I was a branch manager for one of our equipment yards.

All kinds of construction was taking place as we were in a remodel/expansion.

Work was about to get started when the first plane hit. I had about 30 guys in my office huddled around a little 20" tv in an office no bigger than a standard bedroom size.

For the next two hours you could hear a pin drop.

Big strong guys were overcome with emotion. In that instant you could feel a bond between strangers, and later that day there would be a bond between the entire country. The patriotism was worn on our sleeves that day.

I closed up shop and sent everybody home to hug their families by mid morning that day. Trying to make a dollar wasn't near as important as being with family at that time.

I still see those guys from time to time. To this day it's a handshake that has a little more meaning than most when we cross paths.

Never forget!