Editor’s Note: James Hudgins was the public affairs officer at Fort Gordon on Sept. 11, 2001. He was the first civilian PAO assigned to Fort Gordon, taking the position after the Presidio closed in California. He retired in 2011 after 40 years of service and lives in Columbia County.
So many memories fade after 20 years, but the memory of Sept. 11, 2001 remains as vivid as the day itself. Its impact still affects me. It haunts and brings about many emotions. Any mention of the words “terrorism” or “terrorists” bring back memories of that terrible day. In light of recent events, those memories of 9/11 have become even more dominant.
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Just before 9 a.m. on that clear, late summer day, we got word that a plane had crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. I remember looking at the blazing building on television wondering how such a catastrophe could happen. I also remember watching another airliner hazily circling the two towers. In disbelief, I watched that plane dive into the South Tower. Shocked silence soon changed into the grim realization that our nation had been attacked by terrorists. Our world changed forever in those few minutes.
Very shortly after that, we were informed that another plane had crashed into the Pentagon. Our sadness and helpless rage only intensified because the terrorists’ targets were our friends and colleagues. After a brief period of numbness and overwhelming concern, I clearly remember our military leaders springing into action. Within hours, guidance and directions began coming from higher headquarters. All the major commands, including Signal, began planning for an overwhelming response.
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For weeks, long days and late evenings were spent in strategy sessions held in secure conference facilities. I remember the intense and grim determination of everyone involved. Overlapping all was a united sense of patriotism and appreciation of our uniformed personnel and the flag we all serve under.
As a result, Operation Enduring Freedom was conceived and executed. In those early, successful days of justly punishing those who would so cowardly attack our shores, there was a great deal of pride in our nation and the values it stands for. Those in uniform were seen as being noble. Leaders were admired for their clarity of purpose and dedication. Petty differences were put aside for the greater good. Perhaps we should look back to those days for our direction against future terrorist actions. One can only hope….
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