Reactions

“I was roped into helping out. I started moving oxygen tanks for patients, handing out latex gloves and surgical masks… . Going into it, I was a reporter. But by the time I found myself going into the courtyard of the Pentagon, I think I became a person helping out and not a reporter… . It seemed inappropriate to take out my notebook and interview a firefighter. It seemed the right thing to do was to hand him a bottle of water rather than stick a note pad in his face.”

Arthur Santana

The Washington Post, at the Pentagon on Sept. 11

“Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward and freedom will be defended.”

President Bush

Sept. 11

“Commending the victims to almighty God’s mercy, I implore his strength upon all involved in rescue efforts and in caring for the survivors.”

Pope John Paul II

Sept. 11

“What I get tired of hearing about is people blaming things on Sept. 11. The economy is gone bad because of Sept. 11, or we have this problem because of Sept. 11. Some of these were there already. Sept. 11 might have added to the problem, but don’t blame your life on Sept. 11.”

Helen O’Meara

40, Grandview Heights, Ohio, executive director of the Ohio League of Conservation Voters

“I think we’re a little more cautious, but not a lot. Up here [in Aroostook County,] we still consider ourselves pretty isolated.”

Kay Bell

83, Houlton

“It showed me how complacent people are – not just as individuals, but as a nation. We take our daily life for granted [as if] everything is all right and nothing can happen to us. I’m more diligent to the oddities. It heightens my suspicions.”

Kevin Haj

Thomaston police chief and

chaplain in Maine National Guard