09/11/2026
I woke up this morning unable to shake the vivid memories of where I was — and what I was feeling — on September 11, 2001. It was 25 years ago, but like so many New Yorkers, I can still recall the disbelief, unimaginable fear, and unspeakable horror of that day.
I was working in my office at DDR Public Relations, Inc., in Chappaqua at the time, when my mother-in-law called to tell me a plane had hit the World Trade Center. I then looked at my computer screen and saw those awful images of the burning towers blazing across my screen.
I remember running out of the office, across the soccer field, and up the hill that separated my office building from the middle school my son attended. I asked in the front office to take him home. Together, we next drove — at lightning speed — to the elementary school to pick up my two younger sons. My kids and I then went home and hunkered down, unsure where it was safe.
Meanwhile, my husband was in his office in New York City. With cell service unavailable, I was consumed by fear, not knowing where he was or whether he was safe.
Those memories have never faded, and I don’t believe they ever will.
My heart was — and remains — broken for the people whose lives ended in such fear and unimaginable terror. It was a nightmare that became their reality, and I still think about the families and loved ones left behind to carry the pain of that day. I am deeply sorry for everyone who lost a parent, child, spouse, family member, friend, or colleague. The grief and pain caused by the tragedy of September 11 is immeasurable.
In the days that followed, my shock and fear were compounded by a different kind of surprise and embarrassment when I learned that some people in my profession were still pitching stories to journalists. I was stunned by the insensitivity and complete lack of judgment. I remember reading about one PR account executive who sent journalists a pitch saying:
“Unfortunately, today’s crisis in Washington, D.C., and New York is not the only crisis to hit American families. There is also a huge debt crisis in America.”
Another message reportedly read:
“While today’s events are tragic, we all still have our jobs to do. Would you be interested in speaking with a representative from xx?”
Twenty-five years later, I have never forgotten those messages, or the lessons they taught me, and I carry them with me today:
Whether in our personal or professional lives, honoring what makes us human comes first. It must be at the core of everything we do. Our responsibility as communications professionals extends beyond serving our clients and achieving business objectives. It also includes understanding the moment, knowing our audience, and recognizing the humanity of the people receiving our words. Empathy, compassion, and respect — the values we learn in elementary school but too often forget — should guide us in everyday life. With both our hearts and our minds, we must make the effort to understand the moment we’re in and the people living through it. Always.
***I’ve gifted that impactful article, "In Attacks' Wake, PR Firms Find Their Pitches Fall Flat," that appeared in the Wall Street Journal on September 27, 2001, for all to read here!
This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com.
