On 9/11 in New York — Jay Nordlinger
Summary
J. Northlinger reflects on his personal experience of 9/11 while working at National Review, recounting the shock of the attacks and the eerie smell of smoke that reached his office. He details the immediate aftermath, including the death of colleague Barbara Olson and the city's spirit of solidarity, noting how New Yorkers rallied around the nation. The piece also explores the cultural debates of the time, such as flag displays and heightened security, before concluding with a meditation on how the absence of the Twin Towers eventually faded from daily consciousness.
Topics discussed
Introduction and article context
Morning of September 11: Initial phone call
Witnessing the first plane impact
Voting in the mayoral primary and walking south
Reflections on the Twin Towers and working that day
News of Barbara Olson's death
The smell of Ground Zero and evening resilience
Solidarity, Broadway, and Bush's speech
Bush at Yankee Stadium and the World Series
Debates over flying the American flag
Rallying around New York and appreciation for first responders
Security measures and public anxiety
The Global War on Terrorism and historical perspective
Long-term changes to New York's skyline
The weather on 9/11 and closing remarks
Outro and website promotion
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