What he wasn't prepared for knowing the victims, he calls it heartbreaking #911
10 years is not enough time to gain perspective on #911 bc ppl are still dying in two wars and the wounds are still raw says Brown.
#911 wasn't a news story. It was history says Brown.
Recovery will come when America redonda the common ground and hope post-911 says Brown #911
Listening to a panel of local NY journalists talking about covering #911. Two photographers died that morning.
2 of 2 journos who spoke said they were hurt on #911. A survey of journos post-911 say many suffer breathing problems.
One last story for tonight from a guy I spoke with that has been working on the World Trade Centre site since Sept. 12, 2001.
There was a bar called O'Hara's across the street from the site that was nearly demolished from the debris field. The rescue workers and clean up crews spent an excurciating going through debris, bodies and destruction.
At the end of the day the guy I was talking to noticed there was beer at O'Hara's and reached through the smashed out windows and took one. At the end of the day, the guy told me "I could cry or I could have a beer. So I choose to have a beer." Now that the bar is reopened he's been back almost everyday since, paying back his beer debt.
Good morning all. Turns out construction at the #911 site is a 24 hour affair.
On tap for today:
- A ridealong with a NYC driver
- A taste of Colors restaurant, which was born out of the rubble of 9/11.
- Broadway's tribute to 9/11
- Reaction from New Yorkers to the heightened terrorist threat.
In a cab with my driver Wasic. He is telling me that the city has increased security. Office buildings require ID checks.
Just passed Battery Park. Wasic says it's full of cops. Usually full of families. #911
Headed to NoHo to do an interview at Colors Restaurant, founded NY Windows on the World staff. #911 Traffic is a mess!
"The 1st time we got knocked down it was a surprise. Now we are ready for a fight" says Marten Snow of NYC terror threats. #911
PMSH declares Sept.11 National day of Service to commemorate Cdn victims of terror. #911