Students, community weigh in five years later
The fifth anniversary of September 11 will be commemorated throughout the country today. Although New York is many states away, the repercussions of the terrorist attacks have created great changes in Boulder.
The Boulder Police Department has also had some significant changes since the attacks.
“There has been an enormous change with agency operation since 9/11,” said Sgt. James Macpherson, day watch supervisor for the Boulder Police Department. “We are more aware of threats, and there is a much more serious nature of any potential threat to the state of Colorado and Boulder.”
According to Macpherson, there has been a large emphasis on making city- and county-owned buildings more secure. This includes both the inside and outside of the buildings. So far, the Boulder Police do not foresee any additional or potential problems for the fifth anniversary of September 11.
Today will be a day of remembrance for many. Five years later, people can recall exactly what they were doing when they first found out the United States were under attack.
Sgt. James Macpherson for the Boulder PD
Q: Where were you when you first heard of the September 11 attacks?
A: I was on a hunting trip with my buddy on September 11, 2001. We had gotten up and hiked up a mountain. It was then I noticed no planes were flying. We returned to the car and heard on the radio the news.
Jim Zorrilla, a junior philosophy major
Q: Where were you when you first heard of the September 11 attacks?
A: I was in Los Angeles at home sleeping. I was at school when I actually figured out what the deal was.
Q: How were you affected?
A: I was more interested than anything. It furthered my hatred of religion.
Chelsie Smothers, a junior international affairs major
Q: Where were you when you first heard of the September 11 attacks?
A: I was driving to school with my mom and I heard it over the radio.
Q: How were you affected?
A: It has made me want to get more involved with international relations and also become more aware of current events and world issues.
Ashley Kozlowski, a freshmen MCD biology and studio art major
Q: Where were you when you first heard of the September 11 attacks?
A: My eighth grade science classroom.
Q: How were you affected?
A: It frightened me a little that day. Then, noticing the terrorists wanted to disrupt everyone’s schedule, I continued on with my life.
Mary McNelly, a junior religious studies major
Q: Where were you when you first heard of the September 11 attacks?
A: I was at home listening to the radio in the shower and they announced it on KBCO.
Q: How were you affected?
A: The whole thing didn’t seem tangible; I had never even been to New York.
Daniel Lowery, a senior economics major
Q: Where were you when you first heard of the September 11 attacks?
A: In my high school history class in Littleton, CO. The teacher came in and turned on CNN.
Q: How were you affected?
A: I was shocked this could happen in the U.S.
Ken Crossman, a senior philosophy major
Q: Where were you when you first heard of the September 11 attacks?
A: I was in London.
Q: How were you affected?
A: I was surprised and shocked. London was wondering whether Canary Wharf would be the next target.