What historical event fascinates you the most? (Memorable)
There are some truly fascinating historic moments, ranging from significant events that shape history to those we wish never happened. Some are worth celebrating while others are simply regrettable.
The one that fascinates (or memorable) is the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York. An attack carried out by planes on an unprecedented scale, with the unexpected falling of the twin towers. A horrific moment in history, organised on a massive scale, with results more horrifying/catastrophic than even the perpetrators ever imagined.
I worked in travel at the time at Heathrow Airport in London on the day of the attacks. I would normally work early shifts, and I was home just after 2 p.m. I remember the news coming in on TV, which was still the main source of breaking news in those days, as prior to smartphone apps.
Watching and believing the worst had occurred with two planes smashing into the twin trade towers, rumours swirled that more planes may be in the sky with other targets. The broadcasting of the two towers collapsing was truly shocking. I also recall my flatmates horror and reaction as well.
The loss of life on that day is horrific and utterly senseless. Back in the nineties, I walked relatively close to the towers but never visited them during a trip to New York. The images remain etched in my memory and I’ll always remember where I was when I learned of the events. Like many others, I sat glued to the TV watching them unfold.
My choice of this as the most fascinating/memorable historical event stems from its occurrence during my lifetime. I vividly remember the emotions and reactions I experienced and the profound fear I felt for humanity. It was a shocking moment that we can only hope never recurs on such a devastating scale.
