25 years since the unthinkable. 9/11 is in our hearts.

As I write this, the clock shows we have entered 11 September 2026. Twenty-five years ago this morning, the unthinkable happened in our beloved country. Terrorists under Osama bin Laden attacked the U.S. The World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania were the places the terrorists and their planes caused many deaths and much destruction. A loss of almost 3,000 lives.

For many genealogists, it was also the beginning of the 2001 Federation of Genealogical Societies conference in the Quad Cities of Illinois and Iowa. The convention center in Dubuque, Iowa was the site. I was a co-chair of this carefully planned event. We were expecting almost 2,000 people. The local genealogists were our hosts.

Then came the news of the attacks. A hush fell over those already at the pre-conference events and meetings. I will never forget the hush and then the crying of so many friends. I will never forget everyone who pitched in to help. We decided to still hold whatever educational sessions and meals that we could. Those who pitched in to help were among the many who could not return home because all U.S. planes were grounded.

We were protected by city, county, and federal officials. They were not noticeable by their choice. The conference went on, more people arrived by car, speakers drove across the country, hugs and tears were everywhere. About 1,600 genealogists, librarians, historians, vendors, and others ended up taking care of each other, learning from the experts, sharing meals, celebrating FGS, and we were a big caring and saddened family.

I am still close to many of those who pitched in above and beyond anything I have ever experienced. I never want the horror to be repeated, but the goodness that also came out of that week still brings tears to my eyes. Many special friendships were begun or strengthened. I visited Ground Zero in NYC back in 2004 with one of these friends and, of course, more tears for all those who were lost. The loss continues to many families due to so many issues caused by the after effects. I will watch the Commemoration Ceremony later this morning. Check out the website: https://www.911memorial.org/

Next time you meet up with any fellow genealogists, please share a hug.

Please follow and like us: