We live about 20m from NYC in Rahway NJI was in school when the announcement came over the PA that a plane had hit one of the towers. and any students who had parents who worked in NYC were to report to the office. Police showed up and guarded the doors and parking lot. I helped the principal release kids to panicked parents one at a time. Being in the computer lab I could follow the events live. My wife who worked at the local hospital said they went on emergency status expecting lots of victims to be sent in. None came.
Later that day I could see the smoke from NYC. We both decided to catch the Weehawkin ferry the next day and go in to volunteer but word came that no more people were needed and to stay home. Volunteers, supplies, heavy equipment, etc. was flooding the city, most of it donated.
Shows the good in people when there is a need. I have a friend who works construction at the site and he says its still a very emotional feeling being there everyday.
We should never forget and let our guard down

Bill in NJ