Where were you when the world stopped turning?
I was at home getting my then 2-year-old son Trent ready to take to the sitters. I can still see him getting a pack of raisins out of the pantry, when my wife called from work around 9am saying a plane has hit the World Trade Centre.
My first thought was the World Trade and Convention Centre in downtown Halifax, then realized it was in New York. I turned on the TV and saw the events unfold.
I then called my parents to tell them and immediately headed to the radio station for a long day on-air keeping Nova Scotia up to date.
My Brother-in-law Alden, was flying for Cathay Pacific at the time and we thought he was still in New York city, but he flew out on the red eye before the attacks happened.
About 40 planes were grounded here at Halifax Stanfield Airport with many local residents opening up their homes to the stranded travelers. Those friendships are still strong now, two decades later.
Hard to believe its 20 years ago tomorrow.
-Ian
